How to Restore WhatsApp from Google Drive to a New Phone

Switching to a new phone is exciting, but it also brings a bit of stress. One of the first things people worry about is WhatsApp. What if you lose all your chats, photos, or voice notes? The good news is that if you’ve been backing up your WhatsApp to Google Drive, moving your conversations to a new device is easier than you think.

This guide walks you through the process step by step, explains what you need to check before you begin, and shares a few tips in case something goes wrong.

What You Need Before Restoring

Before you dive in, make sure of three things:

You’re signed into the same Google account that you used for the backup.

You’re using the same phone number linked to your WhatsApp account.

Your new phone has enough storage space and a stable internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi.

Without these, WhatsApp won’t be able to find or restore your backup.

Step 1: Install WhatsApp on the New Phone

Start fresh by downloading WhatsApp from the Google Play Store. Open the app and agree to the terms and conditions.

Step 2: Verify Your Phone Number

Enter the phone number you used on your old phone. WhatsApp will send you a six-digit verification code by SMS. Once you enter that code, the app will recognize your account.

Step 3: Detecting the Backup

After verification, WhatsApp automatically searches Google Drive for a backup linked to your phone number and Google account. If a backup exists, you’ll see a message showing the date and size of the last saved copy.

Step 4: Tap Restore

Hit the Restore button to begin the process. WhatsApp will start downloading your chat history first. Depending on the size of your backup and the speed of your internet, this might take a few minutes or longer.

Step 5: Complete the Setup

Once your messages are restored, tap Next. Your chats will appear almost immediately, but don’t worry if your photos and videos aren’t there yet. Media files download in the background and will gradually show up as long as you stay connected.

Extra Tips for a Smooth Restore

Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data. Backups can be large, especially if you included videos.

Keep your phone charged. Restoring uses power, and you don’t want the process interrupted midway.

Check your Google account. If WhatsApp can’t find your backup, it’s usually because you’re signed into the wrong Google account.

Enable permissions. Make sure WhatsApp has permission to access contacts, storage, and Google Drive on your phone.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Backup not found: Double-check that the same Google account is added to your phone and that backups are turned on.

Restore stuck at 99%: Restart your phone, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and try again. Sometimes it just needs a nudge.

Chats restored but media missing: Give it time WhatsApp restores text first and then pulls media in the background.

Final Thoughts

Restoring WhatsApp from Google Drive to a new phone isn’t complicated once you know what to expect. As long as you use the same number and account, your chats, photos, and videos will move with you. It’s like picking up right where you left off, only on a shiny new device.

Setting up backups now is also a good habit because when the day comes that you switch phones again, you’ll thank yourself for making the process this simple.

FAQs:

1. Can I restore WhatsApp from Google Drive to a phone with a different number?

No. WhatsApp backups are tied to both your Google account and your phone number. You need the same number to restore the chats.

2. Can I restore WhatsApp from Google Drive on an iPhone?

Unfortunately, no. iPhones use iCloud for backups, not Google Drive. To move chats from Android to iPhone, you’ll need WhatsApp’s “Move to iOS” feature or a third-party tool.

3. How long does it take to restore WhatsApp from Google Drive?

It depends on your internet speed and the size of your backup. Messages usually restore quickly, but media files like photos and videos may continue downloading in the background for hours.

4. I can’t see my Google Drive backup. What should I do?

Check that you’re signed into the same Google account you used for the backup. Also confirm that your phone number matches the one used previously. If still missing, it’s possible no backup was created.

5. Do I need Wi-Fi to restore my backup?

Not strictly, but it’s strongly recommended. Large backups can drain mobile data quickly, especially if videos are included.

6. What happens if I skip the restore option during setup?

If you skip it, WhatsApp will start fresh without restoring your old messages. To get them back, you’d need to uninstall the app, reinstall it, and repeat the setup process with restore.

7. Are Google Drive backups encrypted?

Yes, WhatsApp backups are end-to-end encrypted if you enable encryption in your WhatsApp settings. Without it, backups are still secured but not fully encrypted.

8. Can I restore only certain chats from Google Drive?

No. WhatsApp only allows full backup and restore. If you want to save specific chats, use the “Export Chat” feature instead.

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