Losing WhatsApp Business chats can disrupt customer communication, delay orders, and erase important transaction details.
A lost phone, accidental deletion, or app crash can wipe out months of conversations in an instant.
Since WhatsApp does not store messages on its servers, there is no way to recover lost chats without a backup. Setting up regular backups ensures that every conversation, media file, and customer detail is safe.
This guide explains how to back up and restore WhatsApp Business data on iOS and Android so you can keep your business running without interruptions.
Why Backing Up WhatsApp Business is Essential
Your WhatsApp Business account holds critical customer conversations, transaction details, and shared media.
If your phone gets lost, stolen, or damaged, losing this data can disrupt your business. A proper backup ensures you can restore everything in minutes without losing valuable information.
WhatsApp Business is a tool for customer support, order management, and business transactions. Losing chats can have serious consequences
- Lost customer history: Without past conversations, you might not remember previous discussions, special requests, or pending issues.
- Missed payments or orders: Many small businesses manage sales directly on WhatsApp. Without a backup, tracking past orders and invoices becomes impossible.
- Loss of media and documents: Images, videos, receipts, and important files shared with clients disappear permanently unless backed up.
- Rebuilding from scratch: If you don’t back up your WhatsApp Business data, you’ll have to manually collect customer contacts and reestablish business communication.
Even if your phone is functioning fine, reinstalling WhatsApp without a backup means all data is wiped. WhatsApp does not store messages on its servers, making backups the only way to recover lost chats.
Methods Available for WhatsApp Business Backup on Android & iPhone
Backing up your WhatsApp Business chats ensures you never lose customer conversations, transaction details, or shared media. Whether you're switching phones or reinstalling the app, a backup helps you restore everything seamlessly.
WhatsApp Business offers two official backup options, depending on whether you use an iPhone or Android device.
1. Google Drive Backup for Android
Android users can back up their WhatsApp Business chats to Google Drive, ensuring data remains accessible even if the app is deleted.
- WhatsApp Business automatically links to the Google account used on your device.
- You can set up automatic daily, weekly, or monthly backups.
- Backup includes chat history, media (images, videos, voice messages), and settings.
2. iCloud Backup for iOS
iPhone users can back up WhatsApp Business to iCloud, allowing them to restore chats if they switch devices or reinstall the app.
- iCloud stores chat history, images, and videos.
- Users must have iCloud Drive enabled and at least 2.05 times the storage space of the backup file available.
- Automatic backups can be scheduled daily, weekly, or monthly.
Manual vs. Automatic Backups
Both Android and iOS users can choose between manual and automatic backups.
- Manual backup: Go to WhatsApp Business > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and tap “Back Up Now.”
- Automatic backup: Set a backup schedule in the same menu.
Keeping backups updated ensures you don’t lose important messages in case of unexpected issues.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to back up WhatsApp Business on both Android and iPhone.
How to Back Up WhatsApp Business on Android (Google Drive Backup)
Google Drive backup allows Android users to store their WhatsApp Business data securely. It ensures that chats, images, videos, and settings can be restored if the app is deleted or the phone is changed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable Google Drive Backup:
- Open WhatsApp Business: Launch the app on your Android phone.
- Go to Settings: Tap the three dots in the top-right corner > Select Settings.
- Select Chats > Chat Backup: This is where you manage backups.
- Choose Backup to Google Drive: Select how often you want backups (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Manual).
- Select a Google Account: Ensure you're logged into the right Google account.
- Choose Backup Over Wi-Fi or Mobile Data: Wi-Fi is recommended to save data charges.
- Tap ‘Back Up Now’ to start: Your chats and media will be uploaded.
💡Things to Keep in Mind
- Google Drive backups are no longer unlimited. After December 2023, backups count against your storage quota.
- Videos are not included by default. If you want to back up videos, enable the option in settings.
- You must use the same Google account and phone number to restore backups.
