WhatsApp Not Backing Up to iCloud? Here’s How to Fix It

If you can’t back up your WhatsApp chats to iCloud, try out these fixes.

WhatsApp, like most other instant messaging platforms, offers a great backup feature that lets you safeguard your personal chats and media to the cloud. You can then easily access and download this data when you need to use WhatsApp on a new phone.

But sometimes this backup feature stops working on iPhones because of issues like improper iCloud settings. Luckily, you can easily get your WhatsApp backups up and running. Here are some easy fixes to try when WhatsApp isn’t backing up to iCloud:

1. Check if WhatsApp Is Enabled for iCloud Backup

To ensure a seamless WhatsApp backup, make sure you have WhatsApp enabled on your iPhone as an app that can use iCloud. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Launch iPhone Settings, tap on your name on the top, and go to iCloud.
2. In the Section, Apps Using iCloud, and select Show All.
3. Scroll down and toggle on the switch right next to WhatsApp. If it is already on, consider switching it off and then on again.

2. Make Sure You Have Free Space Available

For iCloud backups to work correctly, your cloud must have at least twice the storage space as the actual size of the backup. So, if your WhatsApp isn’t backing up to iCloud, consider checking the size of the backup and comparing it to the space available on your cloud.

1. Launch WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats.
2. Select Chat Backup from the options.
3. You will be able to see the backup size below the details of your last WhatsApp backup.

To check your available iCloud storage space:

1. Go to iCloud in your iPhone Settings.
2. The information regarding the used and available iCloud space will be available at the top.
3. If the backup size is larger than the space available on your iCloud, go to Manage Account Storage. Here you can review any large files and delete them. You can even upgrade your iCloud storage if additional space is required

3. Perform a Manual Backup on WhatsApp

Sometimes, the issue of failed WhatsApp backups can be resolved by manually backing up your chats through the app.

Here’s how you can do that:

1. Go to Chat Backup on WhatsApp.
2. To manually start the backup process, tap Back Up Now.

While not necessary, consider keeping WhatsApp open during this manual backup. This means not swiping the WhatsApp page up in the app switcher. You may use other apps or put your iPhone to sleep during this time though.

4. Check the iCloud Server Status

Sometimes, the issue may not be with your device or with WhatsApp, but rather with iCloud services. Visit the Apple System Status page to see whether iCloud servers are down or having server issues.

If the circle beside iCloud Backup isn’t green, consider backing up WhatsApp once it is working again.

5. Restart Your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone will fix a number of software-related issues, including those involving iCloud backups.

To restart your device:

1. Hold down the power button, or the power button and the volume up button on newer models, until the slider appears.
2. Slide the slider to turn off your iPhone.
3. After a little while, press and hold the power button to switch your iPhone back on.
4. Check to see if the WhatsApp backup succeeds now.

6. Update Your iPhone and WhatsApp

Outdated software can also cause backup issues.

To update your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Go to General > Software Update in Settings.
2. Download any updates that are available by entering your passcode.
3. When finished, click Install Now and agree to the terms to start the installation procedure.

Additionally, WhatsApp upgrades its software frequently to address bugs and technical issues. In order to enjoy the finest version of WhatsApp, you should never turn off automatic updates on your phone. Go to the App Store, search for WhatsApp, and see if an update is available to update the app.

7. Remove Videos From Your iCloud Backup

Particularly large videos can wind up consuming a lot of iCloud data. Therefore, you might want to remove these videos from your iCloud backup if it keeps failing.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Go to Chat Backup and deactivate Include Videos by clicking the option next to it.
2. Toggle Back Up After that, check to determine if the procedure was effective.

To once again incorporate WhatsApp videos in your iCloud backup, simply turn this switch back on.

8. Delete the Existing iCloud Backup

If none of the above fixes work, it’s likely your WhatsApp backup contains something broken. You can fix this by deleting your current iCloud backup:

1. Select Manage Account Storage under iPhone Settings > Apple ID > iCloud.
2. Just press WhatsApp Messenger.
3. Click the iCloud Data button.
4. Go back to WhatsApp and begin a new backup after the last one has been removed.

Seamless WhatsApp Backups Can Give You Peace of Mind

When WhatsApp repeatedly fails to correctly backup your chats to iCloud, it may be annoying. However, you can attempt a few quick ways to fix this. Checking your settings twice and ensuring you have enough iCloud storage are good places to start.

If these straightforward fixes don’t help, try more involved solutions like updating your iOS and deleting outdated backups. However, if none of these fixes work, you should contact Apple Support or WhatsApp Support for specific assistance.