Fix WhatsApp Backup Stuck at 0% or 99% (iCloud & Drive)
Updated: 11/29/2025
You are trying to save your chats, but the bar sits at 'Preparing...' or '99%' for hours. This is one of the most common bugs in WhatsApp history. It usually happens because a specific video file in your chat history is corrupt, or there is a conflict between WhatsApp and your Cloud Storage provider (Google Drive or iCloud) regarding available space.
Table of Contents
Method 1: Exclude Videos (The Heavy Lift)
A single corrupted 500MB video file can halt the entire upload process. Removing videos often unsticks the text backup immediately.
Step 1: Backup Settings
Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
Step 2: Toggle Off
Turn OFF 'Include Videos'.
Step 3: Back Up Now
Tap Back Up Now. If it finishes instantly, you know a video file was the culprit. You can try re-enabling videos later on a faster WiFi connection.
Method 2: Delete Existing Cloud Backup
If the previous backup file on the cloud is corrupted, WhatsApp cannot overwrite it. You must delete the old one.
Android (Google Drive):
Open Google Drive App > Menu > Backups. Find the WhatsApp file (it will have your phone number). Tap the three dots > Delete Backup.
iPhone (iCloud):
Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Backups. Delete the WhatsApp entry.
Method 3: Clear WhatsApp Cache (Android)
Temporary files can freeze the compression engine.
After clearing, restart your phone and try the backup again. Do not click 'Clear Data' or you will lose your chats!