WhatsApp has become the backbone of personal, professional, and business communication across India and globally. From banking updates to family photos, critical work discussions, or school announcements, almost everything passes through WhatsApp chats. That’s why losing your WhatsApp chat history can feel like losing your digital life.
If you are wondering how to get your WhatsApp chat backup or retrieve chat history of your number in 2025, this guide is for you. Whether you are switching phones, accidentally deleted messages, or simply want to secure your conversations for future reference, this article covers everything: Google Drive and iCloud backups, local backup recovery, chat exports, number change handling, cross-platform migration, FAQs, and expert tips for securing backups.
Why Backing Up WhatsApp Chats Matters in 2025
- Device switching is common: Users upgrade smartphones more often than before. Without backup, chats are lost.
- Business reliance on WhatsApp: Many small businesses use WhatsApp Business for customer interactions. Losing history can mean lost deals or service records.
- Data security risks: Malware, accidental deletion, or theft can wipe chats permanently.
- Legal and personal reasons: Old chats are sometimes needed as records for agreements, disputes, or even sentimental reasons.
Backing up ensures that your messages, media, and documents remain accessible even if your phone is damaged, stolen, or factory reset.
How WhatsApp Backup Works in 2025
Understanding the backup ecosystem is important before recovery:
- Android devices → Use Google Drive for cloud backups and also store local encrypted backup files in internal storage.
- iPhones → Use iCloud backups linked to your Apple ID.
- Cross-platform migration → Supported officially with WhatsApp’s transfer tool (Android ↔ iPhone).
- Encryption → WhatsApp backups can now be end-to-end encrypted. This requires either a custom password or a 64-digit key. Without it, backups cannot be restored.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your WhatsApp Chat Backup (Android)
A. Restore from Google Drive
- Ensure your phone is logged in with the same Google account used for backup.
- Install WhatsApp from the Play Store.
- Verify your phone number with the OTP.
- WhatsApp automatically detects the backup. Tap Restore.
- Wait for the messages to download. Media restores in the background.
Tip: If WhatsApp shows “No backup found,” confirm you used the same number and Google account.
B. Restore from Local Backup (Without Google Drive)
- On your old phone, go to: Internal Storage → WhatsApp → Databases.
- Copy the latest file:
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12. - Transfer it to the same folder on your new phone.
- Install WhatsApp, verify number, and tap Restore when prompted.
Pro Tip: Rename the backup file to msgstore.db.crypt12 before transferring, so WhatsApp picks it up easily.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your WhatsApp Chat Backup (iPhone)
A. Restore from iCloud
- Log in with your Apple ID on your iPhone.
- Go to Settings → iCloud → iCloud Drive → ON.
- Install WhatsApp from the App Store.
- Verify your phone number.
- WhatsApp prompts you to Restore from iCloud. Tap restore and wait.
B. Restore from Encrypted Backup
If you enabled encrypted iCloud backups:
- Enter your chosen password or 64-digit encryption key.
- Without this, the backup cannot be restored even by WhatsApp.
How to Export Chats Without Backup
If you don’t want a full restore but need access to specific chats:
- Open the chat in WhatsApp.
- Tap ⋮ (Menu) → More → Export Chat (on Android) or Chat Settings → Export Chat (on iPhone).
- Choose With Media or Without Media.
- Select Gmail, Drive, or Files app to save/export the chat in
.txtformat (with attachments in.zip).
Use case: Useful for storing legal records, work discussions, or sharing with another person.
How to Check if Your WhatsApp Backup Exists
On Android:
- Go to Google Drive → Backups.
- Look for “WhatsApp” with your number.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Manage Storage → Backups.
- Check if WhatsApp is listed.
What If You Forgot Your Backup Password?
With end-to-end encrypted backups, you need the backup password or 64-digit key. Without it:
- You cannot restore the backup.
- WhatsApp and even Google/Apple cannot help.
- This protects your privacy in case of theft but can lock you out too.
Solution: Store your backup password in a password manager like 1Password or Google Password Manager.
Migrating WhatsApp Between Android and iPhone
Since 2022, WhatsApp supports official cross-platform migration. By 2025, it’s smoother than ever:
- On your new phone, install WhatsApp.
- During setup, choose Move chats from Android/iPhone.
- Connect phones with a cable or use QR transfer (depending on brand).
- Follow prompts to migrate chats, media, and settings.
Retrieving Deleted Chats Without Backup
If you deleted messages and had no backup:
- Recovery is difficult.
- On Android, local recovery apps can sometimes retrieve fragments of deleted databases if not overwritten.
- On iPhone, iTunes or Finder backups may hold older chat data.
- Beyond this, only professional forensic recovery tools might help.
Warning: Avoid shady apps claiming to “recover deleted WhatsApp messages instantly.” Most are scams or malware.
Security & Privacy: Keeping Your WhatsApp Backup Safe
- Turn on Two-Step Verification: Settings → Account → Two-Step Verification → Enable.
- Secure your Google/Apple account with strong passwords and 2FA.
- Encrypt your backup with a custom password.
- Do not share your backup key/password with anyone.
- Avoid public devices for login always restore on your personal device.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Possible Reason | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No backup found | Wrong account or number | Check Google/Apple ID and phone number |
| Restore failed | Corrupt or incomplete backup | Retry with stable Wi-Fi |
| Only partial chats restored | Large backup interrupted | Wait for full media download |
| Encrypted backup not restoring | Wrong/missing password | Enter correct encryption key |
FAQs on WhatsApp Chat Backup (2025)
Q. Can I restore WhatsApp backup without a phone number?
No. You must verify the same number used during backup.
Q. How long does WhatsApp keep backups?
- Google Drive/iCloud: Until replaced by a newer backup.
- Local Android backups: Last 7 days stored on device.
Q. Can I read WhatsApp backup files on PC?
Backup files are encrypted and cannot be read without WhatsApp. Export chats if you need readable copies.
Q. Is it legal to get chat history of another person’s number?
No. You can only access backups linked to your own number and accounts.
Pro Tips for 2025 WhatsApp Users
- Schedule backups on Wi-Fi to avoid mobile data usage.
- Keep at least 2 backup sources: Cloud + Local.
- Check your backup regularly in Google Drive/iCloud to ensure it’s updated.
- Use chat export for important conversations outside WhatsApp.
- Secure your Google/Apple account your WhatsApp backup is only as safe as your cloud account.
Final Thoughts
Getting your WhatsApp chat backup or chat history of your number in 2025 is straightforward if you know where to look Google Drive, iCloud, or local storage. With official tools now supporting Android-to-iPhone migration, data loss risks are lower than ever. However, security has become tighter with encrypted backups, meaning only you can unlock your history with the right password or key.
The bottom line: Always back up your WhatsApp regularly, secure it with encryption, and store your backup credentials safely. That way, your conversations from family memories to business-critical deals remain accessible whenever you need them.