How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently? 2025 Guide
- WA Blog Editor
- Sep 13
- 11 min read
Table of Content
Key Takeaways
Deleting WhatsApp chat backup permanently frees storage and protects privacy.
Remove backups from Google Drive (Android/PC) or iCloud (iPhone).
Stop WhatsApp backup in the app to prevent future saves.
Clear archives, turn off WhatsApp backup, and stop backup in WhatsApp.
Use WA Chat Backup to export chats in Excel, CSV, JSON, or HTML.
Know how to delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently and manage storage effectively.
Introduction
If you are wondering how to delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently, you’re not alone. Many users search for ways to manage storage and protect privacy by learning how to delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive, how to clear WhatsApp storage, or even how to stop WhatsApp backup completely. Deleting old files not only saves space but also ensures that your private chats are not stored unnecessarily.
To permanently remove a WhatsApp backup, open your cloud storage account such as Google Drive, go to the backups section, locate WhatsApp, and delete it. On Android, you can also open the WhatsApp app, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and turn off future backups. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from how to stop chat backup in WhatsApp, how to remove archive in WhatsApp, and how to turn off WhatsApp backup, to the exact steps for how to delete WhatsApp backup in Google Drive. By following these methods, you can take full control of your data, disable automatic sync, and keep your device clutter-free.
How to Delete WhatsApp Backup?
If you want to clear space and secure your chats, knowing how to delete WhatsApp backup is essential. Many users prefer to delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive and also turn off WhatsApp backup to stop future saves.
Method 1: How to Delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently on Android?
If you want to know how to delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently on Android, the process is simple and secure. By removing old files, you can clear WhatsApp storage, stop backup in WhatsApp, and prevent your chats from being saved automatically to Google Drive.
Step 1: Disable Automatic Backups
1. Open WhatsApp on Android
Launch WhatsApp on your Android device.
2. Go to Settings
Tap the three-dot menu or gear icon and select Settings.
3. Navigate to Chats and Chat Backup
Tap on Chats, then select Chat Backup.
4. Set Backup Frequency to Never
Under Back up to Google Drive, tap on backup frequency and choose Never.
5. Confirm to Disable Backups
Confirm your choice to stop chat backup in WhatsApp permanently.
Step 2: Delete the Backup File from Google Drive
1. Open Google Drive App
Open the Google Drive app on your phone.
2. Access the Menu
Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-left corner.
3. Go to Backups
Select Backups from the list.
4. Locate WhatsApp Backup
Find the WhatsApp backup and tap the three-dot menu next to it.
5. Delete WhatsApp Backup
Tap Delete Backup to permanently delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive.
Method 2: How to delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently on iPhone?
If you want to delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently on iPhone, you can do it directly from iCloud settings. This helps free up storage, stop WhatsApp backup, and make sure your chats are not saved automatically.
Step 1: Open Settings
Locate and open the Settings app on your iPhone’s home screen.
Step 2: Access Apple ID
At the top of the Settings menu, tap your Apple ID or your name.
Step 3: Go to iCloud
From the options, tap on iCloud to view cloud storage settings.
Step 4: Manage Storage
Select Manage Storage to see how your iCloud space is being used.
Step 5: Select WhatsApp Messenger
Scroll through the apps using iCloud and tap WhatsApp Messenger.
Step 6: Delete the Data
Scroll to the bottom and tap Delete Data to remove the WhatsApp backup.
Step 7: Confirm Deletion
Read the confirmation message and tap Delete to permanently remove WhatsApp backup from iCloud.
Method 3: How to Delete WhatsApp Backup from Google Drive on a PC?
To delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive on a PC, you can access your Google account through a web browser. This allows you to remove old backups permanently and free up storage.
Step 1: Open Google Drive
Open your preferred web browser and go to drive.google.com.
Step 2: Log In
Sign in using the Google account that is linked to your WhatsApp backups.
Step 3: Go to Storage
From the left-hand menu, click on Storage to view your stored files and backups.
Step 4: Find Backups
In the top-right section of the Storage page, click on the Backups tab or icon to see all backups.
Step 5: Locate and Delete WhatsApp Backup
Scroll through the list and locate your WhatsApp backup. Right-click on the WhatsApp backup entry, select Delete backup, and confirm when prompted to permanently remove it.
How to stop WhatsApp backup?
Stopping WhatsApp backup allows you to prevent automatic saving of chats and media to Google Drive or iCloud. This helps you manage storage, clear WhatsApp storage, and maintain privacy by disabling WhatsApp backup.
On Android
Step 1: Open WhatsApp App
Launch the WhatsApp app on your Android device.
Step 2: Go to Settings
Tap the three-dot menu (More Options) in the top-right corner and select Settings.
Step 3: Open Chats
Navigate to Chats in the Settings menu.
Step 4: Access Chat Backup
Tap Chat Backup to view WhatsApp backup options.
Step 5: Disable WhatsApp Backup to Google Drive
Under Back up to Google Drive, tap the current backup frequency and select Never. This stops WhatsApp backup and prevents your chats and media from being saved automatically.
