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How to Restore WhatsApp from iCloud Backup?

Axel Nash
Axel Nash Originally published Sep 26, 24, updated Oct 27, 25

Due to its ability to store any data, many people find WhatsApp Messenger pleasant to operate on. Apart from having a Chat Backup option to back up data to iCloud, you can also retrieve data you accidentally deleted on your WhatsApp messenger. iCloud automatically syncs data and keeps it for the longest time possible. So, dive into this article and operate as a real tech-savvy in finding ways to restore WhatsApp backup from iCloud.

In this article

Part 1. How to Restore WhatsApp from iCloud on iPhone?

You can retrieve data on iCloud anytime as long as you have backed it. Restoring WhatsApp from iCloud on your iPhone concerns many people. And in most cases, important data needs to be retrieved. So whether it’s a new phone or your old gadget, you can still retrieve your previously backed-up data from iCloud.

Restoring your conversations from built-in backup services on your iOS device is easier than you might think. When you've switched to a new device, following a few simple steps will bring all your conversations back within a few clicks. Let's walk through the exact process to learn how to restore WhatsApp from iCloud on an iPhone:

Pre-Restore Checklist (Click to Check Off)

Step 1. Start this task by opening this famous messaging platform on your device and entering the "Settings" tab from the bottom of your screen. Continue to select the "Chat" option and discover the "Chat backup" settings on the following screen. Once you reach the last screen, hit the "Back up now" button to confirm the existence of your backup.

back up whatsapp data icloud

Step 2. Afterward, uninstall WhatsApp on your device and reinstall it from the App Store. Next, confirm the phone number you provided during registration. As it detects the associated iCloud backup within the iOS device and displays a new screen, select the "Restore Chat History" button when asked to restore the chat. On selecting this option, the WhatsApp messages will be transferred successfully back into your iPhone from the iCloud backup.

restore chat history icloud

Part 2. How to Restore WhatsApp Backup from iCloud to Android?

You might have difficulty moving your conversations from an iOS device to an Android one. Fortunately, it is possible to transfer your conversations from iCloud to your desired phone, although the procedure may not be as simple as a regular backup restoration. Hence, we will explore some methods to understand how to restore WhatsApp backup from iCloud to an Android phone:

Method 1. Use MobileTrans

As one of the best data transferring apps, MobileTrans offers a convenient way for restoring iCloud data to Android, including WhatsApp data. It can also transfer phone data and WhatsApp data between devices, no matter it's from iPhone to Android or from Android to iPhone.

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Transfer WhatsApp from Google Drive to iPhone or from iCloud to Android.
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Directly transfer data between any two devices (including cross-platform transfer).
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Support various data, including files, photos, videos, apps, contacts, etc.
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Compatible with thousands of device types acorss Android and iOS.
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With just a few clicks, users will be able to transfer the data of both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business. Continue further to figure out how to restore WhatsApp backup from iCloud into your Android using the MobileTrans:

  • Launch the App. Go to App Transfer > WhatsApp > Drive/iCloud Transfer. Select iCloud Drive Transfer.
    icloud drive transfer mobiletrans
  • Follow the instructions on screen to log in to your iCloud account, and you can access the backup files of WhatsApp in your iCloud. Select the WhatsApp backup you want to transfer and click "Download".
    access whatsapp backup on icloud
  • Select the chats and file you want to restore. Connect your Android phone to the computer and click "Restore to Device".
    select chats to restore
  • Click "Start" button and wait for the WhatsApp data restore process complete.
    whatsapp restore from icloud complete

Method 2. Transfer with Email

Individuals who want to transfer specific conversations from their iOS devices to a different phone can use the email process. Nevertheless, it's essential for users to remember that this functionality does not facilitate the simultaneous transfer of all conversations. To explore how to restore WhatsApp backup from iCloud on an Android, follow the guide below:

Method 2. Transfer with Email

Users can restore data from iCloud to Android directly, but this can be achieved using reliable methods and techniques. In this section, we will explore two straightforward methods that help you learn how to restore WhatsApp from iCloud to your smartphone:

  • Firstly, open the app on your iOS device and access the settings to ensure a backup of all your chats. Delete WhatsApp and reinstall it. Once you have completed the registration process, press "Restore Chat History" in "Restore from iCloud". You have moved messages from the iCloud backup back to the iPhone now.
  • The second step is to move the WhatsApp backup to Android via email. Open the chat you want to export on iPhone, and tap on the person's profile or name to access the contact information and find the "Export chat" option to proceed.
    export chat from ios
  • Decide whether to include media or not to transfer the chat. Tap on the "Gmail" icon to start transferring the entire chat data to your preferred email address.
    select media option exporting chat
  • After you have sent the chat through email, open the Gmail app on your Android and find the email containing the exported conversation. Provide the email account and choose "Download" to save the chat across your Android.
    download exported chat from android

Pro Tips: Backup WhatsApp Messages without iCloud / Restore Deleted WhatsApp Chats

iCloud is a useful tool for WhatsApp data backup and restore. However, it still has shortcomings like limited free space and Cellular data reliance. MobileTrans Backup and Restore is a good alternative for you to back up and secure your WhatsApp data. It supports backup and restore over 18+ different types of data, from messages to HTML files, on any iOS or Android model.

