WhatsApp iCloud backup stuck

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Level 2

156 points

WhatsApp iCloud backup stuck

I'm not sure if this is an issue with WhatsApp, iCloud/Apple, or a combination, so I'm contacting both parties.

The WhatsApp iCloud backup feature keeps getting stuck at a certain point (e.g. x MB out of the total MB to backup). At that point it will start saying backup paused and usually will also say that it's waiting for a Wi-Fi connection even though the Wi-Fi connection is fine (tested internet simultaneously), plus Wi-Fi is not required to backup anyway.

It only occurs while including videos in the backup, but I want to include videos in the backup.

This started happening sometime within the last few days; before that it was almost always fine.

After a dozen or so minutes, I check the backup section again and usually by then it says it's all backed-up; however I have my doubts as I notice a size discrepancy between the iCloud data for WhatsApp in iPhone settings, in which it is around 10MB smaller there, about the same point where the backup freezes. I'm not sure if there is supposed to be a size discrepancy but I would like to be able to confirm that the backup is not incomplete, as this may result in issues trying to restore the data at a later date.

iPhone 7, iOS 10.3.1, WhatsApp 2.17.11. Thanks for any help.

iPhone 7, iOS 10.3.1

Posted on Apr 11, 2017 6:37 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Dolpre

Level 1

19 points

Dec 13, 2017 7:20 PM in response to Dolpre

I have tried the following from Whatsapp support team & it works well but now the problem is the backup shown in iCloud is less than the backup shown in Whatsapp :

1) Open iPhone Settings> tap the username > iCloud > Manage Storage > WhatsApp Messenger > Delete Data.
2) Open iPhone Settings> tap the username > iCloud > switch the iCloud Drive off.
3) Launch WhatsApp.
4) Open iPhone Settings> tap the username > iCloud > switch the iCloud Drive on.
5) Create a new iCloud backup inside WhatsApp.

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Answer 2

Connor Hawke Author

Level 2

156 points

Apr 12, 2017 4:57 PM in response to Connor Hawke

On further attempts the text-only backup also gets stuck, at around the same percentage: 94%.

Still, it seems that Reset Network Settings, one of WhatsApp Support's suggestions, may have fixed it for now as the backup now seems to complete without getting stuck.

However there is still a size difference in the backup between these two locations, in which the former is roughly 10MB smaller:

iPhone -> Settings -> General -> Storage & iCloud Usage -> Manage Storage -> WhatsApp

WhatsApp -> Chats -> Chat Backup

Anyone know if this is supposed to be the case?

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Answer 3

Connor Hawke Author

Level 2

156 points

Apr 16, 2017 4:49 PM in response to Connor Hawke

The Reset Network Settings trick only worked briefly, then it went back to its old ways. However, just now I disabled Wi-Fi Assist (at iPhone Settings -> Cellular) and the last backup seemed to complete normally. Am hoping this one sticks... In any case I'm checking with WhatsApp Support to confirm although I'll doubt they'll get back to me. They don't seem the most responsive.

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Answer 4

mml13830

Level 1

13 points

Nov 30, 2017 9:17 AM in response to Ussie234

Go to settings - Click on your Apple ID (on the top with your Picture).

Select - iCloud

Select - Manage Storage

Scroll and find WhatsApp messenger - Select

Delete Data.

Close Setting and Open whatsapp go to whats app setting chat and restart your backup.

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Answer 5

Dolpre

Level 1

19 points

Dec 9, 2017 1:16 AM in response to mml13830

I have the same problem & I did the same, delete the data in iCloud & then go to WhatsApp & backup again... it did well but when I check from Setting > iCloud > manage data, there is nothing backup for my whatsapp...

I go to whatsapp to backup again & it stuck.

I have tried restarting WhatsApp & the phone. I have also tried to update both iOS & WhatsApp to latest available version.

I need help on this to transfer my WhatsApp data to my new iPhone 8.

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Answer 6

Connor Hawke Author

Level 2

156 points

Jun 30, 2017 3:10 AM in response to zinacef

Reached out to both Apple and WhatsApp and long story short each one blamed the other. Nowadays after hitting 95% it at least seems to eventually finish (e.g. 30 minutes later). I aways seem to be outside of the app when it finishes. Guess this issue will remain a mystery for now.

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Answer 7

Connor Hawke Author

Level 2

156 points

Oct 11, 2017 6:58 PM in response to Connor Hawke

This issue seems gone after recent updates.

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Answer 8

Ussie234

Level 1

9 points

Nov 10, 2017 3:04 AM in response to Connor Hawke

I still have the same issue. My chat backup gets stuck at 95%...... been like that for over 3 hours. Any suggestions of how to fix it?

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Answer 9

VSALKAR

Level 1

9 points

Dec 9, 2017 1:31 PM in response to Connor Hawke

I'm having the same issue.. The whatsapp backup is stuck and i cannot move to my new mobile.. Apple needs to look into this..

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Answer 10

Dec 18, 2017 8:53 PM in response to Dolpre

does it still keep your chat history. cause i want to keep my chats and whenever i try to back up it says 2.3mb out of 2.89gb (0%) backing up. and i don't get why it is happening

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