On iPhone
Step 1: Open WhatsApp App
Launch the WhatsApp app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Go to Settings
Tap the Settings icon at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Open Chats
Select Chats from the Settings menu.
Step 4: Access Chat Backup
Tap Chat Backup to see WhatsApp backup settings.
Step 5: Turn Off Auto Backup
Under Auto Backup, change the frequency to Never. This disables WhatsApp backup, stops automatic chat and media saving, and helps clear WhatsApp storage.
When You Should Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently?
Knowing when to delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently is important for managing storage, protecting your privacy, and stopping WhatsApp backup from saving unnecessary data. Whether you want to clear WhatsApp storage, remove old backups from Google Drive or iCloud, or prevent automatic backups, understanding the right time to act is essential.
1. When You Are Running Out of Storage
If your phone or cloud storage is full, deleting WhatsApp chat backup permanently can free up space. Clearing WhatsApp storage by removing old backups ensures your device runs smoothly without unnecessary files.
2. When You Want to Protect Your Privacy
Deleting WhatsApp chat backup permanently is crucial if you don’t want sensitive chats stored in Google Drive or iCloud. Stopping WhatsApp backup prevents automatic saving of your private messages and keeps your data secure.
3. When You No Longer Need Old Chats
If old conversations are no longer important, you can delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive or iCloud. This helps clear WhatsApp storage and maintain only the relevant chat history.
4. When Switching Devices or Accounts
Before switching to a new phone or changing your WhatsApp account, deleting WhatsApp chat backup permanently ensures old backups are not transferred or synced automatically, giving you a clean start.
5. When You Want to Stop Automatic Backups
If you wish to turn off WhatsApp backup completely, deleting existing backups and disabling future backups prevents Google Drive or iCloud from storing any new chat data.
Effects of Deleting WhatsApp Backup from Google Drive
Deleting WhatsApp backup from Google Drive can impact your chats, storage, and backup settings. Removing old backups helps free up Google Drive space, prevents automatic WhatsApp backup, and ensures your private messages are permanently deleted. Knowing these effects can help you manage WhatsApp storage and privacy effectively.
1. Loss of All Old Chat Backups
When you delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive, all previously saved chats and media are permanently removed. You won’t be able to restore old conversations if you reinstall WhatsApp or switch devices.
2. Free Up Google Drive Storage
Deleting WhatsApp chat backup permanently helps clear Google Drive storage. This is useful if your Drive is full or you want to free space for other important files and backups.
3. Automatic Backup is Stopped
Once you delete WhatsApp backup, future automatic backups may also be disabled if settings are not adjusted. You may need to manually enable WhatsApp backup later if required.
4. No Restoration After Reinstallation
If you uninstall WhatsApp or switch to a new phone, deleted backups cannot be restored. This ensures that your old chats and media are completely removed from cloud storage.
5. Helps Protect Privacy
Removing WhatsApp backup from Google Drive ensures that sensitive conversations are not stored online. This is an effective way to maintain privacy and control over your personal data.
Bonus Tip: Back Up WhatsApp Chats using WA Chat Backup Extension
Step 1: Open WhatsApp Web & Launch WA Chat Backup
Log in to WhatsApp Web using the QR code. Search for wa-chat-backup.com. Click the Install for Free Button. Once installed, pin the extension.
Step 2: Start using WA Chat Backup Tool
Open WhatsApp Web, tap on the Extension icon. In the Home Section of Tool,
you’ll see the dropdown labeled “Backup up based on:”
Select your preferred option: 1] Count of messages. 2] Date range.
Option A: Backup by Message Count
Choose “Count of messages” from the dropdown.
Enter how many messages to back up (e.g., 8, 10, etc.).
Free users: Backup up to 10 recent messages
Premium users: Backup unlimited messages
Option B: Backup by Date Range
Choose “Count of messages” from the dropdown.
Enter how many messages to back up (e.g., 8, 10, etc.).
Free users: Backup up to 10 recent messages
Premium users: Backup unlimited messages
Step 3: Download Your Chat File
Once backup is complete, you’ll see a confirmation screen: “Click on the button to download the recent 1 chat messages…” Click Download Chats Your chats can be downloaded in 4 formats. Click on the downloaded ZIP file to open your WhatsApp chat backup.
Step 4: View Your Chats in Different File Formats
Each export format presents your data in a unique way:
Excel – Best for sorting, filtering, and organizing chats in columns
JSON – Developer-friendly structure, ideal for automation or integration
HTML – Opens in browser like a chat viewer with clean formatting
CSV – Lightweight format great for importing into tools or apps
Conclusion
Deleting WhatsApp chat backup permanently is crucial to manage storage, protect privacy, and stop WhatsApp backup from saving chats automatically. By following the steps on how to delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently and how to delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive, you can also how to clear WhatsApp storage, how to delete WhatsApp backup, how to stop WhatsApp backup, how to stop backup in WhatsApp, delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive, how to remove archive in WhatsApp, how to stop chat backup in WhatsApp, how to delete WhatsApp backup in Google Drive, turn off WhatsApp backup, and how to off backup in WhatsApp. Taking these actions ensures your chats remain private and your WhatsApp experience stays organized, secure, and clutter-free.
