WhatsApp and iCloud offer backup solutions for iOS users to keep their data safe, but they work in different ways. While iCloud backs up entire iOS devices, WhatsApp only backs up chat history and media from the app. The backups have different storage requirements, costs, and restoration processes. Understanding the key differences between WhatsApp backup and iCloud backup can help iOS users pick the right option for their needs.
What does WhatsApp backup?
WhatsApp backup saves chat history, messages, media, and settings from the WhatsApp app. It does not back up any other data or apps on an iOS device. Specifically, WhatsApp backup includes:
- Text messages, chat history
- Photos, videos sent and received
- Voice messages
- WhatsApp settings and preferences
Media like photos and videos are included in WhatsApp backups if they are still saved in the chat history. Any media that has been deleted from chats is not backed up. The WhatsApp backup contains only data from the WhatsApp app itself.
What does iCloud backup?
iCloud provides a full backup of an iOS device including apps, data, settings and media. An iCloud backup includes:
- Device settings
- App data
- Text messages
- Photos and videos
- Call history
- Apple Wallet passes and payment information
- Home screen and app layout
- Ringtones
- Calendars
- Mail accounts
- Health and fitness data
Essentially iCloud backs up almost everything on an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch except the operating system itself. Media like photos and videos do not have to be in specific apps to be backed up by iCloud.
Where are WhatsApp and iCloud backups stored?
WhatsApp backups are stored in Google Drive or iCloud Drive, depending on the user’s setting. By default, WhatsApp will back up to Google Drive for Android users and iCloud Drive for iOS users. The backups count against the storage limits for these cloud services.
iCloud backups are stored in the user’s iCloud account. Users get 5GB of iCloud storage for free, but larger backups require paying for additional iCloud storage. There are iCloud+ plans that offer 50GB, 200GB, or 2TB of storage for a monthly fee.
Backup size and storage limits
WhatsApp backups are usually much smaller than full iCloud backups of an iOS device. Here’s a comparison of backup sizes and storage limits:
| Backup type | Typical size | Storage limit |
|---|---|---|
| 100MB to 1GB | Google Drive or iCloud Drive limit | |
| iCloud | 1GB to 100GB+ | 5GB free, paid plans available |
WhatsApp backups only contain chat history and media from one app. The backup size depends on how many chats, photos, videos and messages need to be saved. Most WhatsApp backups range from 100MB to 1GB.
In contrast, iCloud backups can easily be 1GB to over 100GB since they contain an entire iOS device’s data. The more apps, photos, videos, and other data on the device, the larger the iCloud backup will be.
Backup frequency
WhatsApp backs up daily by default, but users can also manually back up at any time from the app’s Settings. There is no option to adjust the automatic backup frequency.
iCloud can back up daily or weekly. Users can choose between iCloud auto-backups occurring each day or only once a week. There is also the option to manually trigger an iCloud backup from the iOS Settings.
Restoring from backup
To restore WhatsApp data from a Google Drive or iCloud Drive backup:
- Reinstall WhatsApp
- Verify phone number
- On the Back Up chat history screen, tap Restore to retrieve the backup
WhatsApp backups can only be restored to the same phone number that created the backup originally.
To restore an iOS device from iCloud backup:
- Erase or reset the device to factory settings
- Go through initial iOS device setup
- On the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in
- Select the desired backup to restore from iCloud
iCloud backups can only be restored to devices logged into the same iCloud account that created the backup.
Encryption
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to protect chats and calls. Media is encrypted in transit and storage for maximum security.
iCloud backs up data in an encrypted format but Apple holds the encryption keys. So Apple can decrypt iCloud backups if required by law enforcement requests.
Cost
WhatsApp does not charge any fees for backing up chats. But if using iCloud Drive for WhatsApp backup storage, costs apply for additional iCloud storage beyond the free 5GB tier.
iCloud backups count against total iCloud storage limits. So users with large backups may need to purchase a paid iCloud+ storage plan starting at $0.99 per month for 50GB.
