[2024] Ultimate Fixes to WhatsApp Failed to Restore Backup

Are you having trouble restoring your WhatsApp backup? Is the app showing an error message or simply getting stuck in the restoration process? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many WhatsApp users experience this issue at some point, and fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to fix it.

In this guide, we'll show you the ultimate fixes to WhatsApp failed to restore backup error, so you can retrieve your messages, photos, and videos in no time. Let's get started!

Why is WhatsApp Failing to Restore from Backup?

If you wonder why WhatsApp restore failed, the followings will show you some of the common reasons that can result in the issue.

• Outdated WhatsApp version. One of the potential causes of your WhatsApp backup restorations failing is using an out-of-date version of WhatsApp, which can lead to unexpected errors.
• Incorrect Google/Apple account. You must log in with your Google account (for Android user) or Apple account (for iPhone user) when you initially set up WhatsApp. It might also fail if you log in in with a wrong account other than the one you used to backup WhatsApp.
• Corrupted backup file. The backup file may occasionally be lost or irreparably damaged. An interruption in the connection or a power loss during the backup process might both cause the issue.
• Unstable Internet connection. The restoration requires stable Wi-Fi network connection. Or the process will be interrupted or corrupted.

Quick Fixes to WhatsApp Failed to Restore Backup

Now that you are aware of a few potential causes for why WhatsApp unable to restore backup, let’s look at possible quick fixes below that may troubleshoot the issue with no effort.

1# Check Internet connection
The first thing you need to do when WhatsApp restore failed is to check Internet connection. Simply open your web browser to check if the network is functioning correctly. You can also toggle on and off Airplane mode to refresh your network.

2# Check your phone number and Apple/Google ID
It’s worth to be noted that the phone numbers you use to sign in to WhatsApp and Google /Apple service must be the same. Thus, when you intend to restore WhatsApp messages on new iPhone/Android, please firstly check the phone number to avoid such mistake.

3# Update the WhatsApp app to the latest version
As mentioned above, you can update the WhatsApp app to the latest version to resolve the glitches and malfunctions that were present in the previous version.

Simply go to the App Store on your iPhone/Android phone to look for WhatsApp updates. If there’s an update available, install it and try restoring WhatsApp backup again.

If the quick fixes above don’t work, you may need to skip to the relevant part to get more specific solutions to fix WhatsApp failed restore backup from Google Drive or iCloud.

Fixes to WhatsApp Unable to Restore Backup from Google Drive

If you are using an Android phone and cannot restore WhatsApp backup from Google Drive, just try the troubleshoots shown below.

Check Google Drive Settings

You may firstly need to open the Google Drive app on your Android phone and check if WhatsApp is listed under Backups.

If it isn’t, tap the menu button in the top-left corner and select Settings. Then, look for WhatsApp under Apps with backup, make sure it’s turned on.

Free up some Space on Your Device

Your device might be unable to restore WhatsApp backup file if it is out of storage. Hence, it is suggested to check the available space on your Android phone and try clearing some space on your mobile phone by deleting unnecessary files and apps.

Clear WhatsApp Data

If restoring a WhatsApp chat is still unsuccessful, you may try wiping all of the data from the app and start over.

To clear WhatsApp data, go to Android Settings > Apps > Locate and choose WhatsApp. From here, tap CLEAR DATA and CLEAR CACHE.

Fixes to WhatsApp Failed to Restore Backup to iPhone

The solutions below are nice tries if WhatsApp unable to restore backup to iPhone. Try the following fixes one after another until your trouble gets fixed.

Enable iCloud Drive

One probable reason why WhatsApp restoring from iCloud may not work is because iCloud Drive is not enabled. iCloud Drive must be turned on before the restoration process can begin.

To check whether you’ve turned on iCloud Drive, go to the Settings app on your iPhone > Tap [your name] > Click iCloud > Toggle on the switch next to iCloud Drive.

Update iOS to the Latest Version

The same with the WhatsApp app, an outdated iOS can also contain kind of unexpected bugs and errors that will prevent you from restoring WhatsApp. Therefore, let’s update iOS to the latest version, too.

Go to Settings on your iPhone > Tap General > Software Update > If any update is available, download and install it.

Reset All Settings

If nothing else works, you might try resetting all of your iPhone's settings. It will reset all of your personalized and default settings on your iPhone to factory defaults, which may help solve WhatsApp restore from iCloud.

Go to Settings > Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Choose Reset > Choose Reset All Settings. You need to type your password to confirm the operations.

Backup and Restore WhatsApp Data Without Failure

Constantly experiencing WhatsApp restore backup failures must have a great impact on your mood and productivity. We strongly recommend users to use a professional WhatsApp backup and transfer tool to avoid mistakes. FoneTool, the best WhatsApp backup and transfer tool, you can easily backup data like WhatsApp messages, pictures, stickers, videos, etc. without limiting storage space.

The product is developed by a team of professionals with strong technology, so you don't have to worry about the failure of the backup and restore data process.

Step 1. Download, install, and launch in FoneTool on your computer > Connect your iPhone to a computer using a compatible lightning cable > You may need to tap Trust on your old iPhone.

Step 2. On the main interface of FoneTool, click WhatsApp Manager from the left pane > Click Backup WhatsApp > Get Started to begin.

Step 3. Review the WhatsApp data you need to back up and tap Start Backup to confirm. Enabling backup encryption ensures a more secure data transfer process.

Step 4. To restore WhatsApp backup, you need to go to Backup History, select your backup task, and click Restore to make your selection.

Bonus tip:  One-click transfer WhatsApp to new iPhone without backup

Here's the quickest solution for iPhone users to help you transfer WhatsApp to new iPhone without backup even if you still cannot get rid of WhatsApp failed to restore backup.

You are given a simpler way to transfer only WhatsApp messages from your current iPhone to your new iPhone using FoneTool with no data lose.

Steps to transfer WhatsApp to new iPhone without backup
Step 1. On the main interface of FoneTool, click WhatsApp Manager from the left pane > click Transfer WhatsApp > Get Started. And make sure your two devices are listed, click Start Transfer to begin.

Step 2. When a window prompts, read carefully and tap Confirm to continue > If asked, enter your passcode on your current iPhone > Click OK to continue the transfer.

When it is finished, your new iPhone will restart automatically. When you see "Make this your new iPhone", tap Continue. Then, you will find that all the contents in WhatsApp have been cloned to new iPhone.

Conclusion

Hope the solutions in this guide can help you troubleshoot WhatsApp failed to restore backup from Google Drive or iCloud. If not, don't give up just yet. There are still a few more things you can try, such as contacting WhatsApp support or seeking help from a professional technician. Thank you for reading, and best of luck in getting your WhatsApp backup restored!