How to Restore WhatsApp Backup that I've Skipped

In WhatsApp setup, there's an option to "Restore" chat history from a cloud backup. Accidentally tapping "Skip" means restoration can't be initiated later, leaving you with an empty chat list. To recover important conversations, follow specific steps. This article guides you how to restore WhatsApp backup after skip. Let's explore the solutions.

Part 1. Can I Restore WhatsApp Chat that I Have Skipped to Restore?

The answer is YES! If you skip the restore option during WhatsApp setup, your previous chat history and data will not be loaded, making your old conversations inaccessible. However, this data is not permanently lost. It is still possible to recover your chats even after skipping the initial prompt by restoring from a cloud service (like Google Drive or iCloud), a local backup file, or by using a specialized data management tool.

Part 2. How to Restore WhatsApp Backup After Skipping on iPhone

Happily, there are many solutions for iPhone users to retrieve WhatsApp chat data and media, including using WhatsApp iCloud backup after reinstallation, professional WhatsApp data manager like TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer, and iTunes backup. Here's how to restore WhatsApp backup if skipped to restore. You can check complete steps.

Essential Prerequisites for iPhone Users

Before you proceed, double-check these settings to ensure a smooth restoration:

• Correct Phone Number: You must be using the same phone number associated with the backup.
• Correct Apple ID: You must be signed into the same Apple ID that you used to create the iCloud backup. You can check this in Settings > [Your Name].
• iCloud Drive Enabled: iCloud Drive must be turned on. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and make sure iCloud Drive is toggled on.
• WhatsApp in iCloud: Scroll down in the iCloud settings and ensure the toggle for WhatsApp is also enabled.
• Sufficient Storage: You need to have enough free space on both your iCloud account and your iPhone. The required space is typically at least 2.05 times the size of your backup.

Solution 1. Reinstall WhatsApp and Restore WhatsApp iCloud Backup

This solution requires you to uninstall WhatsApp and reinstall it. Ensure that the phone number you use to log into account is the same as the one you created backup. Also, keep sufficient iCloud space and iPhone storage so that the restoration process can be accomplished without a problem.

Step 1: On your WhatsApp, tap Settings → Chats → Chat backup to check your recent backup.

Step 2: Uninstall WhatsApp on your iPhone and reinstall it.
Step 3: Verify your phone number and choose "Restore chat history" to restore WhatsApp backup.

Solution 2. Restore WhatsApp Backup to iPhone without Uninstalling

Nothing to worry if you are unwilling to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp on your iPhone. TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer can put all your available backup files in sight of you for you to select. It is well designed with real-time preview so that you can clearly know which backup to finally pick up. Only WhatsApp chat and media can be restored. Other personal data on your iPhone will be secure and away from data overwriting.

Step 1 Select a WhatsApp Backup

Download, install and open TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer on your computer. On the interface of the program, go to Restore section in the left column and have a close look at all backups.

Step 2 Preview Chat Data in WhatsApp Backup

Locate a specific WhatsApp backup in the list and click View option. You can see all chat history and media classified into different categories. Choose any desired data type to preview. This helps make confirmation so that you can click on Restore to Device.

Step 3 Restore WhatsApp Backup After Skip

It's time to connect your iPhone. After the device detection, you can click on "Start Restore" button to begin restoring chosen WhatsApp backup to your iPhone. Follow the onscreen instructions to finish the whole process.

Solution 3. Restore WhatsApp Chat from iTunes Backup

The success rate of data recovery can be higher if you have the desired WhatsApp data backed up to iTunes regularly. Notably, this solution can restore not only the WhatsApp backup but also your private data on iPhone, which can replace all current data on your device.

Step 1: Run iTunes on your computer and connect your iPhone.
Step 2: iTunes will detect your device and display icon at the top for you to click on.
Step 3: Go forward to Summary → Backups → Restore Backup to recover the whole backup file to your iPhone.

Part 3. How to Restore Skipped WhatsApp Backup on Android

To get WhatsApp chat history back, you should have at least one Google Drive backup or local backup on your Android. Here's What you should prepart and how each solution works.

Essential Prerequisites for Android Users

Before you uninstall anything, ensure you meet these conditions to guarantee a successful restore. Failing to do so is the most common reason the process fails.

• Correct Phone Number: You must use the exact same phone number that was used to create the backup.
• Correct Google Account: The phone must be logged into the same Google Account where your WhatsApp backup is stored. You can check this in Settings > Accounts > Google.
• Backup Existence: Verify that a backup actually exists. Open the Google Drive app, tap the menu (☰), go to Backups, and you should see a WhatsApp backup entry with your phone number.
• Sufficient Storage: Ensure your phone has enough free space to download and unpack the backup.
• Stable Internet Connection: A strong Wi-Fi connection is highly recommended to avoid data charges and ensure a smooth, uninterrupted download.

Solution 1. Reinstall WhatsApp and Restore Google Drive Backup

The WhatsApp backup saved to Google Drive can salvage you from different data loss scenarios. By uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp on your device, you can easily trigger the chat restoration process.

Step 1: Sign into your Google account on your Google Drive app and go to Menu → Backups to confirm your backup file.
Step 2: Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp on your Android.
Step 3: Complete your account details and tap on RESTORE button to carry out the restoration process.

Solution 2. Reinstall WhatsApp and Restore Earlier Local Backup

It doesn't matter if you have no backup file in Google Drive. Another workaround to restore WhatsApp backup is to using a local backup. However, you have to manually go through the entire process and the operation is relatively complicated.

Step 1: Open the file manger application, like Files, on your Android.
Step 2: Head to Internal Storage/Phone Storage → WhatsApp → Databases to check your WhatsApp data. (Check SD Card if your device has it)
Step 3: Enter the Databases folder, locate a recent "msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12" file, and rename it to "msgstore.db.crypt12".
Step 4: Uninstall WhatsApp on Android and finish reinstallation.
Step 5: Verify phone number and choose RESTORE option to restore chats for your WhatsApp.

Part 4. What to Do If Your Restore Fails

Sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are solutions to common issues:

• Backup Not Detected: This is almost always an issue with the account or phone number. Double-check that you are using the exact same Google Account/Apple ID and phone number that the backup was created with.
• Restore Process is Stuck at XX%: This is usually a network issue. Ensure you are on a stable Wi-Fi connection. You can also try restarting your phone before attempting the reinstallation process again.
• Not Enough Storage: If you get a storage error, you will need to free up space on your device before you can complete the restore. Delete old apps, photos, or files you no longer need.

Part 5. Summary

Unintentionally skipping the "Restore" option in WhatsApp can put you in a panic. But fortunately, no matter which operating system your WhatsApp runs on, you can get different solutions to find important data back. By using tools like TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer, you can easily back up and restore your WhatsApp easily without losing any critical data.