Fixed! WhatsApp Backup: Not Enough iPhone Storage

You may have no idea how to backup WhatsApp to iCloud when you been told not enough iPhone storage. Head to this guide to know how to fix WhatsApp backup but not enough iPhone storage.

Demi by Demi Updated March 5, 2024
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WhatsApp backup not enough iPhone storage

I'm trying to create a WhatsApp backup of 32.99 GB to my iCloud where I currently have over 100 GB of free space available, but I'm getting the following error "Not enough iPhone storage". This is confusing and frustrating, why do I need the free space on my phone when the backup is going straight to iCloud? I will still get the same error. Is there anything I can do, please? Many thanks.

- Question from Apple Community

When you about backup WhatsApp to iCloud on iPhone, the backup process may get stuck or appear to have successfully completed but you are shown an error message, saying “Not enough iPhone storage”.

WhatsApp not enough iPhone storage

WhatsApp in-app backup features requires some iPhone storage to sync and download iCloud files. In addition, it requires the WhatApp app to function properly. As a result, in the following content, we'll discuss several effective solutions to WhatsApp backup but not enough iPhone storage.

Fixes to WhatsApp backup but not enough iPhone storage

When you find not enough iPhone storage to backup WhatsApp to iCloud, you can try the following troubleshoots one after another until it gets fixed. Alternatively, you can skip to the next part to get a better tool to backup WhatsApp.

Check available iCloud storage

You need to make sure you have enough free iCloud storage space to save WhatsApp data. According to WhatsApp help center, your iCloud and iPhone should have at least 2 times more free space than your WhatsApp backups.

To check iCloud storage, go to the Settings app on your iPhone > [your name] > Tap iCloud.

Just in case, you may need to upgrade your iCloud, just tap Manage Storage from this page > Tap Upgrade to choose your upgrade plan, like 50 GB, 200 GB, or 2 TB.

iCloud upgrade option

Delete unnecessary backups

You may still have some free space in iCloud but still, it is not enough for WhatsApp to backup to iCloud. Without pay for extra iCloud space, you can choose to delete old iCloud backups to free up some space.

Visit the Settings app on your iPhone > Tap [your name] > iCloud > Click Manage Storage. From here, you can delete unnecessary and old iCloud backup.

iCloud manage storage

Clear cache files in Safari

When you backup WhatsApp, your iPhone may also need to have enough space especially if WhatsApp makes iPhone storage full. There are cases where the iPhone reports not enough iCloud storage, but this is due to background storage usage. For example, you can choose to clear cache files in Safari app to get more iPhone storage space.

To clear cache files in Safari, open the Settings app on your iPhone > Locate and choose the Safari > Tap on Clear History and Website Data.

clear safari cache files

Force quit WhatsApp application

In order to avoid that the backup function does not work properly due to possible exceptions in the WhatsApp application, have a try to force quit WhatsApp and reopen it again.

Go back to the home screen of your iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, find the WhatsApp card and swipe up to force close it.

force quit WhatsApp

Force restart iPhone

not enough iPhone storage to backup WhatsApp may also result from software glitches on your iPhone. It may be helpful to force restart your iPhone to refresh it.

To force restart iPhone with Face ID, quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

force restart iPhone

Backup WhatsApp chats without storage limitation

Indeed, it is kind of convenient to backup WhatsApp to iCloud, especially if you have enabled its Auto Backup function. However, have you thought about how to backup WhatsApp to iCloud because of not enough iPhone storage? Such issue will disappoint you, won't it?

If it is the case, what you will need more is a better tool for backing up WhatsApp than taking the time to fix this hassle. Here, the professional WhatsApp backup software for iOS devices - FoneTool is highly recommended.

Different from iCloud, FoneTool allows you to save your WhatsApp backup anywhere you want, including local folders on your computer, external hard drives, NAS, and so on. Free download FoneTool to your computer, and follow the steps below to backup WhatsApp chats with freeware phohe tools without effort.

Step 1. Download, install, and launch FoneTool > Connect your iPhone to PC via USB > When prompt, you need to tap Trust on your iPhone to let computer scan your iPhone.

Download FreewareWin 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 2. On the main interface of FoneTool, click WhatsApp Manager from the left pane > Mouse over to Backup WhatsApp and click Get Started to confirm.

Backup WhatsApp

Step 3. Optionally, you can enable backup encryption and choose a destination you prefer to save the WhatsApp backup files > Click Start Backup to begin the task.

Start Backup

Summary

That’s all for the solutions to WhatsApp backup, but not enough iPhone storage. You should have known that WhatsApp backup requires enough iPhone and iCloud space. For more queries or suggestions, please feel free to contact us.

 

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