How to Fix "WhatsApp No Backup Found"

Seeing the "no backup found" error when you are trying to restore your WhatsApp chats can be incredibly stressful. Years of conversations, photos, and important information can feel like they've vanished. But don't panic. In most cases, this issue is fixable with a few methodical checks.

This guide will walk through a complete diagnostic process to fix WhatsApp no backup found, from the most common oversights to more advanced solutions for both Android and iPhone users.

Part 1. Check the Fundamentals Before Fixing

Before diving into device-specific settings, you must confirm the absolute basics. An error in one of these three areas is the cause of the problem over 90% of the time.

1.1 Verify Your Phone Number and Cloud Account

This is the most critical step. WhatsApp links your backup to your phone number and your cloud account. For a restore to work, these credentials must be an exact match.

• Same phone number: You must be using the exact same phone number that you used when you created the backup.
• Same cloud account: You must be logging into the same Google Account or Apple ID that the backup was saved to.

If you have recently changed your phone number or are using a different Google/Apple account on your new device, WhatsApp won't be able to find the backup file.

1.2 Check Your Device Storage Space

Your phone needs enough free local storage to download and unpack the backup file. If your device is full, the restore process can fail before it even begins. As a rule of thumb, ensure you have at least 1.5 to 2 times the space of the backup size available on your phone.

1.3 Ensure a Strong & Stable Internet Connection

A large backup requires a solid connection to download. A weak or intermittent signal can interrupt the process, causing WhatsApp to report that no backup was found. Always connect to a strong WiFi network before attempting to restore your chats; relying on cellular data is not recommended.

Part 2. How to Fix WhatsApp No Backup Found on Android

If you have confirmed the fundamentals are correct, it is time to investigate Android-specific issues.

Solution 1. Manually Check for a Google Drive Backup

First, let's make sure the backup file actually exists and is accessible to your Google Account.

Go to the Google Drive website or open the app, navigate to Storage, and then select Backups. You should see an entry for your WhatsApp backup with your phone number. If you don't see it here, it means no backup is associated with that specific Google Account.

Solution 2. Update & Clear Cache for WhatsApp

Sometimes, the problem of no backup found is caused by corrupted or outdated cache files. If WhatsApp is outdated or has corrupted data, it can prevent WhatsApp from finding your backup.

Go to your phone's Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage & cache, and tap Clear Cache. This won't delete any personal data but can resolve communication glitches.

Solution 3.Restore from a Local Backup File

Here's a highly effective solution that many users don't know about. Your Android phone automatically saves a local backup of your chats every night. If the Google Drive restore fails, you can often use this local file instead.

Step 1. Install a file manager app from the Google Play Store if you don't already have one.
Step 2. Open the file manager and navigate to the following folder: Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases.
Step 3. In this folder, you'll see several files. The most recent one is named msgstore.db.crypt12. Older backups are named msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12. To restore an older backup, you must first delete the msgstore.db.crypt12 file and then rename the file you want to restore to msgstore.db.crypt12.

Step 4. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp. During the setup process, it will fail to find a Google Drive backup but will then detect the local backup file you just prepared. Tap Restore to get your chats back.

Part 3. How to Fix "WhatsApp No Backup Found" on iPhone

For iPhone users, the problem almost always lies within the iCloud settings. Here's what to check.

Solution 1. Verify iCloud Drive is Active

WhatsApp requires iCloud Drive to be enabled to save and retrieve backups. This is a common oversight.

Go to your iPhone's Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud. Scroll down and make sure that iCloud Drive is toggled on. If it was off, toggle it on and try the restore process again.

Solution 2. Manage Your iCloud Storage Correctly

Unlike local storage, iCloud has a specific requirement: you need at least 2.05 times the size of your backup available in your iCloud account for the restore to work. If your 5 GB free plan is full, the backup won't be visible or accessible. Check your available space in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.

Solution 3. Check for Network or Power Saving Restrictions

Certain iOS settings designed to save battery or data can interfere with the restore process.

Low Power Mode: Disable this in Settings > Battery.

Low Data Mode: If you're on Wi-Fi, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the "i" icon next to your network, and ensure Low Data Mode is turned off.

Part 4. Bonus Tip: How to Back Up WhatsApp without iCloud/Google Drive

For users who want an extra layer of security or a more reliable way to manage their data, using a dedicated third-party tool is an excellent option. Cloud-based backups depend on having enough cloud storage and a perfect sync between your accounts, which can sometimes fail.

One such tool is TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer. This type of software allows you to back up all your WhatsApp data - including chats, photos, videos, and attachments - directly to your computer (PC or Mac). This creates a secure, local copy that you control completely, independent of Google Drive or iCloud. It also provides a straightforward way to restore your data to any device, which can be a lifesaver when standard methods fail.

Part 5. Conclusion

Fixing the "no backup found" error comes down to a methodical check of your accounts, storage, and device settings. By following the steps above, you stand the best possible chance of recovering your chat history. If you want to find an alternative method to back up WhatsApp data, TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer should be your first choice, which has 4 features: transfer, backup, export, and restore, at the same time.