How to Back Up WhatsApp, Photos and Contacts Before Selling Your Phone

02 Jul 2026 · 2 min read

Before you sell, make sure nothing important is left only on the old phone. Once you reset it, everything is gone for good. Here is how to save the things people miss most.

Back up WhatsApp

WhatsApp chats are not saved by Google or iCloud automatically. Do this inside WhatsApp:

Android:
1. Open WhatsApp, tap the three dots, then Settings.
2. Tap Chats, then Chat backup.
3. Choose your Google account and tap Back up. Include videos if you want them.

iPhone:
1. Open WhatsApp, then Settings.
2. Tap Chats, then Chat Backup.
3. Tap Back Up Now. Make sure iCloud has enough space.

On your new phone, sign in with the same number and the same Google account or Apple ID, and WhatsApp will offer to restore.

Moving from Android to iPhone, or the other way round? Use WhatsApp's chat transfer option during setup, or Apple's Move to iOS app.

Back up photos and videos

Google Photos: open the app, tap your profile picture and turn on backup. Wait until it says backup complete.
iCloud Photos: go to Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, then Photos, and turn it on.
Computer: connect with a cable and copy the DCIM folder (Android) or import photos (iPhone).

Free cloud storage is limited. If you have many videos, copying to a laptop or USB drive is often easier.

Back up contacts

Android: contacts saved to your Google account sync automatically. Check at contacts.google.com.
iPhone: turn on Contacts in iCloud settings.
Contacts saved only on the SIM or phone memory may not sync. Export them to a file first.

Do not forget these

Authenticator apps. Move them to the new phone before resetting, or you may get locked out of accounts.
Banking apps. You will need to register them again on the new phone. Keep your CNIC and bank details handy.
Notes, voice recordings and documents. Check the Files app.
Saved passwords. Make sure they are synced to Google Password Manager or iCloud Keychain.

Check before you reset

Open Google Photos or iCloud on another device and confirm your photos are there. Open WhatsApp settings and check the date of the last backup. Only then move on to reset.

Next step: factory reset an Android phone or remove iCloud from an iPhone. Then post your ad for free.