FAQ's
How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently?
To delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently, follow these steps to understand How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently? Start by going to your cloud storage provider (like Google Drive), finding the "Backups" section, locating your WhatsApp backup, and deleting it from there. For Android users, you can also open the WhatsApp app on your phone, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and disable future backups to delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently.
Delete the Backup from Google Drive (Android & iOS)
Step 1: Open Google Drive
On your phone or computer, sign in to the Google account you use for WhatsApp backups. This is the first step in How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently?
Step 2: Find Backups
Navigate to the "Backups" section. On mobile, tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-left corner, then select "Backups". On desktop, you'll find it in the left-hand menu.
Step 3: Delete the WhatsApp Backup
Locate the WhatsApp backup in the list, tap the three dots (or right-click on desktop) next to it, and select "Delete backup" to complete How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently?
Step 4: Confirm
Confirm that you want to delete the backup to remove it permanently and ensure no old messages remain.
How to stop or delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently iphone?
To delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently on iPhone, you need to stop automatic backups in WhatsApp and remove existing backups from iCloud. This explains How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently?
Steps to Stop and Delete WhatsApp Backups on iPhone
Step 1: Turn off Automatic Backups in WhatsApp
Open WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, tap Auto-Backup, and select Never. This stops WhatsApp backup and prevents future backups, letting you turn off WhatsApp backup and stop chat backup in WhatsApp.
Step 2: Delete Existing Backups from iCloud
Open iPhone Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Storage > WhatsApp Messenger > Delete Data. Confirm deletion to delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive/iCloud, remove archive in WhatsApp, and clear WhatsApp storage. This ensures How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently?
How to stop or delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently on android?
To delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently on Android, first disable automatic backups in WhatsApp and then remove existing backups from Google Drive. This explains How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently? By doing this, you can stop WhatsApp backup, turn off WhatsApp backup, clear WhatsApp storage, and delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive.
Part 1: Stop Future Backups
Open the WhatsApp app on your Android device. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Tap on "Back up to Google Drive" and select "Never" to stop automatic backups. This helps stop chat backup in WhatsApp and turn off WhatsApp backup.
Part 2: Delete the Existing Backup from Google Drive
Open the Google Drive app on your phone. Tap the three-line menu icon in the top-left corner and select "Backups". Find the WhatsApp backup, tap the three-dot icon next to it, and select "Delete backup". Confirm your decision to permanently delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive. This ensures How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently? and helps remove archives in WhatsApp.
How to delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently from both sides?
To delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently, start by accessing your cloud storage Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iPhone and delete the backup file. Then, disable automatic backups in WhatsApp settings to stop WhatsApp backup, turn off WhatsApp backup, and prevent old chats from being stored again. This shows How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently? and helps clear WhatsApp storage, stop backup in WhatsApp, and delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive or iCloud.
How to delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently on iphone?
To delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently on an iPhone, you need to remove it from both iCloud and the WhatsApp app. This explains How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently? First, go to iPhone Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups, select WhatsApp, and tap Delete Data to remove the backup from iCloud. Then, open WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and tap Delete Backup to remove it from the app.
How to stop backup in WhatsApp?
To delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently and stop future backups, you need to disable automatic backups in WhatsApp and remove existing backup data from Google Drive or iCloud. This explains How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently? and helps turn off WhatsApp backup, stop backup in WhatsApp, and clear WhatsApp storage.
Steps to Stop WhatsApp Backups
Disable Automatic Backups in WhatsApp
Open WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and set the backup frequency to Never. This stops automatic backups on both Android and iOS.
Stop Backups from Google Drive on Android
Go to drive.google.com on a computer, click the gear icon > Settings, then select Manage Apps. Find WhatsApp, click Options, and choose Disconnect from Drive to fully disable backups.
Stop iCloud Backups on iPhone
Open Settings on your iPhone, tap your Apple ID, select iCloud > Manage Account Storage, find WhatsApp, and tap Delete Data. This removes existing backups and prevents future backups from saving to iCloud.
How to delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently on Android?
To delete WhatsApp chat backup permanently on Android, follow these steps. This explains How to Delete WhatsApp Chat Backup Permanently? and helps stop WhatsApp backup, turn off WhatsApp backup, and delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive.
Steps to Delete WhatsApp Backup from Google Drive
Step 1: Open Google Drive
Open the Google Drive app on your Android device and log in to the Google account linked to WhatsApp.
Step 2: Access Backups
Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-left corner and select Backups from the menu.
Step 3: Select WhatsApp Backup
Find your WhatsApp backup in the list and tap the three-dot menu next to it.
Step 4: Delete the Backup
Select Delete backup and confirm your choice to permanently delete WhatsApp backup from Google Drive and stop backup in WhatsApp.
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