Backups WhatsApp take up gigabytes of memory on the phone and in the cloud, slow down the messenger and can even cause errors during recovery chats. If you haven’t cleaned your backups for a long time, most likely, dozens of unnecessary archives have accumulated on your device - from old versions of chats to unsuccessful backup attempts. In this article we will look at without losing the current data, and where exactly they are stored. how to safely delete WhatsApp backups on Androidwithout losing current data, and where exactly it is stored.

The problem is that WhatsApp automatically creates local copies every day at 2:00 am, and cloud ones - on a schedule (daily, weekly or monthly). Over time, these files accumulate: a local copy alone can weigh from 50 MB to several GB, and up to 15 GB per account. We will show you how to clear all this manually and set up automatic management of backups so that the problem does not recur. Google Drive — up to 15 GB per account. We'll show you how to clear all this manually and set up automatic backup management so that the problem doesn't happen again.

Where are WhatsApp backups stored on Android

Before deleting anything, you need to understand where exactly the backup files are located. There are two types: local (on the phone) and cloud (in Google Drive). Each has its own storage paths and features.

Local copies are located in the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases (or /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases on new Androids). Here you will see files with names like msgstore.db.crypt14 —these are chat archives. The number at the end (for example, crypt12, crypt14) indicates the encryption version. The most recent file has no date in the name, the rest have the format msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt14.

Cloud copies are stored in Google Drive in a hidden folder WhatsApp. They cannot be seen through the standard application Disk, but they take up space in your cloud storage. Important: Google Drive data-i="60">Local backups deleting a backup from Google Drive does not affect local files on the phone - they need to be cleaned separately.

  • 📱 Local backups: stored on the phone, takes up internal memory, updated daily.
  • ☁️ Cloud backups: located in Google Drive, can weigh up to 15 GB, updated on a schedule.
  • 🔄 The connection between them: when restoring chats WhatsApp first looks for a local copy, then a cloud copy.
📊 How often do you make WhatsApp backups?
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Never
I don’t know

How to delete local backups from your phone

Local backups are the main reason for lack of memory on your phone. They can be deleted manually through the file manager or using built-in tools WhatsApp. Let's consider both methods.

Method 1: Through the file manager (manual cleaning)

This is the most reliable method, but requires caution. You will need any file manager with access to hidden folders (for example, Total Commander, FX File Explorer or standard Files from Google).

  1. Open the file manager and follow the path: 
    /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases

    If folders WhatsApp no, check /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases.

  2. Delete all files with names msgstore-.db.crypt, except the most recent one (without a date in the name). For example, leave msgstore.db.crypt14, and delete msgstore-2026-05-15.1.db.crypt14.
  3. Clean up the folder /WhatsApp/Backups —they are stored here old multimedia files from backups.
⚠️ Attention: Do not delete the folder WhatsApp entirely - this will lead to the loss of all media files (photos, videos, voice messages). Also, do not touch the files wa.db and axolotl.db - they are responsible for the operation of the account.

Method 2: Through WhatsApp settings (automatically)

WhatsApp allows you to delete old local backups directly in the application, but with limitations. This method does not clear the folder Backups, so after it you should still look into the file manager.

  1. Open WhatsApp → press ⋮ (three dots) → Settings → Chat → Backup.
  2. Tap Delete old copies (or Clear in new versions).
  3. Confirm the action. The application will delete all local backups except the last one.

The disadvantage of this method: it does not show how much space there is. freed up. To check the result, go to Android Settings → Storage → WhatsApp.

Make a fresh backup in Google Drive (Settings → Chat → Backup → Create a copy)

Check the free space on phone (Settings → Storage)

Make sure you have access to the file manager

Save important media files from the WhatsApp/Media folder to another location-->

How to delete WhatsApp backups from Google Drive

Cloud backups take up space in your account Google and can interfere with the creation of new copies. You can delete them only through Google Disk, but with nuances: WhatsApp does not show these files in its interface.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Open Google Drive in a browser (on your phone or PC).
  2. In the search bar, enter: 
    app:"WhatsApp"

    This will filter out all files associated with the messenger.

  3. Select unnecessary backups (they will have names like Backup (2026-05-20 02:00)) and click Delete (trash icon).
  4. Empty the trash Google Drive, otherwise the files will remain there for another 30 days.

If you don’t see backups through search, try:

  • 🔍 Enable showing hidden files in settings Google Drive (on PC: Settings → Show hidden files).
  • 📁 Go to folder WhatsApp manually: it can be in section Applications.
  • 🔄 Refresh page - sometimes backups are not loaded immediately.
⚠️ Attention: Deleting a backup from Google Drive does not cancel automatic backup. To stop creating new copies, disable this function. in WhatsApp: Settings → Chat → Backup → Backup to Google Drive → Never.

How to disable automatic creation backups

If you do not want WhatsApp to continue to clog up your memory, set up or disable automatic backup. This is especially true if you have little space on your phone or in Google Drive.

Backup settings in WhatsApp

  1. Open WhatsApp → ⋮ → Settings → Chat → Backup.
  2. In the section Google Backup Disk select:
    • 🔄 Daily — if chats are critical;
    • 📅 Weekly —the best option for most;
    • 🚫 Never —if you don’t want cloud copies.
  • In the section Backup network select Wi-Fi onlyto avoid wasting mobile traffic.

