The transition to a new smartphone is always associated with the need to transfer data - especially when it comes to WhatsAppwhere years of correspondence, important files and media are stored. But what to do if you don’t have a SIM card at hand and your account is linked to an old number? Many users encounter this problem when buying a new Androiddevice, changing operator or losing a SIM card. Fortunately, there are legal transfer methods without a physical SIM card —both using official tools WhatsAppand through workarounds.

In this article we will look at all current methods of 2026including backup in Google Drive, local transfer via msgstore.db.crypt14 file, use of virtual numbers and even manual recovery via WhatsApp Web. We will pay special attention to the nuances: why it is sometimes required SMS confirmation even without a SIM card, how to bypass two-step authentication and what to do if the new phone does not recognize the backup copy. All instructions are adapted for Android 10–14 and tested on devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and OnePlus.

Before you begin, make sure you have access to your old phone for at least 10-15 minutes - this is critical for most methods. Also check the free space on both devices: a complete transfer of chats from media may require up to 5-10 GB.

📊 How often do you change your smartphone?
Every 1-2 years
Every 3-4 years
Less than once every 5 years
Only if it breaks

1. Official transfer via Google Drive: step-by-step guide

The most reliable way is to use the built-in backup function WhatsApp to Google Drive. It works even without a SIM card in a new phone, but requires several key conditions:

  • 📱 Old phone must be connected to Google account (the same as on the new device).
  • ☁️ There must be enough space on Google Drive there must be 15 GB for free).
  • 🔄 A backup copy must be created no later than 7 days prior to transfer (otherwise WhatsApp will require a fresh backup).

How to do this:

  1. Open WhatsApp on your old phone → ⋮ (menu) → Settings → Chat → Backup.
  2. Click "Create a copy" (if the last copy is out of date). Wait for it to complete - the process may take up to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data.
  3. Install WhatsApp on the new phone from Google Play and open it. At the login stage, enter the same number that was on the old device.
  4. When the request to restore from Google Drive, confirm and wait for the download to complete.

⚠️ Attention: If the new phone is different Google account, link the old account in the device settings (Settings → Accounts → Add account). Otherwise WhatsApp will not see the backup copy.

Synchronize contacts with Google account

Check free space on Google Drive

Update WhatsApp to the latest version on both phones

Connect both devices to Wi-Fi (mobile data may not cope with large volumes)

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2. Local transfer via msgstore.db.crypt14 file (without cloud)

If Google Drive is unavailable (for example, due to corporate mail restrictions or blocking in the country), you can transfer data manually via a local copy. This method requires physical access to both phones and USB-OTG wires or computer.

Action algorithm:

  1. On the old phone, go to Settings → Storage → Files → WhatsApp → Databases. Find the file msgstore.db.crypt14 (this is the latest backup).
  2. Copy it to your computer or directly to a new phone (for example, via USB-OTG or Bluetooth).
  3. Install WhatsApp on a new device, but do not run it immediately. First, move the copied file to the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases on the new phone.
  4. Run WhatsApp and enter the number. When prompted to restore, select "Restore".

⚠️ Attention: If the file msgstore.db.crypt14 is missing, check hidden folders or create a new backup manually via WhatsApp Settings → Chat → Backup → Local Copy.

What to do if WhatsApp does not see the local copy?

If after moving the file msgstore.db.crypt14 WhatsApp does not offer to restore data, try:

1. Rename the file to msgstore.db.crypt12 (sometimes helps when changing the encryption version).

2. Delete the folder WhatsApp on the new phone and repeat the transfer.

3. Use third-party utilities like WhatsApp Viewer (requires root access).

3. Transfer without a SIM card: how to bypass SMS confirmation

The main problem when transferring WhatsApp without a SIM card is number confirmation. Even if you have a backup, the application will require you to enter the code from the SMS. This can be solved in several ways:

  • 📞 Call instead of SMS: At the stage of entering the number, press "Send code via call". The robot will dictate a 6-digit code.
  • 💬 Virtual number: Use services like TextNow, Google Voice or Dingtone to receive SMS (does not work in all countries).
  • 🔄 Temporary SIM: Apply for an electronic SIM (eSIM) from the operator (for example, MTS or Tele2 offer such options).

