Changing a smartphone is always stressful, especially when it comes to saving the history of correspondence in instant messengers. WhatsApp has become an integral part of our lives, storing work agreements, family photos and important contacts. The loss of this information can be a real disaster, so the issue of reliable data transfer is especially acute.
Fortunately, the ecosystem Android provides several reliable tools for migration. The process depends on the version of the operating system, the presence of root access and the selected backup method. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods: from regular cloud backup to manually transferring files via a computer.
Regardless of whether you buy a new flagship or restore data after a reset, it is important to act consistently. Mistakes during the preparation stage can result in chats remaining on the old device forever. Let's look at a step-by-step algorithm for each scenario.
Preparing devices before data migration
Before starting the migration procedure, you need to make sure that both devices are ready for use. On an old smartphone, make sure that you have access to the account Googleto which the messenger is linked. This is critical for cloud recovery methods.
Check for free space. If you plan to use local backup or direct transfer, the amount of free memory on the receiving device must exceed the size of the data archive. Typically this is several gigabytes, but for active users the volume can be much larger.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that both phones have the latest version of the WhatsApp application from the official store. Google Play. Differences in software versions may cause conflicts when decrypting the database.
A stable network connection is also required Wi-Fi. Transferring large amounts of data over the mobile data is not only costly, but also risky due to possible connection failure. Charge both devices to at least 80% or connect them to a power source.
Before starting the procedure, disable two-factor authentication on the old device if you do not remember the verification code, so as not to block access to your account on the new phone.
Method 1: Official transfer via Google Drive
This is the simplest method recommended by the developers. It allows you to save not only the text of messages, but also media files if the corresponding option is enabled. The process is fully automated and does not require connecting cables.
First, go to the application settings on your old phone. Go to section Chats → Chat backup. Here you will see a button Backup and settings for the frequency of copy creation. Select the Google account you will use.
An important nuance is the choice of network type. By default, the system may only offer to create a copy via Wi-Fi. If you have an unlimited tariff, you can change this in the settings, but for reliability it is better to use a wireless network.
- 📱 Make sure that the "Enable video" option is enabled in the reservation settings if it is important for you to save video recordings from conversations.
- 🔒 Check if there is enough space in your cloud storage Google Drive. WhatsApp backups do not take up space in the Google quota only when using one account.
- 🔄 Wait until the download is complete. The status “Last copy: today in...” should be updated.
After creating a copy, install WhatsApp on your new smartphone. When you first start, enter the same phone number. The system will automatically detect the backup in the cloud and offer to restore it. Agree with the offer and wait for the process to complete.
Method 2: Local backup without Internet
Sometimes the cloud method is not available due to network problems or a full Google drive. In this case, local backup comes to the rescue. WhatsApp daily creates hidden copies of the database in the internal memory of the device.
The files are stored along the path /Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases on new versions of Android or /WhatsApp/Databases on old ones. You will need a file manager with access to system folders, for example Total Commander or Files by Google.
Copy a file with a name like msgstore.db.crypt14 (the number may differ depending on the encryption version) to your computer or directly to a new phone. If there are several files, select the most recent one by modification date.
| File type | Location (Android 11+) | Location (Android 10 and below) | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base data | /Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases | /WhatsApp/Databases | Critical |
| Media files | /Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Media | /WhatsApp/Media | High |
| Settings | /Android/data/com.whatsapp/files | Medium | |
| Stickers | /Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Stickers | /WhatsApp/Stickers | Low |
Install WhatsApp on the new device, but do not run immediately. First, copy the saved database file to the appropriate folder on the new phone, creating a directory structure manually if it does not already appear.
⚠️ Attention: The name of the backup file must be strictly
msgstore.db.cryptXX. Do not rename the file by adding the date, otherwise the application will not see it when restoring.
Only after placing the files in the desired directory can you launch the application. When you verify your phone number, WhatsApp will offer to restore your local copy instead of the cloud copy. Confirm the action, and the chat history will appear on the screen.
What to do if the recovery is stuck?
If the recovery process is frozen at 99%, do not restart the phone immediately. Please wait 10-15 minutes as decrypting a large database takes time. If nothing changes, delete the application, check the integrity of the database file and repeat the procedure.
