How to transfer WhatsApp conversations to another Android phone: a complete guide 2026

Moving to a new smartphone is always associated with the risk of losing important data - this is especially true for the history of correspondence in WhatsApp. Even if you use the same account, chats do not automatically sync between devices. In 2026, users Android have at least 5 working methods for transferring dialogs, but each of them has nuances: from limitations on the volume of backup copies to problems with encryption. This article will help you choose the best method depending on your situation - be it changing your phone, resetting settings, or recovering from a breakdown.

It is important to understand that WhatsApp does not provide a direct function for exporting chats between devices over the air. All official methods are based on backup followed by recovery. At the same time If you use different phone numbers or SIM cards, the process becomes more complicated - you will need to temporarily replace the number or manually transfer through third services. We will analyze each scenario, including workarounds for non-standard cases.

1. Official method: backup via Google Drive

The most reliable and recommended WhatsApp method - synchronizing chats with Google Drive. It works on all devices with Android 4.0.3+ and requires linking your account Google to both phones. The main advantage is automation: after setting up, copies are created daily in the background.

However, there are limitations:

• 📱 One ​​Google account —copies are tied to the mail used on the old phone. If the new device has a different email, you will have to change it or use workarounds (see section 4).
• 🔄 One phone number — you can restore chats only to the same number as on the old phone. When changing the number, a temporary replacement of the SIM card will be required.
• 💾 Volume limitation - free tariff Google Drive provides 15 GB, which may not be enough for many years of correspondence with media files.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open WhatsApp on your old phone → ⋮ → Settings → Chat → Chat backup → Create a copy.
2. Select an account Google to save. If a copy is being created for the first time, you will need to allow access to Google Drive.
3. Wait for the process to complete (the time depends on the amount of data and Internet speed). Make sure that the date of the last copy appears at the top of the screen.
4. On the new phone, install WhatsApp, log in with the same number and confirm the restoration from Google Drive when you first start.

Make sure that your old phone has enough charge (at least 50%)|Connect both devices to Wi-Fi (mobile data may not cope with large volumes)|Check free space in Google Drive (go to drive.google.com)|Disable battery optimization for WhatsApp in Android settings-->

⚠️ Attention: If you use two-factor authentication v WhatsApp, disable it in your account settings before transferring. Otherwise, when restoring to a new phone, the system may require a PIN code that you may have forgotten.

Problem	Cause	Solution
Copy not being created	Not enough space on Google Drive	Clean up the disk or buy additional space
Recovery stuck at 0%	Poor Internet connection	Reconnect to Wi-Fi or try again later
Chats were not fully restored	Interrupted connection during recovery	Delete WhatsApp and try restoring from scratch
The copy is not visible on the new phone	Different Google accounts	Log in using the same account as on your old phone

2. Local backup: transfer via file on a memory card

If you do not have access to Google Drive or you prefer to store data offline, you can use local backup. This method is suitable for devices with a slot for microSD or if you can connect your phone to a computer. The main advantage is independence from cloud services and Internet connection.

Local copies WhatsApp stored in a folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases (or /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases on new versions of Android). The files have the format msgstore.db.crypt14 (where crypt14 is the encryption version, may differ). Your task is to copy this file to the new phone before the first authorization to WhatsApp.

Instructions:

• 📁 Connect the old phone to the computer or insert microSD into the new phone.
• 🔍 Find the folder WhatsApp/Databases and copy the latest backup file (usually it has the most recent date).
• 📱 Move the file to the same folder on the new phone. If there is no folder, create it manually.
• 🔄 Install WhatsApp on the new phone, but do not launch it before copying is complete!
• 🔑 When you first launch the application itself will find a local copy and offer to restore chats.

What to do if the copy file is damaged?

If the "Backup file is damaged" error appears when restoring, try the following:

1. Rename the copy file by removing the .crypt14 extension (for example, from msgstore.db.crypt14 to msgstore.db).

2. Use the utility WhatsApp Key/DB Extractor (requires root access) to extract data from the damaged file.

3. Try restoring an older copy (files with dates in the name).

⚠️ Attention: If you are already logged in WhatsApp on a new phone without recovery, the local copy will be overwritten with an empty file. In this case, you will have to delete WhatsApp, clear its data in the Android settings (Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Storage → Clear data) and repeat the process.

