WhatsApp Chat Backups: Protecting Them From Others
WhatsApp backups sit in your cloud account. Without end-to-end encrypted backup, their safety depends on that account. How to turn on encrypted backup and protect the cloud account.
Your chats are end-to-end encrypted while they travel. Backups are a separate matter. By default, a WhatsApp backup sits in your cloud account, and its protection depends on that account's security, unless you turn on end-to-end encrypted backup.
Turn on end-to-end encrypted backup
- Go to Settings, Chats, Chat backup.
- Tap End-to-end encrypted backup and turn it on.
- Choose a password, or a 64-digit encryption key, or a passkey where offered.
- Store the password or key safely, for example in a password manager. See setting up a password manager.
Do not lose the password or key. Without it, the encrypted backup cannot be restored.
Protect the cloud account too
- Use a strong, unique password and two-step verification on the cloud account behind your backups. See two-step verification.
- Check which devices are signed in to it.
- Be careful with shared family cloud accounts.
Why this matters
- An ex-partner or family member with your cloud password could restore your chats. See ex-partner account access.
- A phished cloud account can expose years of messages and photos.
Also see the WhatsApp security checkup and changing phones safely. For more, see our guide to WhatsApp scams.
Frequently asked questions
Where are WhatsApp backups stored?
Usually in the cloud account linked to your phone, such as your Google account on Android or iCloud on iPhone.
What does end-to-end encrypted backup add?
It locks the backup with a password or 64-digit key that only you have, so the cloud provider and WhatsApp cannot read it.
What if I forget the backup password?
You will not be able to restore the encrypted backup. Store the password or key somewhere safe, such as a password manager.
Sources
- About end-to-end encrypted backup, WhatsApp Help Center
- About end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp Help Center
- Account security tips, WhatsApp Help Center