Using the "Quick Connect" function when setting up your phone
Modern smartphones based on Android 12 and higher support the native data transfer function during initial setup. This is the most seamless method, integrated directly into the system setup wizard.
When you turn on your new phone for the first time, the system will offer to copy data from the old device. Select the "Copy apps and data" option. Next, follow the instructions on the screen: usually you need to connect both phones with a USB-C cable or use a wireless connection.
In the list of transferred data, be sure to check the WhatsApp application. The system itself will copy not only APK file apps, but also all data associated with it, including cache and message databases.
- 🔌 Use the original cable to connect devices to ensure maximum transfer speed.
- 📲 Do not interrupt the setup process, even if Phone screens turn off to save energy.
- ✅ After completion, check the presence of all chats before deleting data from the old device.
This method is good because it does not require manual intervention in the file system. However, it only works during initial setup. If the phone is already configured, you will have to perform a factory reset (Settings → System → Reset) to use this function.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Transferring data through a computer and cable
For advanced users who do not trust cloud services, there is a method of direct copying via a PC. It requires a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux and a USB cable.
Connect your old phone to the computer in file transfer mode (MTP). Locate your WhatsApp data folder as described in the second section. Copy the entire folder WhatsApp entirely to your computer’s hard drive.
Then connect the new phone. If WhatsApp is already installed on it, uninstall it. Create the folder structure manually or run the application once and close it to let the system create the directories. Copy the saved folder from your computer to the root of the internal memory of your new smartphone.
Pay special attention to access rights. On Android 11 and later, access to the folder is /Android/data restricted. In this case, it is easier to use third-party file managers on the phone itself to move data, or connect the phone in USB debugging mode if you own the tool ADB.
⚠️ Attention: When copying through a computer, make sure that you are copying hidden files. In Windows Explorer, enable the display of hidden elements, as some configuration files may have the "Hidden" attribute.
After copying, launch WhatsApp on the new device. The application will scan the memory, find the local database and offer recovery. This method guarantees a complete copy of the data, including those that were not transferred to the cloud due to synchronization errors.
Direct copying of a folder via a PC is the most reliable way to transfer huge archives with thousands of photos and videos, since it does not depend on Internet speed and cloud storage quotas.
Solving common problems and errors
Despite the simplicity of the instructions, users often encounter difficulties. The most common problem is the message "Backup not found." This happens if you are logged into a different Google account on the new phone, different from the one where the backup is stored.
Another situation: the restoration is successful, but the latest messages are missing. This means that the backup was created a long time ago. In this case, try to find a more recent local file on the old device and transfer it manually.
Sometimes the application gives an error when decrypting the database. This may indicate file corruption or incompatible encryption versions. Make sure that both devices have the latest versions of the messenger.
- 🛑 The "Not enough space" error can be resolved by clearing the cache of other applications or transferring media files to an SD card before restoring.
- 🔄 If the recovery freezes, try turning off the Internet on the new phone to force the application to look for a local copy rather than cloud.
- 📞 Make sure that the SIM card with your number is inserted into the new phone and can receive SMS for confirmation.
In rare cases, completely reinstalling the application helps. Uninstall WhatsApp, restart your smartphone, download the latest version from the store and try recovery again. This clears temporary files that may interfere with the process.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer chat history when changing your phone number?
Yes, it is possible. First, change the number in WhatsApp settings on your old device (Settings → Account → Change number). This will transfer your information to the new number. Then create a backup copy and restore it on a new device, logging in with a new number.
Are privacy settings and groups transferred?
Yes, when restoring from a full backup, all privacy settings, list groups (but not the group chat history, if it was not backed up) and pinned messages. However, notification settings may be reset to standard.
What should I do if I forgot my Google account password?
Without access to your Google account, it is impossible to restore the cloud copy. You will have to use the local method of transferring files via computer or cable described in the article. In the future, be sure to write down your login information in a safe place.
Will messages disappear from your old phone after the transfer?
No, messages will remain on your old device until you delete the app yourself or perform a factory reset. WhatsApp does not delete data from the source when creating a backup. However, remember about security: if you are selling a phone, be sure to delete your account and data.