Level 1 (4 points)

WhatsApp backup restore fails on iPhone 12 with version error

Hello, so I figured my WhatsApp storage kept expanding as much as 24gb which was unusual, so I created a backup overnight (10.44gb) then uninstalled WhatsApp and reinstalled it back. On logging in, I was asked to sign in back and restore my backup but I keep getting the error message “Your backup can't be restored by this version of WhatsApp. Please update to the latest version and try again.”

I have the latest iOS version available on my iPhone 12 and also the latest version of WhatsApp is installed. I’ve tried couple of methods from YouTube but none worked.

also, I have about 30gb free of space on phone memory and about 25gb free in iCloud storage too.

please help I’m trying to restore my WhatsApp chat backup

Posted on Nov 7, 2026 12:11 AM

2 replies

LD150

Level 10 (107,674 points)

Nov 7, 2026 3:32 AM in response to Temiloluwa23

If you were using business Whatsapp or non-business regular app ensure you reinstalled the right one.

LD150

Level 10 (107,674 points)

Nov 7, 2026 1:56 AM in response to Temiloluwa23

Firstly turn off the daily backup in WhatsApp settings to avoid overwriting it with nothing.

Secondly you need to get support from a Whatsapp support forum. Users tend not to get support here for Meta apps.

You might want to create more free space on your phone. Check Settings, General, iPhone storage for other high user candidates. If you have photos fully sync'd in iCloud you could try turning off sync and delete them from your phone and wait a day for them to clear.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256390165