- End-to-end encryption is available, but it must be enabled manually under Chat Backup > End-to-End Encrypted Backup.
How to Restore WhatsApp Business Backup on Android
If you’re switching phones or reinstalling the app
- Install WhatsApp Business from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and verify your phone number.
- WhatsApp will detect an existing Google Drive backup. Tap Restore.
- Wait for the process to finish, and then tap Next.
Your chats and settings will be restored, but media files may take longer to appear.
How to Back Up WhatsApp Business on iPhone (iCloud Backup)
iPhone users can back up their WhatsApp Business data to iCloud, making it easy to restore messages and media when switching devices or reinstalling the app.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable iCloud Backup:
- Check iCloud Storage: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and ensure you have enough space.
- Enable iCloud Drive: Make sure iCloud Drive is turned on under Settings > Apple ID > iCloud.
- Open WhatsApp Business: Launch the app on your iPhone.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap ‘Back Up Now’ to start an instant backup.
- Enable Automatic Backups: Choose a backup frequency (Daily, Weekly, or Monthly).
- Include or Exclude Videos: Large video files can be skipped to save space.
💡Important iCloud Backup Facts:
- iCloud backups count against your storage limit. If you run out of space, backups won’t work.
- A minimum of 2.05 times the size of the backup is required in free storage.
- End-to-end encryption protects iCloud backups, ensuring privacy.
- You must use the same Apple ID and phone number to restore backups.
How to Restore WhatsApp Business Backup on iPhone
If you’re setting up WhatsApp Business on a new iPhone:
- Log into iCloud using the same Apple ID.
- Install WhatsApp Business from the App Store.
- Verify your phone number.
- Tap Restore Chat History when prompted.
- Wait for the process to complete.
Your chats and settings will be restored, but media may take longer to load.
Backing up WhatsApp Business ensures your data is safe from unexpected loss. Whether using Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iPhone, enabling automatic backups guarantees that your business chats, media, and settings remain protected.
Make sure you have enough storage and always back up before switching devices or reinstalling the app.
How to Back Up WhatsApp Business to a Computer (PC/Mac)
Backing up WhatsApp Business to a computer gives you more control over your data than cloud storage. It allows you to store, organize, and retrieve customer conversations, media, and transaction records anytime.
Whether you’re switching devices or need long-term storage, here’s how to back up WhatsApp Business to a PC or Mac using different methods.
Using WhatsApp Web (Manual Chat Export)
WhatsApp Web allows you to access WhatsApp Business on a computer but does not provide a built-in backup option. However, you can manually export and save chats for record-keeping.
Steps to Export and Save WhatsApp Business Chats:
- Open WhatsApp Business on your phone.
- Select the chat you want to back up.
- Tap the three-dot menu (Android) or swipe left on the chat (iPhone).
- Choose "Export Chat."
- Decide whether to include media files. (Selecting media will create a larger backup file.)
- Send the exported file to your email or save it to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
- Download the exported chat onto your computer.
💡What You Need to Know:
- Chat exports are saved as .txt files and do not include voice messages.
- Media files are separate and need to be manually organized.
- Bulk export is not possible, each chat must be saved individually.
This method is ideal for small businesses that need to archive important conversations without requiring full backups.
Using PC Backup Tools (Full Backup)
Several third-party tools allow you to create a complete backup of WhatsApp Business, including messages, media, and attachments.
These tools are useful if you want a full backup that can be restored later.
How to Back Up WhatsApp Business Using a PC Tool:
- Download and install your preferred backup tool on your PC or Mac.
- Connect your phone via USB.
- Enable USB debugging (Android) or Trust This Computer (iPhone) to allow data transfer.
- Launch the backup tool and select “Backup WhatsApp Business.”
- Click ‘Start’ to begin the backup.
- Wait for the process to complete, then save the backup to your computer.
💡Why Use a PC Backup Tool?
- Saves all chat history and media in one backup.
- Supports easy restoration to a new device.
