Changing a smartphone to a new one often causes anxiety among messenger users, because this is where the history of correspondence, important documents and memories are stored. Unlike regular SMS, the database WhatsApp is a complex file that is not automatically transferred by simply inserting a SIM card. Many users mistakenly believe that simply logging into an account on a new device is enough to see old chats, but this leads to the loss of correspondence.
Fortunately, developers have provided several reliable mechanisms for migrating data between devices based on the operating system Android. The process can range from fully automatic recovery from the cloud to manual file copying via a computer or file manager. The choice of a specific method depends on the availability of Internet access, the amount of memory on the Google drive and the versions of operating systems on both phones.
In this article we will analyze in detail all existing methods so that you can choose the most suitable one for your situation. We will look at the nuances of working with Google Drive, features of local transfer and specific scenarios, such as changing a phone number or switching to a device from another manufacturer. Proper preparation before starting the procedure will save you hours of time and nerves.
Preparing for data transfer and checking requirements
Before you begin the migration procedure, you need to make sure that both devices are ready for use. The old smartphone must have the current one installed, linked to your phone number. It is also critical that both devices are logged into the same account WhatsApp Messenger, linked to your phone number. It is also critical that both devices are signed in to the same account. Googleif you plan to use cloud storage.
Check for free space on Google Drive. Chat backups don't take up space in your primary storage quota only under certain conditions, but if you have a lot of media files, you might run out of space. Make sure both phones are connected to a stable network Wi-Fias downloading and uploading large amounts of data via mobile data can be slow and costly.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your new device is set to the same phone number as your WhatsApp account. Transferring chats to another number requires a separate procedure within the application settings before changing the device.
If you use two-factor authentication, remember your PIN code. When installing the application on a new phone, the system will definitely request this code to confirm the owner’s identity. Without it, it will be impossible to restore access to your account within 7 days, even if you have a backup copy.
☑️ Preparing for data migration
Method 1: Classic recovery via Google Drive
This is the most popular and recommended method by developers, as it minimizes the risk of data loss and does not require connecting cables. The essence of the method is to create a cloud copy on the old device and then download it on the new one. First, open the application settings on your old phone, go to the section Chats → Chat backup.
In the backup menu, select the Google account that you will use on the new device. Press the button Backup and wait for the process to complete. The waiting time directly depends on the size of your correspondence history and the speed of your Internet connection. At this moment, the data is encrypted and sent to the cloud storage servers.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Copy frequency | How often autosaves are created | Daily |
| Network | Type of connection for downloading | Wi-Fi only |
| Video | Enable video in archive | Disable (saves space) |
| Account | Select Google profile | Main mailbox |
After successfully creating a copy on your old device, install WhatsApp to a new smartphone. When you first launch the application, it will automatically detect the presence of a backup copy on the linked Google Drive. You will be prompted to restore your chat history and media files. Agree with this action, and the process will begin automatically.
If the recovery freezes at the "Preparing..." stage, try temporarily disabling mobile data and leaving only Wi-Fi so that the application does not try to switch between networks.
Method 2: Local transfer without using the cloud
Sometimes using Google Drive is impossible due to lack of Internet or full storage. In such cases, the local method of transferring database files comes to the rescue. WhatsApp creates a local copy every day in your device's memory, which you can manually copy to your new phone. This method requires a file manager and, preferably, a computer or memory card.
On the old device, find the data folder. In modern versions of Android, the path usually looks like Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases. In older versions, the folder may be located in the root of the internal memory simply as WhatsApp/Databases. You need a file with a name like msgstore.db.crypt14 (the encryption version number may differ).
⚠️ Attention: The database files are encrypted with a key tied to a specific phone number and device. Simply copying a file without installing the application to the same number will not allow third-party apps to read messages.
Copy the found file to a new smartphone, placing it in exactly the same directory. It is important to do this before installing or launching WhatsApp for the first time on a new device. If the application was already running, uninstall it, clear the data and install it again so that it does not create an empty database before recovery.
What to do if there is no Android/media folder?
On some smartphones, manufacturers hide system folders. Try using a third-party file manager, for example, Total Commander or Files by Google, and allow access to system files in your phone settings.
Features of transfer when changing your phone number
The situation becomes more complicated if you change not only the device, but also the phone number. Simply reinstalling the application and entering a new number will result in the creation of a clean account without correspondence history. To transfer data correctly, you must first complete the procedure for changing the number on old device.
Go to WhatsApp settings on your old phone, select Account → Change number. Enter your old and new phone numbers. The application will offer to transfer account information, including groups and settings. After confirmation, an SMS with a code will be sent to the new number.
After successfully changing the number on your old device, create a backup copy for the new number. Only after this can you proceed to setting up a new phone. When logging in, use the new number, and the system will offer to restore a copy, which is now legally and technically tied to this new identifier.
The number change must be made strictly on the old device until the data is transferred. An attempt to change the number on a new phone without prior migration will result in the loss of the old correspondence history.
Solving common problems and errors
The transfer process does not always go smoothly; users often encounter recovery errors or freezes at the download stage. One of the common reasons is a mismatch between application versions. Make sure that both devices have the latest version WhatsApp from the official store Google Play.
Another problem is the lack of space in the internal memory of the new smartphone. Even if the copy is in the cloud, unpacking it requires free space that exceeds the archive size. Free up a few gigabytes before you start installing the application.
- 📱 "Failed to restore" error: Make sure you are using the same Google account to which the copy was made.
- ⏳ Long loading: Do not interrupt the process, even if it seems to be frozen. Large databases of videos can take over an hour to load.
- 🔒 Request a PIN code: If you forget your two-factor authentication code, you will have to wait 7 days for it to reset, but your chats will remain intact.
Sometimes antivirus software or power-saving system settings can block background data loading. Try disabling power saving mode during recovery. It is also worth checking the application's access rights to the storage in the system settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone using this method?
No, the methods described in the article only work in an Android-to-Android connection. To transfer to iOS, special utilities like “Move to iOS” or paid third-party apps are required, since the systems use different database formats.
Will my messages from groups disappear during the transfer?
No, the history of correspondence in groups is completely saved. However, you will need to re-join some groups if you change your phone number, as other members will see your new number.
What if the backup is too old?
WhatsApp allows you to restore only the latest available copy. If you haven't made a backup for a long time, you won't be able to restore intermediate data. It is recommended to set up automatic daily backups in the future.
Does the backup take up space on Google Drive?
Whatsapp backups created through the app do not take up space in your Google Account quota. However, if you take screenshots or save media files separately, they will count towards your total storage limit.