This method is especially relevant for users who:

• 🌐 Do not have a stable Internet connection to download data from the cloud.
• 🔒 Are concerned about privacy and do not want to store chats on servers Google.
• 📦 Transfer data between phones with different accounts Google (for example, when purchasing a used device).

3. Transfer between phones with different numbers

Changing a phone number is one of the most difficult situations when transferring chats. Officially WhatsApp does not support restoring backups to another number, but there are workarounds. The main rule: temporary replacement of the SIM card to the old number on the new phone.

Action algorithm:

1. Insert the old SIM card into the new phone.
2. Restore chats via Google Drive or a local copy (see sections 1 and 2).
3. After successful recovery, go to WhatsApp Settings → Account → Change number and follow the instructions to change the number.
4. Confirm the new number via SMS or call.
5. Remove the old number from the account (optional).

If physically replacing the SIM card is not possible (for example, the old number is already deactivated), you can use virtual numbers or temporary activation services. However, this method requires caution:

• ⚠️ Risk of account blocking if you change numbers frequently.
• ⏳ Temporary numbers may not support SMS from WhatsApp.
• 💳 Some services charge a fee for renting a number.

Once every 1-2 years|Once every 5 years|Never changed|More often than once a year-->

An alternative way for technically savvy users is to use tools like WhatsApp Business or GBWhatsApp (modified versions). These applications sometimes allow you to bypass the restrictions of the official client, but are associated with risks:

• 🚫 Violation of the user agreement WhatsApp (risk of ban).
• 🔓 Potential security vulnerabilities.
• 🔄 Unstable operation with frequent errors.

4. Transfer between Google accounts (if emails are different)

If different accounts are used on the old and new phones Google, standard recovery via Google Drive will not work. There are two solutions here: change the account on the new phone or manually copy the backup between cloud storages.

Method 1: Changing the Google account on the new phone

1. Go to Android Settings → Accounts.
2. Delete the current account Google (or add the old one as an additional one).
3. Login using the same account as on the old phone.
4. Install WhatsApp and restore chats from Google Drive on PC. Google Drive.

Method 2: Manually transfer a copy between accounts (for advanced users)

• 🖥️ Go to Google Drive from your old account via a browser on your PC.
• 📂 Find the folder WhatsApp/Backups and download the latest copy file (usually called msgstore.db.crypt14).
• 🔄 Log in Google Drive from a new account and upload the file to the same folder.
• 📱 On the new phone, log in with a new account Google and restore chats.

⚠️ Attention: When manually transferring files between accounts Google Drive may not recognize the copy as valid. In this case, renaming the file to msgstore.db.crypt14.current (without quotes) before downloading will help.

If both methods do not work, there is still an option with local copy (see section 2) or using third-party utilities like Backuptrans WhatsApp Transfer. The latter are usually paid, but support cross-platform transfer (for example, from Android on iPhone and back).

5. Restoring chats after a phone reset or crash

If your old phone broke, was stolen, or you performed a factory reset, the chances of restoring chats depend on whether a backup was created to of the incident. Without a copy, it is impossible to return correspondence - WhatsApp does not store data on its servers.

Scenario 1: There is a copy on Google Drive

• 📱 Install WhatsApp on a new (or restored) phone.
• 🔑 Log in with the same number as on the old device.
• 🔄 When you first launch the application, it will offer to restore chats from Google Drive —confirm the action.

Scenario 2: Local copy only (on the phone or memory card)

• 🛠️ If the phone still turns on, connect it to the PC and copy the folder WhatsApp/Databases.
• 💽 If the phone does not turn on, but microSD is intact, paste it to a new phone or card reader.
• 🔍 Use data recovery apps (for example, DiskDigger or Recuva) if files have been deleted.

