I want to backup my WhatsApp chats to iCloud on my old iPhone 14 Pro Max, so I can restore them to my new 16 Pro Max. I get the message: Backup not complete. Not signed in to iCloud. However I am definitely signed in to iCloud and WhatsApp is enabled in iCloud. Why is it not backing up?
iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 18
Verify you can create an iCloud backup of your device by going to Settings > [name on top] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
Do you see any problem with iCloud here and are you able to back up your device?
WhatsApp does not include their data with the normal iCloud Backup and have their own way to backup to iCloud as seen here:
https://faq.whatsapp.com/481135090640375/?helpref=hc_fnav&cms_platform=iphone
This should help clear up if the error message is coming from Apple showing a problem with iCloud if you are not able to back up your device, or if it is a problem with WhatsApp that is not recogizing iCloud.
Verify you can create an iCloud backup of your device by going to Settings > [name on top] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
Do you see any problem with iCloud here and are you able to back up your device?
WhatsApp does not include their data with the normal iCloud Backup and have their own way to backup to iCloud as seen here:
https://faq.whatsapp.com/481135090640375/?helpref=hc_fnav&cms_platform=iphone
This should help clear up if the error message is coming from Apple showing a problem with iCloud if you are not able to back up your device, or if it is a problem with WhatsApp that is not recogizing iCloud.
Thank you for your kind reply Mac Jim ID, much appreciated.
Yes I am able to back the phone up to iCloud. No issues there.
When following the method as shown in your link, that is where I get the message: Backup not complete. Not signed in to iCloud. So the problem appears to be WhatsApp not recognising iCloud, somehow.
I have tried WhatsApp support but going in circles there. Will try again.
Thanks again.
I know that WhatsApp is not an Apple product. But iCloud is, and the problem is that iCloud thinks I'm not signed in when in fact I am.
I can suggest that you go to Settings > [name on top] > iCloud > iCloud Drive. Make sure it is turned on and also tap Apps Syncing to iCloud Drive, and see if there is a switch to allow WhatsApp access. Not sure if that is the setting you used to make sure WhatsApp was enabled in iCloud.
Hallelujah! Problem solved. iCloud Drive wasn't turned on. iCloud Drive hadn't been mentioned in anything I had read on the subject. My chats are now transferred and I am able to use my new phone.
You are so clever! Many thanks and have a great day.
WhatsApp support at WhatsApp.com. That is not an Apple product
Right on!
Unable to backup WhatsApp chats to iCloud
