WhatsApp automatically creates backup copies of your chats, media files and settings - this is convenient if you suddenly lost access to your account or bought a new smartphone. But what to do if automatic backup takes up gigabytes of memory v Google Driveslows down your phone or you just don’t want your correspondence to be stored on third-party servers? There are several ways to disable backup in WhatsApp - from temporary suspension to complete deletion of all archives.

In this article we will look at all available methods for disabling backup on Androidincluding hidden settings that the standard interface does not show applications. You'll learn how to stop the creation of copies in Google Drive, delete existing archives, and what to do if WhatsApp ignores your settings. Important: some actions can lead to irretrievable data loss —we will explain the risks in detail and offer alternatives.

Why does WhatsApp create backups and is it possible to disable them

By default, WhatsApp saves copies of your chats every 2-7 days (depending on the settings) in Google Drive (if an account is linked Google) or locally on the device. This is done for:

  • 🔄 Quick restoration of correspondence when changing phone or reinstalling the application.
  • 📱 Synchronizing data between devices (if you use WhatsApp Multi-Device).
  • 🛡️ Protection against accidental deletion of important messages.

However, this function also has a downside:

  • 📉 Backups take up space in Google Drive (up to 15 GB on free tariff).
  • 🐢 The backup process can slow down the phone, especially on weak devices (Redmi 4A, Samsung Galaxy J2).
  • 👁️ Copies are stored on servers Google, which raises questions about confidentiality (even if the data is encrypted).

Is it possible to disable backup completely? Yes, but with reservations:

  • ✅ Local copies on the phone are deleted manually.
  • ✅ Auto-upload to Google Drive can be disabled in WhatsApp settings.
  • ❌ You can completely remove all traces of backups from Google Drive only through the web interface (the WhatsApp application does not do this can).
⚠️ Attention: Disabling backup means that if you lose access to your account (deleting an application, resetting your phone), you you will not be able to restore them. chatsIf correspondence is important to you, save them manually via Settings → Chat → Chat history → Export chat.

Method 1: Disabling automatic backup in Google Drive

The simplest method is to stop uploading copies to the cloud. This will not delete existing archives, but will prevent new ones from appearing. Instructions:

  1. Open WhatsApp and tap on three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
  2. Go to Settings → Chat → Backup chats.
  3. Click Create a copy in Google Drive and select Never.
  4. A warning will appear at the bottom of the screen - confirm the action, by clicking Disable.

If the option Create a copy in Google Drive is inactive (gray), it means:

  • 📱 There is no account linked on the phone Google (add it to Android Settings → Accounts).
  • 🔌 There is no Internet connection (backup to the cloud requires a network).
  • 🔒 WhatsApp does not have rights to access Google Drive (check in Android Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Permissions).

Added a Google account on the phone|Has Internet access|WhatsApp has permission to access Google Drive|Free space in Google Drive (minimum 100 MB)-->

After disabling automatic backup, old copies will remain in Google Drive. To delete them:

  1. Open Google Drive in a browser.
  2. In the search bar, enter whatsapp - all backups will be displayed.
  3. Select unnecessary files and click Delete (or Trash for temporary storage).
⚠️ Attention: Deleting backups from Google Drive is irreversible. If you decide to restore chats later, WhatsApp will not be able to use these archives.

Method 2: Deleting local backups on your phone

WhatsApp stores copies of chats not only in the cloud, but also in the phone's memory. These files take up space (sometimes up to 5–10 GB) and can interfere with app updates. To delete them:

  1. Connect your phone to a PC or use file manager (for example, Total Commander).
  2. Go to the folder: 
    /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/

    (if WhatsApp is installed on a memory card, the path may be /storage/extSdCard/WhatsApp/Databases/).

  3. Delete all files with the extension .crypt14, .crypt12 or msgstore.db.crypt*.

If the folder Databases is empty or there are no files, then:

  • 📁 Local copies are disabled (check your backup settings in WhatsApp).
  • 🔍 Files are hidden (enable the display of hidden folders in the file manager).
  • 🗑️ Copies have already been deleted by another app (for example, Clean Master).

To prevent the creation of new local copies:

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings → Chat → Chat backup.
  2. Click Create a local copy and select Never.
💡

If you deleted local copies, but WhatsApp continues to create them, try revoking the application's permission to access the storage (Android Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Permissions → Memory).

Method 3: Disabling backup via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, WhatsApp ignores settings), you can block the creation of backups via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for users with unlocked developer mode.

