WhatsApp is the widely-used mobile messaging platform that is beginning to replace text messages. However, the age-old problem of unintentionally deleted messages remains a relevant concern. Most methods of message recovery require users to attempt complex actions, with no guarantee of success. But Express.co.uk can reveal a way to easily retrieve archive WhatsApp chats.
A statement on the message platform reads: “WhatsApp chat histories aren’t stored on our servers.
“We can’t retrieve any deleted messages for you.
“You can use our iCloud backup feature to back up and restore your chat history.
“Media and messages you back up aren’t protected by WhatsApp end-to-end encryption while in iCloud.”
How to use WhatsApp iCloud backup:
To make a manual backup of your chats users should navigate to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now.
Users can also enable automatic, scheduled backups by selecting Auto Backup and then selecting your backup frequency.
This will back-up chats and any associated media to their iCloud account.
Users have the option to include or exclude videos from the backup.
It is important to know this WhatsApp iCloud backup process can a long time to complete, depending on your internet connection and size of the backup.
How to recover WhatsApp chat history from iCloud:
To recover WhatsApp chat history from iCloud backup, users should first verify an iCloud backup exists in WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
Should users see when the last backup occurred, they delete and reinstall WhatsApp via the App Store.
After verifying your phone number, users should follow the on-screen prompts to restore their WhatsApp chat history.
The same requirements for iCloud WhatsApp backup apply to iCloud restore.
The phone number used for backing up and restoring must be the same, meaning users cannot restore the chat history from another WhatsApp account.
Even if an iCloud account is shared with a family member, they will still be able to keep their WhatsApp backup separate from theirs, due to the requirement of iCloud backup and WhatsApp account needing the same phone number.
WhatsApp recovery via iCloud troubleshooting:
Users experiencing problems backing-up or restoring from iCloud, should know it is likely not an issue with WhatsApp but with their iCloud account.
Those requiring help with iCloud, should contact Apple Support.
Those still unable to create a WhatsApp backup should attempt the following:
Verify you are signed in with the Apple ID that you use to access iCloud.
Another option is verify iCloud Drive is turned on.
Those trying to back-up on an iPhone with iOS 7, should verify no other device using your Apple ID has ever had iCloud Drive activated.
Users attempting a back-up on a cellular data network, should ensure they have enabled cellular data usage for Apple iCloud.
A manual backup can be performed via WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now.
Attempt the manual backup on a different network – preferably the network you connect to the most.