How to Delete WhatsApp Backups from Google Drive

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Delete old WhatsApp backups to free up space

Co-authored by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: August 15, 2025 Fact Checked

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In the Mobile App (Android Only)

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On Desktop

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FAQ

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Video

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Q&A

Do you need to delete your WhatsApp backup? Google Drive syncs your social accounts and chat history to the cloud, which can be risky. These backups also take up space on your Google Drive that counts against your storage limits. Read on to learn how to delete your WhatsApp backups from Google Drive using your Android device or a desktop computer.

Delete WhatsApp Backups from Google Drive

Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Tap Google > Backup (or Accounts and backup > Back up data on Samsung).
Click Manage apps in the left panel.
Toggle off Backup by Google One.

Section 1 of 3:

In the Mobile App (Android Only)

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1
Open the Settings app. If you’re backing up WhatsApp to Google Drive on an Android device, you can delete the backups from Settings. Swipe up from the bottom of the Home Screen and tap the
Settings icon.^{[1]
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- If you’re using an iPhone, your WhatsApp data will be backed up to iCloud instead.
If you’re on a Samsung Galaxy, go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Back up data instead.

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Follow the prompts to confirm your selection. As soon as you turn this feature off, all your backups will be deleted except for anything you have stored in Google Photos. This should delete your WhatsApp backup data from Google Drive.

Section 2 of 3:

On Desktop

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Log in to drive.google.com/. Sign in with the account that you use to back up your WhatsApp data.
It’s in the menu bar on the left side of the page.
It’s at the top right corner of the Storage menu.
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Right-click or control-click your WhatsApp backup and select Delete backup. If you’re using a Mac with no right mouse button, Ctrl-click the backup instead.
- You can retrieve items from the trash for up to 30 days. After that, they’ll be permanently deleted. If you want to permanently delete the backups immediately, go to Trash > Empty Trash.^{[2]
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Section 3 of 3:

Frequently Asked Questions

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Are WhatsApp backups automatically deleted? If you don’t use the device with WhatsApp on it for 57 days, your backups will be automatically deleted from Google Drive. The backups will also be deleted if you turn off backups in Settings.^{[3]
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How do I stop WhatsApp from backing up to Google Drive? In the WhatsApp app, tap ⋮ > Settings > Chat > Chat backup. Next to Frequency, select Never.^{[4]
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How do I create a WhatsApp backup in Google Drive? To start backing up your WhatsApp data to Google Drive, go to ⋮ > Settings > Chat in WhatsApp on your Android device. Select Chat backup > Back up to your Google Account. Select your desired backup schedule, then choose the Google account you want to back up your chats to and the network you want to use for backups.^{[5]
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- If you don’t have a Google account connected to your phone, you’ll need to tap Add Account and enter your account details.
- These instructions will only work on an Android. If you use WhatsApp on an iPhone or iPad, you have to back up your data to iCloud instead of Google Drive.

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Question

If I disconnect WhatsApp from my Google Drive, will the backup be deleted?

Community Answer

No, you would have to do the delete hidden app data option.

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Question

I can't see the hidden app data in my options. What should I do?

Community Answer

It is located on the right hand menu under "Backups". Then right click and delete the Whatsapp backup item before disconnecting it.

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Question

Can anyone read my WhatsApp message on Google Drive?

Community Answer

Yes, it can be accessed and read if your Google Drive password is compromised.

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