- No reliance on cloud storage like Google Drive or iCloud.
This method is perfect for businesses that need comprehensive data backup with easy restoration options.
Copying WhatsApp Data Manually (Android Only)
Android users can manually transfer WhatsApp Business data from their phone to a computer without using any third-party apps. This method allows access to chat backups and media files.
How to Manually Copy WhatsApp Business Data to a PC:
- Connect your Android phone to a PC using a USB cable.
- Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
- Go to ‘This PC’ and find your phone’s internal storage.
- Navigate to Android > Media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp Business.
- Copy the entire WhatsApp Business folder.
- Paste the folder into a secure location on your computer.
What You Need to Know:
- This method only backs up media files and local backups—not chat history.
- WhatsApp’s local backups are encrypted, meaning they can’t be opened outside the app.
- This method does not allow restoration directly to WhatsApp Business.
This approach is useful for businesses that only need a media backup but still rely on cloud backups for chat history.
Backing up WhatsApp Business to a computer ensures you never lose important customer conversations or business transactions.
Whether you choose manual exports, third-party backup tools, or direct file transfers, each method has its own advantages. Choose the one that best fits your business needs and backup frequency.
How to Restore WhatsApp Business Backup on a New Device
Switching to a new device doesn’t have to mean losing your customer conversations, media, or business data.
If you’ve backed up your WhatsApp Business data, you can restore everything seamlessly. Here’s a complete guide to restoring WhatsApp Business backup on both Android and iPhone.
1. Restoring on Android
If you're moving to a new Android device, you can restore WhatsApp Business data using Google Drive or a local backup stored on your phone.
Using Google Drive Backup
Google Drive is the easiest way to restore your WhatsApp Business chats and media on a new Android device. However, you must use the same Google account and phone number linked to the backup.
Prerequisites:
- Your Google Drive backup must be enabled on your old device.
- You must use the same Google account and phone number for restoration.
- Your new phone must have enough storage space for the backup.
Steps to Restore WhatsApp Business Backup from Google Drive:
- Install WhatsApp Business: Download the app from the Google Play Store.
- Verify Your Phone Number: Open WhatsApp Business and enter the phone number linked to your account.
- Restore Backup: After verification, WhatsApp will detect an available Google Drive backup. Tap "Restore" to begin.
- Complete Setup: Once restoration is complete, tap "Next" to access your chats.
- Media Restoration: Photos, videos, and other media will continue restoring in the background.
What If WhatsApp Business Doesn’t Detect a Backup?⚠️
- Ensure you're using the correct Google account and that WhatsApp Business has permission to access Google Drive.
- Check your internet connection—restoring large backups requires stable Wi-Fi.
- Make sure there is enough storage space on your new phone.
- If your backup is missing, try manually backing up on your old device: Settings > Chats > Chat backup and tap “Back Up Now.”
Using Local Backup (Without Google Drive)
If you don’t have a Google Drive backup, WhatsApp Business automatically stores a local backup on your device's internal storage. You can manually transfer this backup to a new phone.
Steps to Restore WhatsApp Business from Local Backup:
- Transfer Backup Files:
- On your old device, go to File Manager > WhatsApp Business > Databases.
- Copy the latest backup file (msgstore.db.crypt12).
- Transfer this file to your new phone using a computer, SD card, or file-sharing app.
- Place it in the same folder: WhatsApp Business > Databases.
- Install WhatsApp Business: Download the app on your new device.
- Verify Your Phone Number: Use the same number as on your old phone.
- Restore Backup: When WhatsApp detects the local backup, tap "Restore" and wait for the process to finish.
Important Notes:
- This method works only if Google Drive backups are disabled.
- Ensure the backup file is placed in the correct folder on your new device.
- Media files need to be copied separately from the WhatsApp Business media folder.
Suggested Reading:
35 WhatsApp Business Description Examples with Templates
2. Restoring on iPhone
If you backed up WhatsApp Business to iCloud, you can restore it easily on a new iPhone. However, the process requires using the same Apple ID, iCloud account, and phone number.
