How to restore whatsapp backup from the pc?

​Restoring a WhatsApp backup from your PC can be a critical step if you’ve lost your messages or need to transfer your chat history to a new device. WhatsApp backups, whether on Google Drive, iCloud, or stored locally on a computer, can serve as a lifeline when trying to recover lost or deleted data. 

1. WhatsApp Backup Types

Before diving into the restoration process, it’s essential to understand the types of backups WhatsApp supports:

Cloud Backups: WhatsApp offers cloud-based backups for both Android and iPhone. Android uses Google Drive, while iPhone utilizes iCloud.

Local Backups: For Android, WhatsApp also creates local backups on your device, which are stored in the device’s internal memory or SD card. These backups can be manually transferred to a PC or other storage devices.

PC Backup: WhatsApp does not officially offer a direct backup feature to a PC, but users can manually backup their data using WhatsApp’s local backup feature or third-party software tools.

Understanding these backup types is important as it determines which method you’ll use for restoring your WhatsApp data.

2. What You Need Before Restoring WhatsApp Backup

To successfully restore a WhatsApp backup from your PC, there are several prerequisites:

Access to the Backup File: Ensure that you have the WhatsApp backup file stored on your PC. If you’ve used WhatsApp’s local backup method, the backup file should be on your Android device or PC.

A Compatible Device: You need to restore the backup onto a device that’s compatible with the backup format. For instance, an Android backup file won’t restore onto an iPhone.

A Stable Internet Connection: If you’re using a cloud backup, a strong and stable internet connection is essential to download the backup.

WhatsApp Installed: Ensure that WhatsApp is installed on the device where you intend to restore the backup.

Sufficient Storage: Check that the device has enough storage to restore the backup, especially if it’s a large file.

3. Restoring WhatsApp Backup from PC to Android

If you’re restoring from a local backup (i.e., a backup saved on your PC or device), you’ll need to follow specific steps to transfer the backup file from your PC back to the Android device.

Step 1: Locate the WhatsApp Backup File

The first step is to locate your WhatsApp backup file on your PC. WhatsApp for Android stores its local backups in a folder called WhatsApp, located in the device’s internal storage or SD card. The backup files are usually named with the following format:

css

msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12

You’ll need this .crypt12 file to restore your chats. If you’ve backed up to your PC, ensure that you have copied the correct file.

Step 2: Transfer the Backup File to Your Android Device

Once you’ve located the backup file on your PC, you need to transfer it back to your Android device. Here’s how:

Connect your Android device to the PC via USB cable.

Copy the backup file (msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12) to the WhatsApp folder on the device’s internal storage. If you are using an SD card, place it in the WhatsApp folder of the SD card.

Step 3: Reinstall WhatsApp on the Android Device

To restore the backup, you may need to reinstall WhatsApp. If you already have WhatsApp installed, you can skip this step. Here’s how to reinstall:

Uninstall WhatsApp from your Android device.

Go to the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and reinstall it.

Step 4: Restore from Local Backup

Once you’ve reinstalled WhatsApp and verified your phone number, WhatsApp will automatically detect the local backup file and prompt you to restore your chat history.

Tap Restore when prompted.

Wait for the restoration process to complete. The time required depends on the size of the backup.

Step 5: Complete the Setup

After the restoration is finished, tap Next, and your chats should appear as they were on your previous device.

4. Restoring WhatsApp Backup from Google Drive

If your backup is stored on Google Drive, the process is slightly different and easier. However, you’ll need to have the same phone number and Google account that was used to back up the chats.

Step 1: Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp

Uninstall WhatsApp from your Android device.

Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Verify Your Phone Number

Once installed, open WhatsApp, and verify your phone number.

Step 3: Restore from Google Drive

After verifying your phone number, WhatsApp will check for a backup on Google Drive. If one is available, you’ll be prompted to restore the backup.

Tap Restore to begin the process.

Wait for the process to complete. The chats and media from your backup will be downloaded and restored to your device.

Step 4: Complete the Setup

Once the restoration process is complete, tap Next, and your chats should be visible.

5. Restoring WhatsApp Backup from iPhone to PC

If you are restoring from an iPhone backup stored on your PC, things are a bit more complex because iPhones use iCloud and iTunes backups, and WhatsApp doesn’t directly offer a way to restore to PC. The steps will be different depending on whether you’re using iCloud or iTunes for the backup.

Step 1: Check the Backup on iTunes or iCloud

iTunes Backup: If your iPhone is backed up to iTunes, you can restore your WhatsApp from an iTunes backup by connecting the iPhone to your PC and using iTunes to restore the backup.

iCloud Backup: If your WhatsApp backup is on iCloud, you must use your iPhone to restore from the backup directly.

Step 2: Using iTunes for Backup

Open iTunes on your PC and connect your iPhone.

Click on the device icon when it appears.

Under the Summary section, select Restore Backup.

Choose the backup containing your WhatsApp data and click Restore.

This process restores the entire backup, including WhatsApp messages.

Step 3: Restoring from iCloud (iPhone)

If you use iCloud to backup WhatsApp data:

Uninstall WhatsApp from your iPhone.

Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.

Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.

During the setup process, you’ll be asked if you want to restore from iCloud. Tap Restore Chat History to retrieve your messages.

6. Third-Party Software for Restoring WhatsApp Backups

If you have trouble restoring WhatsApp from a local backup or cloud storage, third-party software can help you recover or transfer WhatsApp data. These tools usually support both Android and iPhone devices and offer a more flexible recovery option.

Some popular third-party tools include:

Dr.Fone – WhatsApp Transfer: This tool can help transfer, backup, and restore WhatsApp chats between Android and iOS devices. It allows you to extract WhatsApp data from a backup stored on your PC and restore it to another device.

iMobie AnyTrans: This is another tool that can help restore WhatsApp backups from a PC or cloud storage to both Android and iPhone devices.

Backuptrans Android iPhone WhatsApp Transfer: This software allows you to transfer WhatsApp messages between devices and backup WhatsApp to a PC.

To use these tools, you would generally:

Download and install the software on your PC.

Connect your phone via USB.

Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your WhatsApp data from your PC backup.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

While restoring WhatsApp backups, you may encounter some common issues:

Issue 1: Backup Not Found

If WhatsApp doesn’t find your backup file during the restoration process, ensure that:

The backup file is in the correct folder (WhatsApp/Databases) on your device.

The file is not corrupted.

Issue 2: Restoration Process Takes Too Long

If the restoration process is taking too long:

Ensure your internet connection is stable (for cloud backups).

Check if your device has sufficient storage space.

Issue 3: Error During Restore

If an error occurs during the restoration, try these steps:

Reinstall WhatsApp and try restoring again.

If using a third-party tool, ensure it’s compatible with your device.

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