5 Fixes for ‘WhatsApp Couldn’t Complete Backup’ Error on Android and iPhone

Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer. Since his arrival at Guiding Tech in 2021, he delves into the world of how-tos, and troubleshooting guides for Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides his new-found love for mechanical keyboards, he’s a disciplined footfall fan and loves international travel with his wife.

Fix 1: Initiate Backup Manually

At times, minor network or app-related issues can interrupt the WhatsApp backup process and throw the “Couldn’t complete backup” error. If it’s just a one-off glitch, you should fix it by manually initiating a backup.

Step 1:Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and tap theSettingstab at the bottom right corner.

Note:For WhatsApp on Android, tap thethree-dot menu iconat the top-right corner and selectSettings.

Step 2:Go toChats>Chat Backupand tap theBack Up Nowbutton.

Fix 2: Allow WhatsApp to Use iCloud and Check Your iCloud Storage (iPhone)

WhatsApp may fail to create a backup if it does not have access to your iCloud storage. Here’s how to check.

Step 1:Open theSettingsapp on your iPhone, tap on yournameat the top, and selectiCloud.

Step 2:UnderApps Using iCloud, tap onShow All.

Step 3:Enable the toggle forWhatsApp. If it’s already on, turn it off and then back on.

By default, iCloud only provides 5GB of free storage space. Hence, it’s also a good idea to check the available storage on your iCloud account. If you’re running low on storage space, consider upgrading your plan orfreeing up some space on your iCloud.

Tip:You can prevent WhatsApp from backing up videos to reduce the overall size of the backup.

Fix 3: Allow WhatsApp to Use Data in the Background (Android)

WhatsApp requires permission to use your data in the background if you’re attempting a backup on a cellular data network. Otherwise, you may run into the “Couldn’t complete backup” error.

Step 1:Long-press on theWhatsApp iconand tap theinfo iconfrom the menu.

Step 2:Tap onMobile dataand enable the toggle forAllow background data usage.

Fix 4: Enable Background App Refresh for WhatsApp (iPhone)

Background App Refresh in iOS allows your apps to sync data in the background, even if you aren’t using those apps actively. If you’ve disabled this feature for WhatsApp, it may fail to create a backup.

Open theSettingsapp and scroll down to tap onWhatsApp. Then, enable the toggle forBackground App Refresh.

Fix 5: Clear Cache for WhatsApp (Android)

WhatsApp stores temporary files on your phone, like every other app, for better performance. However, these cache files can become corrupted over time, resulting in errors and app crashes. Clearing WhatsApp cache data will fix the “Couldn’t complete backup” error.

Step 1:Open theSettingsapp on your phone and go toApps.

Step 2:Scroll down to locateWhatsAppon the list and tap on it.

Step 3:Go toStorageand tap theClear cacheoption at the bottom.

If clearing the cache proves ineffective, try updating WhatsApp from thePlay StoreorApp Store.

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Last updated on 30 April, 2024

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