how to backup whatsapp chats without icloud

# How to Backup WhatsApp Chats Without iCloud
Backing up your WhatsApp chats ensures that you don’t lose your precious conversations and media files. While many people rely on iCloud for backing up their WhatsApp chats, there are alternative methods available that don’t require iCloud. This article explores various techniques for backing up WhatsApp chats without using iCloud, ensuring you have the flexibility to protect your data according to your preferences.
## Why You Might Want to Backup Without iCloud
There are several reasons you might choose not to use iCloud for backing up your WhatsApp chats. Firstly, iCloud offers limited storage for free, and many users find themselves needing more space. Secondly, some users prefer not to use cloud services due to privacy concerns. Lastly, there may be instances where iCloud backup fails or does not work as expected, rendering it ineffective. Therefore, knowing how to back up WhatsApp chats without iCloud can provide you with added security and control over your data.
## Method 1: Use Google Drive (Android Users)
For Android users, one of the most straightforward ways to back up WhatsApp chats without iCloud is by using Google Drive. Here’s how to do it:
1. **Open WhatsApp**: Launch WhatsApp on your Android device.
2. **Go to Settings**: Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner, then select “Settings.”
3. **Select Chats**: Go to “Chats” from the settings menu.
4. **Chat Backup**: Tap on “Chat backup.”
5. **Backup to Google Drive**: Here, you can set the backup frequency and choose a Google account to back up your chats. Ensure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi for large backups.
By using Google Drive, you not only back up your chat history but also your media files, keeping everything safe in a cloud environment that you control.
## Method 2: Local Backup on Android
If you prefer a local backup and don’t want to use any cloud service, you can back up your WhatsApp chats directly on your Android device. Here’s how to do it:
1. **Open WhatsApp**: Start WhatsApp on your device.
2. **Navigate to Settings**: Click on the three dots and select “Settings.”
3. **Chats Settings**: Tap on “Chats.”
4. **Chat Backup**: Here, select “Back Up.”
5. **Store it Locally**: This will create a backup file on your device storage which you can access later.
The backup file will be stored in the WhatsApp folder in your internal storage, specifically under ‘Databases’. Additionally, you can copy this backup file to a different location, such as a computer or an external hard drive, to ensure it’s safely stored.
## Method 3: Manual Export of Chats
Another excellent method to back up WhatsApp chats without iCloud is to manually export individual chat histories. Here’s how to do that:
1. **Open the Chat**: Go to the chat you wish to export.
2. **Chat Options**: Tap on the contact’s name or group title at the top of the screen.
3. **Export Chat**: Scroll down and select “Export Chat.”
4. **Choose Attachment Option**: You can choose to attach media or export the chat without media.
5. **Choose Export Method**: Select your preferred method for exporting, such as via email or saving it to a file management app.
This method allows you to save important conversations directly to a file format (like .txt) which you can access anytime, regardless of whether you have WhatsApp installed or not.
## Method 4: Back Up to a Computer
Backing up your WhatsApp chats directly to a computer is a great alternative to using iCloud. This method provides more control over your backup and allows you to keep a permanent record of your conversations. Here’s how to do it:
### For Android Users:
1. **Connect Your Device**: Use a USB cable to connect your Android device to your computer.
2. **Access Files**: Open your device’s storage on your computer.
3. **Locate WhatsApp Folder**: Navigate to the WhatsApp folder and then to the ‘Databases’ folder.
4. **Copy the Database**: Copy the “msgstore.db.crypt12” file or whichever crypt extension is present, and paste it into a designated folder on your computer.
### For iPhone Users:
For iPhones, the process is slightly different, as you need to use specific software:
1. **Download Software**: Use software like iMazing or WhatsApp Backup Extractor.
2. **Connect Device**: Connect your iPhone to the computer.
3. **Follow Software Instructions**: Use the software to back up your WhatsApp data to your computer.
Both methods provide a reliable way to keep a backup of your WhatsApp chats without relying on iCloud.
## Advantages of Backing Up Chats Without iCloud
1. **Increased Control**: When you back up your chats without iCloud, you gain more direct control over how and where your data is stored.
2. **Accessibility**: Local backup methods allow quick access to your chat history and other data without needing internet access or logging into an account.
3. **Avoid Storage Limitations**: Cloud services often have limitations on free storage. Local backups can be done as long as you have sufficient storage space on your devices.
4. **Privacy Concerns**: Some users prefer not to store sensitive information on cloud services due to potential security vulnerabilities. Local backups keep your data on devices you own, reducing exposure.
## Checking and Restoring Backups
Understanding how to check and restore your backups is as important as knowing how to create them. Here’s how to restore backups made without iCloud:
### Restoring from Local Backup on Android
1. **Reinstall WhatsApp**: If you need to restore your chats, delete and reinstall WhatsApp.
2. **Verify Phone Number**: Upon launching, verify your phone number.
3. **Restore Backup**: WhatsApp will prompt you to restore from the local backup found on your device storage.
### Restoring from Computer Backup on Android and iPhone
Regardless of the method you used to back up (manual, Google Drive, or local), restoring from your computer will depend on the software you utilized:
1. **Using Software**: If you utilized software like iMazing or WhatsApp Backup Extractor to back up your chats, simply open the software and follow the prompts to restore the data to your specific device.
## Conclusion
Knowing how to back up WhatsApp chats without iCloud is essential for users who want to manage their data effectively while avoiding potential pitfalls associated with cloud storage. Whether you choose to use Google Drive, create local backups, manually export chats, or save chat histories to a computer, you have multiple options at your disposal. Being proactive in backing up your chats will ensure that your conversations and cherished memories are secure and easily retrievable when needed. With these methods, you can confidently keep your WhatsApp data protected without relying on iCloud.