To enable end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for WhatsApp chat backups, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Access Settings :
- On Android, tap the three-dot menu icon at the top right and select Settings.
- On iPhone, tap the Settings icon at the bottom right.
- Go to Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap on End-to-end Encrypted Backup (usually at the bottom).
- Tap Turn On or Continue.
- Choose to secure your backup either by:
- Creating a password (you will need to enter and confirm it), or
- Using a 64-digit encryption key generated by WhatsApp (make sure to save this key securely).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- Once done, tap Create or Done to start the encrypted backup.
Important notes:
- Your backups will now be encrypted before uploading to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone), meaning neither WhatsApp nor the cloud provider can access your backup content.
- You must remember your password or keep your encryption key safe; if lost, WhatsApp cannot recover your backup.
- It’s recommended to keep your device connected to power during the backup process
To disable end-to-end encryption for backups, repeat the steps to reach End- to-end Encrypted Backup and select Turn Off , then enter your password or encryption key to confirm
. This process adds an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp chats beyond the default end-to-end encryption of messages in transit.