Prerequisites:
- Your new iPhone must be signed in with the same Apple ID used for the backup.
- iCloud Drive must be enabled.
- Ensure there’s enough iCloud storage available to restore the backup.
- Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Steps to Restore WhatsApp Business Backup from iCloud:
- Check iCloud Settings:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Ensure iCloud Drive is turned on.
- Verify WhatsApp Business has access to iCloud under iCloud > Manage Storage > WhatsApp Business.
- Install WhatsApp Business: Download it from the App Store.
- Verify Your Phone Number: Use the same number linked to the backup.
- Restore Backup: WhatsApp will detect an available backup in iCloud. Tap "Restore Chat History" to begin.
- Wait for Completion: The process may take several minutes, depending on backup size and internet speed.
What If WhatsApp Business Doesn't Detect an iCloud Backup? ⚠️
- Ensure you're using the correct Apple ID.
- Check if iCloud Drive is enabled under Settings > iCloud > iCloud Drive.
- Make sure there is enough free iCloud storage (WhatsApp Business backups require 2.05 times the backup file size to restore properly).
- iCloud backups cannot be restored using mobile data—you must be connected to Wi-Fi.
Restoring WhatsApp Business backups on a new device is simple if you follow the correct steps. Whether you’re using Google Drive (Android), local storage (Android), or iCloud (iPhone), ensure you use the same phone number and account credentials.
By keeping regular backups and following the troubleshooting steps, you can avoid losing important business conversations and media.
How to Back Up Only Selected Chats (For Privacy & Storage Saving)
Not every WhatsApp Business chat needs to be backed up. Some conversations are essential, while others just take up space.
If you want to save only important business discussions or limit backup size, WhatsApp Business lets you export specific chats instead of storing everything. Here’s how.
Export Specific Chats
Need to keep a record of certain conversations? Exporting selected chats is a quick way to save crucial messages without taking up unnecessary storage.
This method is useful for archiving client discussions, preserving transaction details, or keeping sensitive data offline.
For iOS Users
- Open WhatsApp Business and go to the chat you want to export.
- Tap on the contact or group name at the top.
- Scroll down and select Export Chat.
- Choose whether to export it With Media (includes images, videos) or Without Media (text only).
- Select a storage or sharing option (Email, Google Drive, iCloud, etc.).
Example: A freelancer handling multiple clients can export only client-specific chats, ensuring quick access while keeping the app storage optimized.
For Android Users
- Open WhatsApp Business and go to the chat.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Select More > Export Chat.
- Choose to include media or not.
- Pick a storage or sharing option (Gmail, Google Drive, local storage).
Example: A small business owner managing orders can export only order-related chats, preventing backups of unnecessary messages.
💡Why Use This Method?
- Saves storage: Reduces the size of your WhatsApp Business backup.
- Enhances privacy: Prevents sensitive chats from being uploaded to cloud backups.
- Easy retrieval: Store important chats separately for quick access.
By selecting only the necessary chats, you keep your WhatsApp Business backup lean, secure, and efficient.
Suggested Reading:
50 Ready to Use Greeting Message for WhatsApp Business
Troubleshooting Common WhatsApp Business Backup Issues
Backing up your WhatsApp Business chats should be simple, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Backup failures, slow uploads, or missing backups can be frustrating.
If you're facing issues with WhatsApp Business backup, here’s how to fix them.
1. Backup Not Completing
A backup that keeps failing or getting stuck is usually caused by slow internet, insufficient storage, or app glitches. Here’s what to do:
For iOS Users
- Check iCloud Storage – Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud and ensure you have enough space.
- Ensure iCloud Backup is Enabled – In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and check that iCloud backup is turned on.
- Restart Your iPhone – A simple reboot can fix temporary glitches.
- Try a Different Network – Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa.