If none of the methods worked, try transfer the number to a new SIM through a communication salon (even without a physical card, many operators allow you to activate the number on eSIM remotely).

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If you are using a virtual number, please note that WhatsApp can block an account if fraud is suspected. To reduce risks, link your number to Google account in advance and confirm it in WhatsApp Web before transferring.

4. Transfer via WhatsApp Web (alternative method)

A little-known method is to use WhatsApp Web for temporary access to the account on a new phone. This is not a full transfer, but it will allow you to save the correspondence until you receive a SIM card.

Instructions:

  1. On your old phone, open WhatsApp → ⋮ → Linked devices → Link device.
  2. Scan the QR code from the screen of the new phone (open web.whatsapp.com in the browser).
  3. In WhatsApp Web go to ⋮ → Export chat and save the correspondence as an .ziparchive.
  4. Transfer the archive to a new phone and import via WhatsApp (in the chat settings).

⚠️ Attention: This method does not transfer media files works only for text correspondence. It also requires that the old phone be connected to the Internet during export.

5. Using third-party apps: risks and recommendations

If official methods do not work, some users resort to third-party utilities like Dr.Fone, Backuptrans or iMobie AnyTrans. These apps promise transfer WhatsApp "in one click", but have serious disadvantages:

app Pros Cons Cost
Dr.Fone (Wondershare) Supports transfer between Android and iOS Requires root access, risk of data loss From $39.95
Backuptrans Keeps message history in readable form Paid license, no Russian language From $29.99
iMobie AnyTrans Transfers media files without loss Slow work with large backups From $39.99

🔴 Warning: Most of these apps require root accesswhich voids the phone's warranty and increases the risk of malware infection. In addition, WhatsApp can block an account if unauthorized access to the database is detected.

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The app side should be used only as a last resort, if official methods do not work. Always back up your data before using it.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When transferring WhatsApp without a SIM card, users encounter typical problems. Here are the most common and ways to eliminate them:

  • ❌ "Failed to restore the backup"
    Cause: Different accounts Google on the old and new phone.
    Solution: Log in under the same account or copy the file msgstore.db.crypt14 manually.
  • ❌ "The code does not arrive from SMS"
    Cause: The number is linked to another SIM card.
    Solution: Use a call to receive a code or a virtual number.
  • ❌ "WhatsApp does not see the local copy"
    Reason: Incorrect file name or path.
    Solution: Check that the file is in /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases i called msgstore.db.crypt14.

If after the transfer you lost media files (photos, videos, voice), check the folder WhatsApp/Media on your old phone and copy it manually. To speed up the process, use file manager with support FTP (for example, Solid Explorer).

You can Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp to a new phone if the old one is broken or lost?

If you have a backup copy in Google Drive, then yes: install WhatsApp on the new device, enter the number and restore the data. If there is no copy, but the phone turns on (even with a broken screen), connect it to the computer and copy it. file msgstore.db.crypt14 via ADB or OTG cable.

What happens if you do not transfer WhatsApp within 7 days after creating a backup?

WhatsApp requires that a local or cloud copy be created no later than 7 days before restoration. If the period has expired, the application will offer to create a new copy on the old phone. You can bypass this restriction only by manually copying the file. msgstore.db.crypt14.

Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone without a SIM card?

Officially - no. WhatsApp does not support cross-platform transfer between Android and iOS. Unofficial methods (for example, through Dr.Fone) are unstable and can lead to data loss. The only reliable way is to export chats to .txt via WhatsApp Web and import them manually.

Why are some messages not displayed after the transfer?

This can happen for three reasons:

  1. A backup was created not completely (for example, it was interrupted due to lack of memory).
  2. You restored the copy older than 7 days — WhatsApp may have deleted some of the data.
  3. On a new phone Another version of WhatsApp, and the database format does not match.

Try to repeat the transfer with the latest copy or use a local file msgstore.db.crypt14.

How to transfer WhatsApp Business without SIM cards?

The process is identical to the usual one WhatsApp, but please note:

  • Backups WhatsApp Business are stored separately from the personal account.
  • When restoring, you will need confirmation business account (if it has been verified).
  • Local copy files are called msgstore-business.db.crypt14.

Use the same methods: Google Drive, local transfer or WhatsApp Web.