Conclusion
In summary, WhatsApp backup and iCloud backup work differently:
- WhatsApp backup only includes WhatsApp data while iCloud is a full iOS device backup
- WhatsApp backups are much smaller, usually under 1GB
- iCloud allows adjusting backup frequency, WhatsApp just backs up daily
- WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, iCloud backups can be decrypted by Apple
- WhatsApp backup is free but large iCloud backups incur monthly fees
For protecting chat history and media within WhatsApp, WhatsApp’s built-in backup is ideal. For complete protection of an iOS device, iCloud backup is recommended. Using both WhatsApp backup and iCloud backup together provides comprehensive coverage.
WhatsApp backup offers a way to preserve chat history, messages and media if switching phones or reinstalling the app. iCloud backup safeguards the entire contents of an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch and makes restoring to a new device seamless. Understanding the key differences allows iOS users to choose the best backup solution for their needs.
Both WhatsApp backup and iCloud backup provide useful protection against data loss. WhatsApp backup focuses just on the WhatsApp app while iCloud provides complete backup coverage for iOS and apps. The backups have different storage requirements, frequencies, restoration methods and security models. There are benefits to using each backup solution for an extra level of safety and convenience.
WhatsApp aims to protect chat history, messages, videos, photos and voice notes. It works automatically with limited configuration options. iCloud gives users more control over backup frequency, storage and security. But it comes at a cost for substantial backup sizes. Overall, WhatsApp backup and iCloud backup complement each other instead of being interchangeable.
Using WhatsApp backup along with iCloud backup provides a comprehensive backup solution for iOS users. The automated WhatsApp backup handles the chat history, media and data within the WhatsApp app itself. iCloud backup handles the rest of the iOS device storage including contacts, calendars, photos, app data and more. Together they ensure minimal data loss in case of device issues, operating system problems or app malfunctions.
For most iOS users, enabling both WhatsApp backup and iCloud backup is advisable for maximum protection of application data along with the entire iOS device contents. The small, encrypted WhatsApp backups provide an extra safeguard for communication activities. The regular iCloud backups protect everything else stored on the device. Using both backup tools together delivers a convenient, secure approach to safeguarding iOS data.
The WhatsApp and iCloud backup solutions have some key differences that iOS device owners need to know. But they can complement each other as part of a comprehensive data protection strategy. WhatsApp backup focuses solely on the messaging application while iCloud handles system-wide backups. Understanding the capabilities of each solution allows users to leverage them effectively for minimizing the chance of data loss.
With their different approaches, WhatsApp backup and iCloud backup for iOS devices are better used together rather than as an either-or choice. WhatsApp backup provides important protection for communication data and history. iCloud backup covers everything else on the device. Using both backup methods in tandem delivers a layered approach to securing valuable iOS data and minimizing disruption from device issues or app problems. iOS users can feel confident knowing their data is backed up both within WhatsApp itself as well as across the entire system using iCloud.
The WhatsApp and iCloud backup solutions have distinct approaches to backing up and restoring iOS data. WhatsApp backup protects chat history, messages, media files, and settings within the WhatsApp application. iCloud backup protects the entire iOS device contents including contacts, photos, apps, and more. Using both together gives iOS users comprehensive protection.
Key differences include WhatsApp backing up smaller amounts of data while iCloud handles much larger backups. WhatsApp relies on end-to-end encryption while iCloud backups can be decrypted by Apple. WhatsApp backs up daily to Google Drive or iCloud Drive for free, while large iCloud backups incur monthly fees. The restoration process also varies between the two backup solutions.
Understanding the capabilities of WhatsApp backup versus iCloud backup allows iOS users to take advantage of both solutions. WhatsApp safeguards invaluable messaging data and history, while iCloud protects everything else on the device. Using both together delivers the most complete protection to guard against data loss due to device issues, operating system problems or app malfunctions. Both backup tools have unique benefits that complement each other when used together.
In conclusion, WhatsApp backup and iCloud backup are better used together rather than as competing options. WhatsApp backup focuses only on the WhatsApp application itself. iCloud backup handles the entire iOS device storage. Using both WhatsApp backup and iCloud backup provides iOS users with a layered data protection approach for maximum security and convenience.