As a last resort, you can contact service centers specializing in data recovery. They can extract information even from damaged drives, but the cost of such services starts from 5–10 thousand rubles, and there is no guarantee of success.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems. Here are the most common errors and ways to prevent them:

Error	Why it occurs	How to fix
Recovery stuck on "Preparing..."	Too much data or weak processor	Wait 1–2 hours. If it doesn't help, restart the phone and repeat
Chats are restored, but without media files	In the copy settings, the "Enable video" option is disabled	Create a new copy with media files included
Cannot create a copy due to the error "Not enough space"	There is no free space on your phone or Google Drive	Clear the WhatsApp cache or buy space on Google Drive
The application does not see the local copy	The copy file is damaged or is in the wrong location folder	Check the path: /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/msgstore.db.crypt14

A few more nuances:

• 🔋 Do not interrupt the process recovery - this may lead to the loss of some chats. If the battery is running low, connect the phone to a charger.
• 📶 Use Wi-Fi for large copies (from 1 GB). mobile data may be interrupted or limit speed.
• 🔄 Do not update WhatsApp immediately after the transfer. Wait until the synchronization of media files is completed.

7. Alternative methods: third-party apps

If standard methods do not work, you can use specialized utilities. They are paid, but often save in difficult cases (change of number, cross-platform transfer, damaged copies). Popular tools:

• 🖥️ Backuptrans WhatsApp Transfer —supports transfer between Android and iPhone, as well as recovery from damaged copies. Cost: ~$20.
• 📱 Dr.Fone — WhatsApp Transfer — allows you to transfer chats without a backup (direct copying between phones). Cost: ~$30.
• 🔧 iMobie AnyTrans - suitable for bulk transfer of data, including WhatsAppcontacts and photos. Cost: ~$40.

Advantages of third-party apps:

• ✅ Work even if there is no backup.
• ✅ Support transfer between different platforms (Android ↔ iOS).
• ✅ You can selectively transfer individual chats.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Paid (free versions have limitations).
• ❌ Requires connecting the phone to a PC.
• ❌ Risk of data leakage when using unofficial utilities.

⚠️ Attention: Before using third-party apps, check reviews on independent sites (for example, Trustpilot or Reddit). Some utilities may contain malicious code or may not perform the stated functions.

If you decide to use such a app, follow the algorithm:

1. Download the utility from official website the developer.
2. Connect both phones to the PC via USB (enable debugging mode on Android).
3. Follow the app instructions to scan and transfer data.
4. Once completed, check the integrity of the chats on the new phone.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring WhatsApp chats

Can I transfer WhatsApp chats to a new phone if I change my number?

Yes, but to do this, temporarily insert the old SIM card into the new phone, restore the chats, and then change the number in the settings WhatsApp (Settings → Account → Change number). If the old number is not available, you will have to use third-party utilities or contact support WhatsApp (success is not guaranteed).

Why, when restoring, the chats were restored, but without photos and videos?

Most likely, the "Enable video" option was disabled in the backup settings. Create a new copy with media files included:

1. Open WhatsApp on your old phone.
2. Go to Settings → Chat → Chat backup.
3. Click "Enable video" (the option appears when creating a copy).
4. Wait until the restoration is complete and repeat the restoration.

Is it possible to transfer chats from Android to iPhone?

Officially - no, because WhatsApp uses different backup formats for Android and iOS. However, there are workarounds:

• Use the app Backuptrans WhatsApp Transfer (paid).
• Export chats in format .txt via Settings → Chat → Chat history → Export chat (without media files).
• Contact service centers that specialize in data recovery.

Please note that when transferring to iPhone some functions may be lost (for example, stickers or voice messages).

How long does it take to transfer chats?

Time depends on the amount of data and the transfer method:

• Google Drive: from 10 minutes to several hours (depending on Internet speed).
• Local copy: 5–30 minutes (if files are copied via a memory card).
• Third-party apps: 20–60 minutes (including scanning and processing).

To speed up the process, connect your phone to a charger and use a high-speed Internet connection.

What to do if the error “The backup could not be restored” appears during recovery?

This error occurs for several reasons. Try the following steps:

1. Check that the new phone same numberis the same as the old one.
2. Make sure that the copy file is not damaged (try restoring an older version).
3. Clear the data WhatsApp on the new phone (Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Storage → Clear data) and repeat the recovery.
4. If is in use Google Drive, check that there is enough space on your phone Enough space to restore.
5. Restart your phone and try again.

If nothing helps, contact support WhatsApp via the feedback form in the application.