Example: If your backup keeps stopping at 90%, check if your iCloud storage is full. Deleting old backups or upgrading storage might solve the issue.
For Android Users
- Check Google Drive Storage – Open Google Drive > Storage and ensure you have enough space.
- Ensure Google Backup is Enabled – In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and confirm backup is linked to your Google account.
- Update WhatsApp – An outdated app can cause backup failures. Update it from the Play Store.
- Restart Your Phone – This can clear minor bugs.
Example: If your backup is stuck at 50%, try switching to a stronger Wi-Fi connection or clearing cached data in Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage.
2. Backup Taking Too Long
Slow backups can be caused by large files, weak internet, or app settings.
How to Speed Up Backup
- Delete Unnecessary Media – Go to WhatsApp > Storage & Data > Manage Storage and remove large files.
- Use a Faster Network – A weak internet connection slows backups. Connect to high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Close Background Apps – Too many running apps can affect WhatsApp’s backup speed.
- Disable Low Power Mode – On iOS, go to Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode and turn it off. On Android, disable battery saver mode.
Example: If your backup takes hours, check if large videos are included. Disabling "Include Videos" in the backup settings can make it faster.
3. Backup Not Found After Reinstalling
If WhatsApp Business doesn’t detect your previous backup after reinstalling, it’s usually due to account mismatches or missing backup files.
Fix It on iOS
- Log in with the Same Apple ID – Your iCloud backup is linked to your Apple ID.
- Check iCloud Backup Date – Go to iCloud > Manage Storage > WhatsApp to see if a backup exists.
- Reinstall WhatsApp and Try Again – Sometimes, a fresh install helps detect the backup.
Fix It on Android
- Use the Same Google Account – Make sure you're signed in with the same Google account used for backup.
- Check Google Drive Backup – Open Google Drive > Backups to see if a WhatsApp backup is there.
- Grant Storage Permissions – Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions and allow storage access.
Example: If your backup isn’t found, double-check that you're using the same phone number and cloud account linked to your backup.
4. Backup Not Updating Automatically
If your WhatsApp Business backup isn’t updating as scheduled, automatic backup settings might be off.
How to Fix It
- Check Auto Backup Settings – In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and make sure automatic backup is enabled.
- Ensure Your Phone is Connected to Wi-Fi – Some backups only run on Wi-Fi unless mobile data is allowed.
- Update Your Payment Method (iOS Only) – If you’re using iCloud+ for extra storage, an expired payment method might block backups.
Example: If your chats aren’t backing up daily, check if the auto-backup frequency is set to "Never" instead of "Daily" or “Weekly.”
Fixing WhatsApp Business backup issues is easy with the right steps. Whether it’s storage limits, network issues, or incorrect settings, these solutions help ensure your chats stay backed up without trouble.
Suggested Reading:
151 Best Away Messages for WhatsApp Business with Templates
Common Myths & Misconceptions About WhatsApp Business Backup
There’s a lot of misinformation about WhatsApp Business backup. Many users assume their chats are always safe, fully encrypted, or recoverable forever.
Let’s clear up the most common myths and set the record straight.
Myth 1: WhatsApp Business Backup is Always End-to-End Encrypted
Many believe that WhatsApp Business backups are just as secure as messages sent within the app. That’s not entirely true.
The Reality
While WhatsApp chats are end-to-end encrypted, backups stored on Google Drive or iCloud are not encrypted by default. This means that if someone gains access to your cloud storage, they could access your backup.
🔹 Example: If your business stores sensitive client data, enabling WhatsApp's end-to-end encrypted backup in Settings > Chats > Chat Backup adds extra protection.
Myth 2: Backups are Stored Forever
Some assume their WhatsApp Business backup will always be available. That’s not the case.
The Reality
Google Drive deletes WhatsApp backups that haven’t been updated in over 5 months. If you don’t back up regularly, you risk losing all your data.
