Moving to a new smartphone is always associated with the question: how to save valuable data, especially the history of correspondence in WhatsApp? The official method via Google Drive requires account linking and does not always work reliably. But what to do if you fundamentally do not use Google services or encounter errors during recovery? In this article we will look at transferring chats between Android devices - from manually copying files to using third-party tools. Google Drive 5 alternative methods functions for direct export of chats between devices without cloud backup. All the described methods are based on manipulations with local database files ( transferring chats between Android devices - from manually copying files to using third-party tools.

It is important to understand: WhatsApp does not provide a built-in feature for directly exporting chats between devices without cloud backup. All described methods are based on manipulations with local database files (msgstore.db.crypt14) and require accuracy. Errors at the copying or recovery stage can lead to loss of some messages or complete inability to restore history. Before starting the procedure, make sure that both devices have enough free space and the battery level exceeds 50%.

Why is the official method via Google Drive not suitable?

The standard backup algorithm to WhatsApp involves binding to Google Account and loading the archive to Google Drive. However, this method has critical limitations:

  • 🔒 Authorization required —the process is impossible without a Google account.
  • ⏳ Long recovery —with a large volume of chats (10+ GB), the download may take hours.
  • 🚫 Synchronization errors —users often encounter the message “Failed to restore chats.”
  • 📱 Binding to a phone number —if the SIM card is temporarily unavailable, recovery is blocked.

In addition, Google Drive has limitations on the amount of free storage (15 GB per account), and archives WhatsApp can occupy tens of gigabytes when actively using the messenger. Alternative methods work around these problems, but require manual control.

⚠️ Attention: Starting with version WhatsApp 2.23.10, the backup format has changed. If you are using an older version on one of the devices, you may need to first update or convert the database files.

Method 1: Transfer via local copy (without root access)

This method is suitable for most users and does not require superuser rights. The idea is to manually copy backup files from one device to another. Important: both phones must use (or differ by no more than 1-2 builds). the same version of WhatsApp (or differ by no more than 1-2 assemblies).

Action algorithm:

  1. Create a local copy on the old device:
    • Open WhatsApp → ⋮ → Settings → Chat → Backup.
    • Click "Create a copy" (without linking to Google Drive).
    • Wait for the process to complete (the file will appear in the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases).
  2. Copy the files to a new device:
    • Connect both phones to the PC or use file manager with OTG support (for example, FX File Explorer).
    • Find the folder on the old device WhatsApp/Databases and copy the files msgstore.db.crypt14 and msgstore.db.crypt14.key.
    • Paste them into a similar folder on the new device (if necessary, create it manually).
  • Restore chats:
    • Install WhatsApp on a new device and confirm your phone number.
    • When the application prompts you to restore history from a local copy, agree.

    Create a local copy on your old phone|Copy files msgstore.db.crypt14 and .key|Install WhatsApp on a new device|Verify the number and restore chats-->

    If on the new device WhatsApp has already been installed and initialized, delete it, clear the cache and repeat the procedure. Otherwise, the application will ignore the local copy.

    ⚠️ Attention: Files crypt14 are only compatible with versions WhatsApp 2.21.15 and later. For older versions (before 2021), use files crypt12 or crypt13, but their restoration may require additional manipulations.

    Method 2: Using third-party applications (for example, Backuptrans)

    For users who do not want to bother with manually copying files, there are specialized utilities. One of the most reliable is Backuptrans Android WhatsApp Transfer. The app runs on Windows i macOS, supports the transfer of not only chats, but also media files (photos, videos, voice messages).

    Advantages of the method:

    • 🔄 Cross-platform —works between Android and iOS (if needed in the future).
    • 📂 Selective transfer —you can select individual chats or periods of correspondence.
    • 🔒 Encryption —data is transferred over a secure channel.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Download and install Backuptrans from official website (the free version allows you to transfer up to 100 messages).
    2. Connect both Android devices to the PC via USB (turn on USB debugging in Settings → For developers).
    3. In the app, select the option "Transfer WhatsApp between Android".
    4. Specify the source (old device) and target (new device), then click "Transfer".
    Option Backuptrans Manual transfer
    Cost From $29.95 (full version) Free
    Transfer speed High (5-10 min) Low (depending on volume)
    Support for media files Yes Only when manually copying the folder Media
    Do you need root access? No No
    💡

    If Backuptrans does not recognize the device, try reinstalling the drivers ADB or use the original USB cable (not all cables support data transfer).

    Method 3: Transfer via Titanium Backup (requires root access)

    For users With root access the most flexible method is available - using Titanium Backup. This application allows you to create a complete copy of your data WhatsApp, including settings and cache, and restore them on a new device. Important: both phones must be rooted.

    Instructions:

    1. Install Titanium Backup on both devices (available in Google Play or on official website).
    2. On the old device:
      • Run Titanium Backup and provide root access.
      • Find WhatsApp in the list of applications and select "Backup copying".
      • Copy the created file .tar.gz to a new device (for example, via Total Commander).
  • On a new device:
    • Install WhatsApp, but do not run it.
    • In Titanium Backup select "Restore" and specify the copied file.
    • Reboot the device and run WhatsApp.
      • What to do if after recovery there are no chats are displayed?