    • You can also limit the size of backups:

    • 🎥 Disable video backup: Settings → Storage and data → Storage management → Video → Disable auto-download.
    • 📸 Set a limit for photo: select there Photo → Only via Wi-Fi or Never.
    💡

    If you have disabled cloud backups, but want to save important chats, periodically make local copies manually: Settings → Chat → Backup → Create a copy. These files will only be on the phone and will not take up space in Google Drive.

    How to restore chats after clearing backups

    If you have deleted all backups but need to get old messages back, there are several ways. The main thing is not to install WhatsApp again before recovery, otherwise the data may be lost.

    Restoring from a local backup

    If there is a file left on the phone msgstore.db.crypt14 (even an old one), it can be used for recovery:

    1. Delete WhatsApp via Settings → Applications.
    2. Rename the desired backup (for example, msgstore-2026-05-10.1.db.crypt14) to msgstore.db.crypt14.
    3. Install WhatsApp again and confirm your phone number.
    4. When the application prompts you to restore chats, agree.

    Recovery from Google Drive

    If the cloud copy still exists (even if you don’t see it in Google Drive), try:

    1. Delete WhatsApp and install it again.
    2. When you first start, enter the same phone number as before.
    3. When the request to restore from Google Driveappears, confirm.
    4. If the copy is not found, check that you are logged into the same account Googlethat was used for the backup.
    ⚠️ Attention: Recovery only works when using the same phone number and account Google. If you have changed your SIM card or email, you cannot return chats.

    Common mistakes when clearing backups and how to avoid them

    Many users encounter problems after deleting backups. Here are the most common errors and ways to prevent them:

    Error Cause Solution
    WhatsApp does not restore chats after reinstallation The last local one was deleted backup or incorrect Google account Check the presence of the file msgstore.db.crypt14 and the correctness of the account
    Google Drive does not show WhatsApp backups Filter hidden files or slow synchronization Use search app:"WhatsApp" or check the folder Applications
    After clearing the backups, WhatsApp began to lag System files were deleted wa.db or axolotl.db Reinstall WhatsApp and restore chats from the cloud
    There is not enough space for a new backup in Google Drive The storage limit (15 GB) is occupied by old copies Delete unnecessary backups via Google Drive or buy additional space

    Another typical problem: users delete backups, but forget to turn off automatic backups. As a result, after a day or two, copies appear again. Always check the backup settings after cleaning!

    What to do if WhatsApp writes “Could not restore chats”

    Most likely, the problem is a mismatch between the backup version and applications. Try:

    1. Install an older version of WhatsApp (for example, 2.23.12.78).

    2. Rename the backup file, removing the version number (for example, from crypt14 to crypt12).

    3. Restore chats on another phone with the same version of WhatsApp, then transfer the backup back.

    How to transfer WhatsApp backups to another phone

    If you change your smartphone, it is important to transfer your backups correctly so as not to lose chats. The method depends on whether you want to use the cloud or local files.

    Transfer via Google Drive (recommended)

    1. On the old phone:
      • Create a fresh one backup: Settings → Chat → Backup → Create a copy.
      • Make sure the copy is uploaded to Google Disk (check the date of the last backup).
  • On a new phone:
    • Install WhatsApp and log into the same account Google.
    • Confirm your phone number - the application itself will offer to restore chats.

      • Transfer via local backup (without clouds)

      If you do not use Google Drive, copy the backup files manually:

      1. On your old phone, find the folder /WhatsApp/Databases and copy the file msgstore.db.crypt14 on a PC or flash drive.
      2. Install WhatsApp on the new phone, but do not launch it.
      3. Move the copied file to the folder /WhatsApp/Databases on the new device.
      4. Run WhatsApp and restore chats.
    ⚠️ Attention: When transferring between Android and iPhone, this method does not work. To switch to iOS use the official tool Move to iOS from Apple or third-party ones. apps like Backuptrans.
    💡

    The most reliable way to transfer chats is through Google Drive. Local backups may not work if the versions of WhatsApp on the old and new phones are very different.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to delete WhatsApp backups without losing chats?

    Yes, if you leave at least one recent copy (local or cloud). Delete only old backups with dates in the name. Current chats are stored not in backups, but in the phone’s memory until you delete the application.

    Why doesn't WhatsApp see the backup in Google Drive?

    This can happen for several reasons:

    • You are logged into another account Google.
    • The backup was created under a different phone number.
    • The backup files are damaged (try restoring them on another device).
    • Not enough space in Google Drive (check storage).

    How much space does one WhatsApp backup take?

    The size depends on the number of messages and media files:

    • Text chats only: 10–50 MB.
    • With photos and videos: from 500 MB to 2–3 GB.
    • Group chats with a large amount of media: up to 5 GB or more.

      • To reduce the size, clear unnecessary media before making a backup: Settings → Storage → Storage management.

    How to completely disable backups in WhatsApp?

    To WhatsApp stopped creating copies:

    1. Open Settings → Chat → Backup.
    2. Select Backup to Google Drive → Never.
    3. Disable auto-download of media: Settings → Storage and data → Auto-download of media.

    This will stop the creation of new backups, but will not delete old ones - they need to be cleaned manually.

    Is it possible to restore deleted ones backups?

    If you deleted a backup from Google Drive, you can restore it within 30 days through the recycle bin. There is almost no chance for local copies if you do not use file recovery apps (for example, DiskDigger or RecuvaHowever, there is no guarantee of success). — always make sure that important chats are saved in multiple places.