🔹 Example: If a business owner switches phones after six months without a new backup, they may find their old backup missing. Setting automatic backups to daily or weekly prevents this.
Myth 3: WhatsApp Business Automatically Backs Up All Chats
People often think WhatsApp Business saves everything by default, but backups must be manually enabled.
The Reality
By default, WhatsApp Business does not back up your chats unless you set it up in Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. You can choose Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS) and select a backup frequency.
Example: If an entrepreneur accidentally deletes an important order confirmation without a backup, they cannot recover it unless they had set up automatic backups.
Myth 4: Deleting a Chat Removes It from the Backup
Many think that deleting a chat from their phone erases it from the backup. That’s incorrect.
The Reality
WhatsApp Business backups store past chats separately. If you delete a conversation after a backup, it remains in the backup until a new backup overwrites it.
🔹 Example: If a business deletes customer messages for privacy, they should manually create a new backup to prevent old data from being restored.
Myth 5: You Can Transfer Backups Between iOS and Android
Switching phones? Many assume they can move their WhatsApp Business backup between iOS and Android. Unfortunately, that’s not straightforward.
The Reality
WhatsApp Business backups are not cross-compatible between iCloud and Google Drive. To transfer data, use Move to iOS (Android to iPhone) or WhatsApp’s chat migration tool (iPhone to Android) instead of relying on cloud backups.
🔹 Example: A store owner moving from Android to iPhone will lose their backup unless they migrate chats before setting up WhatsApp on the new device.
Myth 6: A Larger Backup Means More Chats are Saved
Some users think that a large backup file means all their messages and media are included. That’s misleading.
The Reality
WhatsApp Business backups grow in size mainly due to media files like videos and images. If you back up without media, the backup size shrinks significantly while keeping your chat history intact.
Example: A bakery owner may want to exclude large promotional videos from the backup to save space while keeping customer messages intact.
Myth 7: Backups Restore Everything, Including Settings
Many believe restoring a WhatsApp Business backup brings back everything, including custom settings and preferences.
The Reality
A backup only restores chats and media—not app settings, linked devices, or account preferences. Users need to set these up manually after reinstalling WhatsApp Business.
🔹 Example: If a small business owner restores their WhatsApp Business backup, they must reconfigure automated replies, catalog listings, and notifications separately.
Understanding WhatsApp Business backup myths helps prevent data loss, security risks, and unnecessary frustration. Regular backups, encryption settings, and platform limitations all play a role in keeping your chats secure.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the risks of losing WhatsApp Business data and the available backup methods, it’s clear that taking proactive steps is non-negotiable. Whether you rely on Google Drive, iCloud, or computer backups, each method offers a safety net tailored to your needs.
From preserving chats to securing transaction records, consistent backups keep your business communication intact—even during unexpected events. By setting up automatic backups and choosing the right strategy, you minimize downtime and protect customer trust.
So before you switch phones or reinstall the app, make sure your backup is ready—because prevention is always better than recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to take WhatsApp Business backup from Android to iPhone?
WhatsApp Business backups on Google Drive don’t transfer to iPhone. Use the Move to iOS feature or third-party tools to migrate chats between Android and iPhone.
How to backup WhatsApp Business Chat from iPhone to Android?
WhatsApp Business does not support direct iCloud-to-Google Drive transfers. Use WhatsApp’s chat migration tool or third-party software to move chats from iPhone to Android.
Does Android WhatsApp backup work on iPhone?
No, WhatsApp Business backups on Google Drive aren’t compatible with iPhones. To transfer chats, use the Move to iOS option or export important conversations manually.
Can BotPenguin help with WhatsApp Business automation?
Yes, BotPenguin automates WhatsApp responses, handles customer inquiries, manages leads, and sends bulk messages, ensuring smooth, 24/7 communication without manual effort.
What’s the best way to ensure WhatsApp Business data is safe?
Enable automatic backups on Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone) and always use the same account for restoration. Regularly check storage availability to avoid failed backups.
