How to Restore WhatsApp Backup to iPhone

If you are looking for a detailed instructions to restore WhatsApp backup, you may need this guide to know how to backup and restore WhatsApp from iCloud or iTunes local backup.

Demi by Demi Updated November 20, 2023
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Are you looking for a way to restore your WhatsApp backup to your iPhone? Whether you're switching to a new device or simply restoring your data after a factory reset, restoring your WhatsApp backup is essential to keep your chat history and media files intact. However, the process of restoring a WhatsApp backup to an iPhone can be tricky, especially if you're not familiar with the steps involved.

WhatsApp backup restore

In this article, we'll guide you through the process of restoring your WhatsApp backup to your iPhone, so you can get back to your conversations in no time.

Part 1. Restore WhatsApp backup to iPhone from iCloud

One of the most common and widely-used methods to restore WhatsApp backup to new iPhone is to utilize iCloud. iCloud offers two ways to restore your WhatsApp backup: using the WhatsApp backup & restore feature or restoring from an iCloud backup for your iPhone. We’ll discuss both methods in detail, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

Option 1. Via in-app WhatsApp function

You can backup and restore only WhatsApp using iCloud. Before achieving that, you need to meet the following requirements:
• Your WhatsApp account and iCloud account should be the same.
• iOS 12 or later should be installed on your two iPhones.
• During the procedure, both iPhones must be connected to Wi-Fi.
• On your two iPhone, go to Settings [your name] > iCloud > Enable both iCloud Drive and WhatsApp.

Steps to backup and transfer WhatsApp backup to iPhone
Step 1. Go to the WhatsApp app > Settings > Chats > Click Chat Backup. Check whether you have the latest backup for WhatsApp. If not, tap Back Up Now.

iCloud WhatsApp backup

★Tips:
If your WhatsApp Chat Backup stuck at 0/99/100, click the link and then you can learn how to fix it.

Step 2. Uninstall and re-download WhatsApp on your iPhone > Verify your phone number > Tap Restore Chat History > Follow the instruction to restore WhatsApp backup and complete the setup process.

WhatsApp restore backup

Option 2. Via iPhone iCloud backup

If you just have got a new iPhone, it is also a wise choice to restore the whole iCloud backup for old iPhone to new iPhone. It helps restore everything, including perform WhatsApp call history recovery to new iPhone. Here are the detailed steps.

Step 1. On your old iPhone: Go to the Settings app > Tap [your name] > Tap iCloud > Toggle on iCloud Backup if it is disabled. Click Back Up Now to create a backup right now.

turn on iCloud backup

Step 2. On your new iPhone: Set up your new iPhone until you get to the App & Data screen > Choose Restore from iCloud Backup > Choose the latest backup version to restore.

restore iCloud backup apps store

When the restore finishes, you can continue and complete the setup process. Please note that iCloud backup and restore can be slow, especially if you have a lot of data to restore.

Chances are that you may encounter errors that lead to WhatsApp not transferred to new iPhone, you can click the link to seek solutions.

Part 2. Restore WhatsApp local backup to new iPhone

If you are concerned that iCloud’s backup is insufficient and prefer to restore WhatsApp local backup to iPhone, iTunes can be an ideal tool for you. Restoring from an iTunes backup allows you to transfer your entire iPhone data, including your WhatsApp messages and media files, from one iPhone to another.

Download and install the latest version of iTunes on your computer, and follow the steps below to restore WhatsApp local backup to iPhone.

Step 1. Connect your old iPhone to computer > Launch iTunes and tap the phone icon > Click Summary under the Settings bar > Tap Back Up Now and wait for the backup to finish.

click back up now

Step 2. On your new iPhone, follow onscreen instruction to set up it until you get to the Apps & Data screen > Choose Restore from Mac or PC.

restore from mac or pc

Step 3. Connect your new iPhone to the computer that you used to backup your old iPhone > Open iTunes > Select your iPhone > Select Restore Backup.

iPhone restore backup

Step 4. Pick the latest version of backup > Enter the password if asked > Click Restore and wait for the restore time to finish.

Part 3. Restore WhatsApp to iPhone without backup

Without the preparation for the latest WhatsApp backup, it is more direct to transfer all WhatsApp files to new iPhone using a powerful data transfer tool. Here we recommend FoneTool, which enables you to transfer all WhatsApp data, including chat histories, media files, attachments, etc. in one-click.

The offline transfer service promises both fast speed and security of the files. Furthermore, if you want to use a different Apple ID on your new iPhone, you can utilize FoneTool to transfer WhatsApp from one Apple ID to another.

How to transfer WhatsApp to new iPhone without backup
Step 1. Free download, install and launch FoneTool on your computer > Connect your two iPhone to PC via USB > Tap Trust to let your PC access your iPhones.

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Step 2. From the homepage of FoneTool, choose WhatsApp Transfer > Check if your two iPhone are listed and at the right place > Click https://www.fonetool.com/screenshot/en/other/itunes/iphone-restore-backup.png.

Optionally, you can choose Phone Transfer > iPhone to iPhone to switch all data to new iPhone (All applications’ data included).

transfer now

Step 3. Read the notes from the prompt, and click Confirm > If asked, enter your passcode on the source iPhone > Click OK to begin the transfer.

passcode required

When it is finished, your new iPhone will be restarted automatically. Set up your new iPhone WhatsApp as per your preference, and that’s it. 

Conclusion

Hope you have a clear idea for how to restore WhatsApp backup to iPhone using iCloud and iTunes. Indeed, the backup and restore task is time-consuming. FoneTool is a nice try to make the data transfer as simple and quick as possible. For more queries or feedback, please feel free to contact us.

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