How to transfer data from WhatsApp to another Android: all methods in 2026

• Download the messenger from Google Play and launch it.
• Confirm your phone number (must match the old one).
• When the request to restore from Google Drive appears, click Restore.

If the backup does not appear in Google Drive, check:

• 🔍 Folder WhatsApp/Databases on the old phone - there should be a file there msgstore.db.crypt14 (if it is not there, a backup was not created).
• 📧 Google Drive settings: Settings → Backup → Application data - there There must be a WhatsApp backup.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 14+ WhatsApp may request additional permissions to access files. If a backup is not created, go to Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Permissions and enable access to all files.

3. Transfer for Samsung: Smart Switch

Owners of devices Samsung (series Galaxy S23/24, A54/55 etc.) have access to a proprietary tool Smart Switchthat transfers not only WhatsApp correspondence, but also other data (contacts, photos, applications). This method works even if you change the phone numberif both devices are from Samsung.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Install Smart Switch on both phones (you can download from Galaxy Store or Google Play).
2. On the old phone:
   • Open Smart Switch → Send data → Cable (or Wireless).
   • Select WhatsApp in the list of data to transfer.

• Run Smart Switch → Get data → Android.
• Connect your phones with a cable (recommended) or via Wi-Fi Direct.
• Wait for the transfer to complete (WhatsApp will be installed automatically).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Transfers all media files without compression (in unlike Google Drive).
• ✅ Works when you change the number (if both phones are Samsung).
• ✅ Saves history calls and voice messages.

Limitations:

• ❌ Does not work between Samsung and other brands (for example, Xiaomi, Google Pixel).
• ❌ Requires original USB-C cable (cheap cables may cause errors).
• ❌ Android 13+ may need to be disconnected Samsung Knox data protection in the developer settings.

4. Manual transfer through database files (for advanced)

If official methods do not work (for example, when changing your phone number or brand), you can transfer data manually by copying WhatsApp database files. This method. requires root access on Android 11+ or the use of ADB commands on older versions.

What you will need:

• 📱 Two phones with WhatsApp (on the old one - the latest version, on the new one - not installed or deleted).
• 💻 Computer with ADB (for Android 11+) or a file manager with access to the root folder (for example, FX File Explorer).
• 🔌 USB cable for connecting phones to a PC.

Instructions:

1. Create a local backup on your old phone:
   • Open WhatsApp → Settings → Chat → Backup → Local backup.
   • Wait for the file to be created msgstore.db.crypt14 in the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases.
2. Copy the files to a new one phone:
   How to copy files without root (via ADB)

   Connect the old phone to the PC and run the commands:

   adb shell
   su
   cp -r /sdcard/WhatsApp /sdcard/Backup_WhatsApp
   exit
   adb pull /sdcard/Backup_WhatsApp

   Then connect the new phone and transfer the folder back:

   adb push Backup_WhatsApp /sdcard/WhatsApp

   • Copy the entire folder WhatsApp (including Databases and Media) to the new phone in /sdcard/.
   • Make sure that the files have not been compressed or modified (for example, when copying via the cloud).

• Install WhatsApp and confirm the same number that was on the old phone.
• When the messenger offers to restore data, it will automatically find a local backup.

Possible errors and solutions:

• 🚫 msgstore.db.crypt14 not found: Check whether Local backup is enabled in the WhatsApp settings.
• 🔄 WhatsApp does not see the backup: Delete the messenger, clear the cache and repeat the installation.
• 🔒 No access to the folder: On Android 13+ use adb or a file manager with root access.

5. Transfer without backup: exporting chats to a text file

If you only need to save text of correspondence (without media files), WhatsApp allows you to export chats in .txtformat. This method is suitable for archiving important conversations or transferring them to devices where other methods are not available (for example, on iPhone).

How to export:

1. Open the desired chat in WhatsApp.
2. Click ⋮ → Export chat.
3. Choose whether to include media files (they will be sent separately).
4. Send the file to yourself by email, to Telegram or save to the cloud.

Limitations:

• ❌ Only exports one chat at a time.
• ❌ Media files are attached separately and may not preserve the structure (for example, the order of messages).
• ❌ Not import .txt back to WhatsApp - read only.

For bulk export of all chats, use third-party utilities, for example WhatsApp Chat Exporter (available in Google PlayThe application allows you to save correspondence in PDF or Excel, but requires permission to access WhatsApp files.

6. Alternative methods: third-party apps

If official methods are not suitable, you can use specialized apps for transferring data. Popular solutions in 2026:

Example of transfer via Dr.Fone:

1. Install the app on your PC and connect both phones via USB.
2. Select WhatsApp Transfer → Backup WhatsApp (for the old phone).
3. After creating a backup, click Restore to Device and select the new phone.

Warnings:

• 🛡️ Do not use unofficial APK for transfer - they may contain malicious code.
• 💰 Most apps are paid (from $20 per license). Free versions usually limit the amount of data.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems. Here are the most common mistakes and their solutions:

1. A backup is not created in Google Drive

• 🔹 Reason: There is not enough space in your Google account or backup is disabled.
• 🔹 Solution: Clean up your Drive or buy additional space. Check the settings: Google Settings → Backup → Back up application data.

2. The recovery “freezes” at 0% or 99%

• 🔹 Cause: WhatsApp version conflict or damaged backup.
• 🔹 Solution: Update the messenger on both phones. If it doesn’t help, create a new backup.

3. There is no recovery option on the new phone

• 🔹 Reason: WhatsApp has already been installed and activated.
• 🔹 Solution: Delete the messenger, clear the data (Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Storage → Clear data) and install again.

4. Not all media files were transferred

• 🔹 Reason: Media saving is disabled in the backup settings.
• 🔹 Solution: Before creating a backup, go to Settings → Chat → Backup → Enable video.

5. Error “The backup cannot be restored”

• 🔹 Cause: Different phone numbers or damaged file msgstore.db.crypt14.
• 🔹 Solution: Use manual transfer (section 4) or temporarily activate the old number.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 14+ WhatsApp can block backup restoration if the Rollback protection (Rollback Protection) function is enabled on the phone. To disable it, go to Settings → System → For developers → Disable rollback protection.

8. Frequently asked questions