      If chats do not appear after restoration via Titanium Backup check:

      1. Are the versions the same WhatsApp on both devices.

      2. Are folder access rights restored correctly? /data/data/com.whatsapp.

      3. Does the restored copy conflict with existing data (try deleting WhatsApp and repeating the procedure).

      This method guarantees 100% data transfer, including notification settings and draft messages. However, it is only suitable for experienced users, as it requires working with system files.

      Method 4: Transfer via ADB (for advanced users)

      If you have experience working with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can transfer chats without root using the command line. This method is useful when other methods do not work due to manufacturer restrictions (for example, on devices Xiaomi or Huawei with access to system folders blocked).

      Step-by-step guide:

      1. Install ADB on PC (instructions for Windows, macOS i Linux are on the official Android website).
      2. Connect the old device to the PC and run the commands: 
        adb backup -f whatsapp.ab -apk com.whatsapp

        adb pull /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases msgstore.db.crypt14

      3. Disconnect the old device and connect the new one. Move file msgstore.db.crypt14 to folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases: 
        adb push msgstore.db.crypt14 /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/

        adb restore whatsapp.ab

      4. Install WhatsApp on a new device and restore chats from a local copy.

      This method allows you to bypass the limitations of the Android file system, but requires strict adherence to instructions. Errors in commands ADB may result in data loss.

      Manually copying files|Third-party apps (Backuptrans)|Titanium Backup (root)|ADB (command line)|Another method-->

      Method 5: Transfer via WhatsApp Business (workaround way)

      A little-known life hack: if you temporarily install WhatsApp Business on a new device (instead of the usual WhatsApp), you can restore chats from a local copy and then transfer them to the main application. This works because WhatsApp Business uses the same database structure. data, but does not require linking to Google Drive upon first launch.

      Algorithm:

      1. On the old device, create a local copy of chats (as in Method 1).
      2. Copy the files msgstore.db.crypt14 and folder Media to the new device.
      3. Install WhatsApp Business (not the usual WhatsApp!) and confirm the same phone number.
      4. When the application offers to restore chats from a local copy, agree.
      5. After successful restoration:
        • Make a new local copy already in WhatsApp Business.
        • Delete WhatsApp Business and install normal WhatsApp.
        • Restore chats from the copy created in step 5.1.
    ⚠️ Attention: This method may not work if the normal one was already installed and initialized on the new device. WhatsApp. In this case, you will have to reset the application settings or use another solution.
    💡

    Method with WhatsApp Business is the only way to bypass the recovery lock on devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where standard methods often give failure.

    Frequent errors and their solutions

    Even when following instructions exactly, users encounter problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

    Error Cause Solution
    "Failed to restore chats" Version mismatch WhatsApp or file corruption msgstore.db. Update the application on both devices to the latest version or use Backuptrans.
    Chats have been restored, but without media files The folder Media was not copied or the folder structure is broken. Manually copy the folder WhatsApp/Media from the old device.
    WhatsApp "stuck" during the recovery phase Insufficient free space or cache conflict. Clear the application cache and make sure that there are at least 2 on the device GB of free space.
    File msgstore.db.crypt14 not detected A local copy was not created or the folder Databases hidden. Enable the display of hidden files in the file manager and check the path /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases.

    If none of the methods worked, try reset the settings WhatsApp to factory settings (in the application settings) and repeat the recovery procedure. As a last resort, contact Whatsapp support service, providing the error log (can be obtained through Settings → Help → Send report).

    Is it possible to transfer chats between devices with different phone numbers?

    Yes, but to do this you will need to temporarily install the old SIM card in a new device or use the method with Titanium Backup/ADBAfter restoring the chats, you can change the number in the settings WhatsApp (Settings → Account → Change number). Please note: when changing the number, groups will have to send a new invitation.

    Why do some messages or media files disappear after the transfer?

    This happens due to:

    • 🔹 Incomplete copying —check are all files from the folder copied? Databases (sometimes several backup copies are created with dates in the name).
    • 🔹 Version restrictions —if the new device has an older version WhatsApp, it may not support the format. crypt14.
    • 🔹 File corruption —try creating a new local copy on your old device.

    To restore media files, copy the folder WhatsApp/Media manually.

    Will the transfer work if WhatsApp is already installed on the new device?

    No. To successfully restore from a local copy WhatsApp must be installed from scratch. If the application is already initialized, uninstall it, clear the data (Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Storage → Clear data) and install it again.

    Is it possible to transfer chats from Android to iPhone without a Google Account?

    Officially - no. WhatsApp does not support direct transfer between different operating systems. However, you can use workarounds:

    • 📱 Backuptrans — the app supports cross-platform transfer (Android → iOS).
    • 🖥️ Export chats in .txt format — via Settings → Chat → Export chat (without media files).

    Please note that transferring from Android to iPhone always involves the risk of losing some data (for example, voice messages may not be restored).

    How to transfer only selected chats, and not the entire history?

    For selective transfer, the following are suitable:

    • 🔍 Backuptrans — allows you to select specific chats or contacts.
    • 📤 Export chat manually — in WhatsApp open the desired chat → ⋮ → More → Export chat (saved in .txt or .zip).

    Please note: exported chats will not be displayed as regular correspondence - they can only be read or forwarded.