If you have no iCloud backup to restore your lost conversations and messages, we have a solution for you. MobileTrans can also efficiently retrieve these lost or damaged WhatsApp messages with all the data still intact. 

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Transfer phone data seamlessly

Troubleshooting: Things to Do When You Fail to Restore WhatsApp from iCloud

Eventualities are bound to happen, and it’s no different even when it comes to restore from iCloud WhatsApp. You may have experienced a drawback in data restore from iCloud. If you are approached by the “Couldn’t restore chat history” error message, know it’s time to take action. There are situations when clicking the “Retry” button will bring you out, but in some cases, it ends up that you are unable to restore your WhatsApp data. In that case, you can follow the tips below to get the job done whenever you are failing to restore data from iCloud:

  1. Check the Storage: Lack of storage space greatly hinders adding more data to your device. The common error message is “your device/iCloud is running out of space”. Whenever you are greeted with such a message, check out from your “Storage” which data to delete. Go to the “Apple Settings > General > iPhone Storage” and check out the available space. To check the iCloud storage, go to the “Apple Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Manage Account Storage”. If space is not sufficient, delete the unnecessary files.
  2. Force Restart: Restarting your phone is like giving it a revived energy. Sometimes, you cannot restore data from iCloud because your phone is clogged up and needs a fresh restart. Press the “Power” and “Home” buttons simultaneously until an Apple logo appears on the screen. This may, however, vary with different versions.
  3. Stable Internet Connection: You need a stable internet connection to successfully restore WhatsApp backup from iCloud. In most cases, you will be required to check out the network connection and do a rerun of the configuration. While in some cases, there could be a hitch up with the connecting cables, which need a simple fix and you are good to go.
  4. Update to the Latest Version: An outdated version might cause bugs. Go to the “Apple Settings > Genera > About > Version” to check out your iOS version. You can go to "WhatsApp > Settings > Help > App Info (or About)" to check the WhatsApp version, and update through "App Store > search WhatsApp > Update button". 
  5. Enable the Feature: Remember the restore is taking place from the iCloud feature. So, it should be enabled before you get WhatsApp backup from iCloud. If not, you may not achieve any restoration to your device. Furthermore, you need to sync your data for you to retrieve them. If iCloud is turned off, there is no way data will be synchronized for restoration. 
  6. Use the Same Phone Number and Apple ID: It’s a requirement that the phone number used for backing up your WhatsApp messages should be the same as the one you are using for the restoration of data. If you have changed your phone number, try using MobileTrans to transfer or restore WhatsApp data.
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Tip: How to Reduce the Size of WhatsApp on Your Phone

Did you know you can control the amount of storage space your WhatsApp consumes? Yes! The inability to download WhatsApp backup from iCloud may not be connected to any of the above 6 solutions. It could be your WhatsApp application. So, if you have exhausted all the above avenues and you cannot get any help, follow these steps.

  • Find the biggest chat from your WhatsApp messenger.
  • Tap on the “Settings” option and then on the “Data and Storage Usage”
  • Choose the “Storage Usage” option at the bottom and click on it.
  • You will see a list of chats with storage capacity.
  • Export and clear the chats that consume the most significant amount of space to create more space for restoration.
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Transfer phone data seamlessly

Conclusion

In conclusion, restoring your WhatsApp backup from iCloud is a manageable process that takes the proper steps. By ensuring your iCloud settings are correct, reinstalling WhatsApp, and following the simple restoration steps, you can recover all your crucial conversations. For transferring data between devices or restoring lost data, apps like MobileTrans offer a reliable solution that ensures a smooth and secure transition.

FAQ

  • Why can't I restore WhatsApp from iCloud?
    Common reasons include insufficient iCloud storage, unstable internet connection, outdated iOS version, incorrect phone number/Apple ID, or disabled iCloud Drive for WhatsApp. Check your settings and storage to resolve these issues.
  • How to check iCloud storage for WhatsApp backup?
    Go to iPhone Settings > General > iPhone Storage to check available space. Ensure you have enough space for your WhatsApp backup.
  • Can I restore WhatsApp backup from iCloud to Android?
    Direct restoration is not natively supported. However, you can use third-party tools like MobileTrans or export chats via email to transfer messages from iCloud (via iPhone) to an Android device.
Axel Nash
Axel Nash Oct 27, 25
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