Instructions:

  1. Enable USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return in Settings → System → For developers).
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and install ADB (download Platform Tools from Google).
  3. Open the command line (cmd) and run: 
    adb shell pm revoke com.whatsapp android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

    This will revoke WhatsApp's memory access and the application will not be able to create local copies.

To regain access:

adb shell pm grant com.whatsapp android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
⚠️ Warning: Revoking permission WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE may interfere with other WhatsApp functions, such as uploading media files to chats. Use this method only if you are prepared for the consequences.
What to do if ADB does not see. device?

Make sure that USB debugging is enabled and drivers for your phone model are installed. Some devices (Xiaomi, Huawei) require additional confirmation of the connection on the smartphone screen. Also make sure that you are using an original USB cable (not all cables support data transfer).

Method 4: Using third-party applications for control. backups

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use specialized utilities. They allow you to:

  • 📊 View the size of WhatsApp backups.
  • 🗑️ Delete old backups without access to Google. Disk.
  • 🔄 Set up an automatic cleaning schedule.

Popular applications:

Application Features Cons
WhatsApp Cleaner Deletes local copies, cache, unnecessary media files Advertising, requires root for some functions
Files by Google Shows used space, offers to clear backups Does not delete copies from Google Drive
SD Maid Deep cleaning, search for duplicate backups Paid version for full functionality

Example of working with Files by Google:

  1. Install the application from Play Market.
  2. Open the section Cleaning.
  3. Select Large files and find the folder WhatsApp/Databases.
  4. Mark unnecessary files and click Delete.

Manually through settings|I use third-party applications|Delete folders via PC|I never clear -->

Method 5: Completely deleting your WhatsApp account (extreme measure)

If you want permanently deleting all WhatsApp data, including backups, you can deactivate your account. This will lead to:

  • 🗑️ Deleting all chats, media files and settings.
  • 🚫 Blocking a phone number on WhatsApp (re-registration is possible only after 30–90 days).
  • 🔥 Automatic deletion of backups from Google Drive (after ~45 days).

Instructions:

  1. Open WhatsApp and go in Settings → Account → Delete my account.
  2. Enter the phone number in international format (for example, +79123456789).
  3. Confirm the action by clicking Delete my account.
⚠️ Attention: Deleting your account is irreversible. You will lose access to all chats, groups and media files. If you just want to change your number, use the Change number in the account settings.
💡

Deleting an account is the only way to ensure that all backups from Google Drive are erased without manual deletion. However, this is an extreme measure that deprives you of the ability to use WhatsApp on this number.

What to do if WhatsApp ignores backup settings

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that WhatsApp continues to create backups, despite disabling the function in the settings. Reasons and solutions:

Problem Solution
Settings are reset after updating WhatsApp Update the application to the latest version or roll back to the previous one
The backup starts automatically yourself at night Check whether automatic backup is enabled in Google Drive (Google Drive Settings → Backup)
Local copies appear despite being disabled Delete the folder Databases manually and revoke the write permission (see Method 3)

If all else fails:

  1. Create a empty file name nomedia (without extension) in a folder /WhatsApp/Databases/. This will hide it from system scanners.
  2. Use Tasker or Automate to automatically delete new backups on a schedule.
  3. Contact WhatsApp support via Settings → Help → Contact us.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about WhatsApp backup

Is it possible to disable backup only for individual chats?

No, WhatsApp does not provide such a function. Backup works for all chats at onceThe alternative is to manually export important correspondence via Chat settings → Export and delete them from the general backup.

Why does WhatsApp create copies if I disabled Google Drive?

WhatsApp can create local copies even without being linked to Google Drive. They are stored in the phone's memory and take up space. To disable them, go to Settings → Chat → Backup → Local copy and select Never.

How to transfer a WhatsApp backup to a new phone without Google Drive?

Copy the folder /WhatsApp/Databases/ from the old phone to the new one (in the same directory). Install WhatsApp, confirm the number and wait for the offer to restore chats from a local copy. Important: the files must have the same name (for example, msgstore.db.crypt14).

Will WhatsApp work without a backup?

Yes, the application will function as normal. The only thing the difference is that when you reinstall or change your phone, you will not be able to restore old chats. Current messages and media files will remain in place.

Is it possible to restore deleted backups from Google Drive?

If you deleted copies less than 30 days agocheck Trash Google Drive. After this period, the files are deleted permanently. An alternative is to contact Google support with a request for recovery (success is not guaranteed).

If you decide to disable backup, regularly export important chats manually or save media files in another location (for example, on a PC or in Telegram Saved MessagesRemember: automatic backup is insurance against data loss, and disabling it increases the risks.