Recovering 57 GB WhatsApp backup after country code change

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Level 1

4 points

Recovering 57 GB WhatsApp backup after country code change

I use to have a number on WhatsApp which in the beginning was with pre fix +386 which is a SLOVENIAN number and then our country code has changed to +383 to Kosovo number, i did try to change but it kept saying that its the same number so i was left with +386 prefix. about 2 months ago my whatsapp number was locked (do to breaking terms & condition) with 57gb files backup on i cloud and i wrote to whatsapp but never got a respond what did i do. I believe that someone in slovenia bought my number and was trying to get it and thats why i was locked out for 2 months. A few days ago i tried to sign in and it did let me but with my country code +383 now +386. Now when i did log in it says that i have 0kb on my whatsapp backup.

Is there a way to get access to my old files ?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Whatsapp Backup

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Aug 25, 2025 1:18 AM

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Answer 1

WheelieNick

Level 8

46,043 points

Aug 25, 2025 1:22 AM in response to GencHavolli

Apple cannot do anything about this as you have made the backup from within whatsapp. All you can do is contact their support for further support and reference e

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Answer 2

SravanKrA

Level 10

433,322 points

Aug 25, 2025 1:34 AM in response to GencHavolli

WhatsApp Backup on iOS (iCloud) and Phone Number Link

On iOS, your WhatsApp backup is tied to two things simultaneously:

Your phone number – this identifies your WhatsApp account.
Your Apple ID – this is where the backup is stored in iCloud.

To restore a backup, you must:

Be logged into the same Apple ID that created the backup.
Use the same phone number that was active when the backup was made (at least until you migrate).

Once the backup is restored successfully, you can change the phone number through WhatsApp’s built-in Change Number feature.

The “Change Number” Process on WhatsApp (Step-by-Step)

Start the Change Number process inside WhatsApp
1. Go to: Settings → Account → Change Number.
2. Enter both numbers when prompted:
  1. • Old number (the one currently registered in WhatsApp)
  2. • New number (the one you’re switching to)
Verify the new number
1. WhatsApp sends a 6-digit verification code to the new number.
2. This code is delivered by SMS (or by voice call if requested).
3. You must have access to the new number’s SIM card, either inserted in your iPhone or in another phone, to receive the code.
WhatsApp completes the migration
1. Your account information, profile, groups, and settings are transferred to the new number.
2. Your iCloud backup will now be linked to the new number (but still under the same Apple ID).

In short: iCloud backup = Apple ID + WhatsApp phone number combo. You restore first with the old number, then officially switch numbers inside WhatsApp.

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