Whatsapp icloud backup stucks on preparing

My Whatsapp app. (v2.22.24.81 most update) on iPhone XR (iOS v16.2) stucks on "preparing" when I tried to perform Whatsapp backup to iCloud.


Fyi, I still could backup to iCloud on Nov/22. But when I started to manually backup again on Mid/Jan/23. It keeps showing "preparing" forever (even after 6-8 hours).


I've perfect stable wifi internet connection while my iPhone backup can be preformed smoothly to iCloud .


My iCloud free size is >2.5GB while my last whatsapp backup size was just 7xxMB.


Fyi, I've tried the following actions but still failed,

1. Clear the last Whatsapp or

2. Turn off and then on the Whatsapp backup option in iCloud settings.


Pls. advise what I should do to fix this issue!

iPhone XR

Posted on Jan 24, 2023 7:54 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 26, 2023 8:26 AM

Thanks for letting us know, wai-fong, 


iOS 16.3 was released this week. We'd suggest that you update the iOS if you haven't already.


What happened when you completed the troubleshooting steps shared from WhatsApp? The link was shared in an earlier message, but you can find the troubleshooting steps here if you need them again:  WhatsApp Help Center - Can’t create or restore an iCloud backup


Do you have any VPN software installed on your device? If so, you may consider temporarily removing the VPN as it may interfere with your Internet connection as outlined here: Check VPN (Virtual Private Network) and third-party software to help resolve network connectivity issues - Apple Support

"Check basic settings on your device

Start by checking some basic settings:

  • Make sure the date, time, and time zone are set accurately on your device. Learn how to set the date and time on your MaciPhoneiPad, or iPod touch.
  • Make sure your device's software is up to date. Install any available software updates and then restart your device. 
  • Restart your modem and router. 
  • Try switching to another network. If your connectivity issue is resolved by joining a different network, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network administrator to make sure your network is working properly for the features and apps you want to use.

Check for VPN connections and third-party firewall or security software

Some types of software, including VPN apps or configuration profiles, may have settings or restrictions that can cause connectivity issues. Types of software that could affect connectivity include: 

  • VPN (Virtual Private Network) apps
  • Managed configuration profiles
  • Firewall apps
  • Anti-virus apps
  • Parental control apps
  • Content blockers

Review the apps on your device to see if these types of apps or configuration profiles are installed. 

On iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, scroll through your installed apps and check for VPN software or configuration profiles in Settings. 

  • Settings > General > VPN (even if it says Not Connected)
  • Settings > General > Profile (if this option doesn't exist, profiles are not installed)

On Mac, check your Applications folder in the Finder and check for configuration profiles in System Preferences > Profiles. 

If any of these types of apps are installed on your device, you may need to delete them to resolve the connectivity issue. Use caution if you choose to do this, since deleting an app or changing a configuration profile could affect how you use your device. For example, if you delete a configuration profile installed by your organization or school, your device may not work with that network.

Use caution if you choose to delete VPN apps or other software

Before you delete any software, you may want to contact the app developer for more information about how the app works with your network, and whether it could cause connectivity issues. For configuration profiles, contact the system administrator for the organization or school that asked you to install it.

On iPhone, iPad and iPod touch: Learn how to delete apps and configuration profiles. If you delete VPN, security or networking apps, also reset your device's network settings

On Mac: Learn how to delete apps and configuration profiles. If you delete VPN, security or networking apps, you may need to take additional steps. Work with the software developer to fully uninstall their software. Then restart your Mac. 

Third-party software might have a subscription to access certain features or services. If you don’t plan to keep using the software, make sure to cancel your subscription.

More help

These resources might be helpful if you're having trouble with a specific feature or setting. 

If you're still having trouble connecting, contact Apple support."


Kind regards.

Similar questions

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 26, 2023 8:26 AM in response to wai-fong

Thanks for letting us know, wai-fong, 


iOS 16.3 was released this week. We'd suggest that you update the iOS if you haven't already.


What happened when you completed the troubleshooting steps shared from WhatsApp? The link was shared in an earlier message, but you can find the troubleshooting steps here if you need them again:  WhatsApp Help Center - Can’t create or restore an iCloud backup


Do you have any VPN software installed on your device? If so, you may consider temporarily removing the VPN as it may interfere with your Internet connection as outlined here: Check VPN (Virtual Private Network) and third-party software to help resolve network connectivity issues - Apple Support

"Check basic settings on your device

Start by checking some basic settings:

  • Make sure the date, time, and time zone are set accurately on your device. Learn how to set the date and time on your MaciPhoneiPad, or iPod touch.
  • Make sure your device's software is up to date. Install any available software updates and then restart your device. 
  • Restart your modem and router. 
  • Try switching to another network. If your connectivity issue is resolved by joining a different network, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network administrator to make sure your network is working properly for the features and apps you want to use.

Check for VPN connections and third-party firewall or security software

Some types of software, including VPN apps or configuration profiles, may have settings or restrictions that can cause connectivity issues. Types of software that could affect connectivity include: 

  • VPN (Virtual Private Network) apps
  • Managed configuration profiles
  • Firewall apps
  • Anti-virus apps
  • Parental control apps
  • Content blockers

Review the apps on your device to see if these types of apps or configuration profiles are installed. 

On iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, scroll through your installed apps and check for VPN software or configuration profiles in Settings. 

  • Settings > General > VPN (even if it says Not Connected)
  • Settings > General > Profile (if this option doesn't exist, profiles are not installed)

On Mac, check your Applications folder in the Finder and check for configuration profiles in System Preferences > Profiles. 

If any of these types of apps are installed on your device, you may need to delete them to resolve the connectivity issue. Use caution if you choose to do this, since deleting an app or changing a configuration profile could affect how you use your device. For example, if you delete a configuration profile installed by your organization or school, your device may not work with that network.

Use caution if you choose to delete VPN apps or other software

Before you delete any software, you may want to contact the app developer for more information about how the app works with your network, and whether it could cause connectivity issues. For configuration profiles, contact the system administrator for the organization or school that asked you to install it.

On iPhone, iPad and iPod touch: Learn how to delete apps and configuration profiles. If you delete VPN, security or networking apps, also reset your device's network settings

On Mac: Learn how to delete apps and configuration profiles. If you delete VPN, security or networking apps, you may need to take additional steps. Work with the software developer to fully uninstall their software. Then restart your Mac. 

Third-party software might have a subscription to access certain features or services. If you don’t plan to keep using the software, make sure to cancel your subscription.

More help

These resources might be helpful if you're having trouble with a specific feature or setting. 

If you're still having trouble connecting, contact Apple support."


Kind regards.

Jan 25, 2023 4:51 PM in response to wai-fong

Hello wai-fong,


We're glad to hear that you are able to backup to iCloud successfully, as that indicates your network and device are likely working fine. Since the issue is only occurring when backing up your WhatsApp data, we advise reaching out to the WhatsApp support team for the most specific support with their product.


This article may offer some help with that: WhatsApp Help Center - Can’t create or restore an iCloud backup.


Let us know if we can help with anything else at all. Take care.

Jan 26, 2023 7:44 AM in response to wai-fong

wai-fong,


If this issue is only happening with WhatsApp, it might be the app causing the issue rather than your device. However, we also recommend updating the iPhone to the latest iOS version as that ensures you have the latest fixes and features available for your device. you can learn how here:


"Update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly

  1. Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.
  2. Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.
  3. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.
  4. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install."


Here's a link to the full resource: Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

We hope this helps.


Take care.


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Whatsapp icloud backup stucks on preparing

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