Changing a smartphone is always stressful, especially when it comes to the safety of personal correspondence. WhatsApp has become the main means of communication for many, and losing dialogue history, important documents or family photos in the application’s “gallery” means losing part of your digital memories. Fortunately, the ecosystem Android offers several reliable data migration mechanisms that do not require deep technical knowledge.
The migration process depends on the version of the operating system and the presence of a Google account. Modern versions Android 12 and newer allow you to migrate even without first uploading to the cloud, using a direct connection between devices. However, the classic method via Google Drive remains the most universal and time-tested solution for most users.
In this article we will analyze all the current methods: from standard cloud backup to local file copying. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes, such as account mismatches or low storage space. It is critical that the phone number on the new device is identical to the number on the old smartphone, otherwise restoring the archive will be impossible.
Preparing the old and new devices for migration
Before starting the transfer process, you need to make sure that both smartphones are in full working order. On the old device, check the application version WhatsApp —it should be updated to the latest available in Google Play. Outdated versions may not form the archive correctly or may not support new encryption protocols.
Be sure to check the availability of free space. The backup can range from a few gigabytes to tens of gigabytes if you actively share media files. Insufficient space will interrupt the process or create a corrupted file that cannot be read.
Make sure you are signed in to the same account on both devices Google. This account will be used to store temporary files in the cloud. It is also recommended to connect both smartphones to a stable network Wi-Fi, since the mobile data may be unstable or have traffic limits.
☑️ Preparation checklist
- 📱 Make sure that the SIM card with your number is installed in the new smartphone or the old phone is capable of receiving SMS codes for verification.
- 🔋 Charge both devices to at least 60-70%, since the process of encryption and data transfer actively consumes energy.
- 🔐 Enable two-factor authentication in advance so as not to block your account when trying to log in from a new device.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using custom firmware or root access, the standard paths to backup files can be changed. In this case, restoration via Google Drive will be the only guaranteed method.
Creating a backup copy in Google Drive
This is the most reliable and recommended method for most users. It allows you to save not only the text of messages, but also media files if the corresponding option is enabled. The process begins on the old smartphone, where the current database is located.
Open the application and go to the settings menu. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Chats → Chat backup. Here you will see information about the last copy, its size and creation date. If you haven't made a backup for a long time, the data may be out of date.
Press the button Backup. The system will begin uploading data to your Google Drive. The process time directly depends on the amount of accumulated information and the speed of the Internet connection. During this process, the screen may go dark, but the application will work in the background.
If you are running out of space in Google Drive (15 GB is free), clear your storage of unnecessary files before backing up WhatsApp, otherwise the process will be interrupted.
It is important to check your backup settings. By default, video files may not be saved to save space. If the history of video messages is important to you, make sure that the switch Enable video is activated before starting copying.
| Option | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | How often a copy is created | Daily |
| Google Account | Where the file is saved | Main mailbox |
| Network | Type of connection for downloading | Wi-Fi only |
| Video | Whether to include video in the archive | Optional (increases size) |
Installing and activating WhatsApp on a new smartphone
After successfully creating a cloud copy, you can begin setting up a new device. Download WhatsApp Messenger from the official store Google Play. Do not use third-party modifications, as they do not support restoring official backups.
When you first launch the application, you will be asked for a phone number. Enter the same number that was used on your old device. The system will send a verification code via SMS or voice call. Enter the code in the appropriate field to confirm ownership of the number.
Immediately after verifying the number, the system will detect the presence of a backup copy in Google Drive associated with this account. A screen will appear asking you to restore your chat history. Click the button Recover. If you skip this step, you will not be able to restore your data later without reinstalling the application.
The recovery process may take time. Text messages will be downloaded first, and then, in the background, media files will begin to download. You can use the messenger right away, but pictures and videos in chats may be displayed as “awaiting loading.”
Local transfer without Google Drive (Android 12+)
Owners of smartphones with an operating system Android 12 and newer can use the direct data transfer function when initially setting up the phone. This method does not require the use of cloud storage and works even with slow Internet.
When you turn on your new smartphone, select the option to copy data from the old device. The system will offer to connect phones via cable or wireless network. Select WhatsApp chats from the list of data to transfer.
On your old phone, you will need to scan the QR code that will appear on the screen of the new device. This will trigger the creation of a local encrypted file and its transfer. Transfer speed depends on the connection method: a USB-C to USB-C cable will provide maximum performance.
- 🔌 Use an original cable or a certified analogue for stable transfer of large amounts of data.
- 📶 When connecting wirelessly, keep devices close and do not switch between lock screens.
- 🔒 Do not interrupt the process, even if it seems to be frozen, the database is being encrypted.
⚠️ Attention: This method only works during the initial setup of the phone (resetting to factory settings). If you have already set up a new phone, you will have to either reset it or use the Google Drive method.
Manual copying through a file manager
For advanced users or in cases where cloud methods are not available, there is a manual method. It requires access to the file system of both devices. On Android 11 and newer, access to the folder may be limited, so you may need to connect to a PC. Android/media may be limited and may require a PC connection.
On your old phone, find the backup folder. The path to it: Internal memory → Android → media → com.whatsapp → WhatsApp → Databases. The file will be named msgstore.db.cryptXX, where XX is the encryption version.
Copy this file to your computer or directly to a new device via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct or cable On the new device, install WhatsApp, but do not run it. First, place the copied file in the same directory: Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases.
Path to place the file:
/Internal Storage/Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases/
Only after placing the file, launch the application. When verifying the number, WhatsApp will detect a local copy and offer to restore data from it. This method is good because it does not depend on the Internet speed and the amount of free space in the cloud.
What to do if the file is not found?
The path may differ on new versions of Android. Try simply searching for "msgstore" in your file manager. Also make sure that display of hidden files is enabled.
Resolution and data recovery
The process does not always go smoothly. Often users encounter the error "Backup not found." This happens if you are signed in to a different Google account on your new phone. Check your device settings and make sure your email matches.
Another common problem is mismatched application versions. If the old phone had a beta version or modification, and the new one has the official version from the Store, the restoration may not work. Install an identical version of the application before starting.
If recovery hangs at a certain percentage, check the network stability. When using mobile data, the connection may be interrupted. Switch to Wi-Fi or make sure the signal is strong.
- 🔄 Try uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp if the recovery process is interrupted.
- 💾 Free up space on the internal storage of your new phone by deleting unnecessary applications.
- 🔋 Make sure the screen does not go blank during the critical phase recording data (set the screen timeout to 10 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: Shell interfaces (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS) can manage resolutions differently. If WhatsApp does not see the files, manually grant it permission to access the files in the system settings:
Applications → WhatsApp → Permissions → Files and media.
The main key to success is the coincidence of the phone number, Google account and the presence of the backup file in the correct directory before launching the application.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer chats by changing your phone number?
Yes, but only using the built-in number change function inside the application Settings → Account → Change number on an old device BEFORE creating backup. After this, a backup is created, linked to the new number, which can be restored on the new phone.
What to do if there is not enough space in Google Drive?
You can free up space by deleting old files, or buy additional space. Alternatively, use a local transfer method via a file manager or cable, which does not require cloud storage.
Will my privacy settings be preserved?
Yes, when restoring from a backup, my privacy settings, blocked contacts, and mailing list are preserved. However, notification settings and themes may be reset to standard depending on the OS version.
Is it possible to restore chats from iPhone to Android?
Yes, but only on smartphones of certain brands (Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, etc.) and only when initially setting up the phone using a Lightning-to-USB-C cable or through special migration tools provided manufacturers.