Moving to a new smartphone is always an exciting time, especially when it comes to saving important data from instant messengers. WhatsApp stores not only correspondence, but also years of photographs, voice messages and documents, the loss of which can be serious problem. Many users mistakenly believe that they just need to install the application on a new device and everything will be transferred automatically. In practice, without proper preparation, the risk of data loss reaches 70% if you do not back up in advance.

In this article we will analyze all stages of the process: from creating a reliable backup to restoring on a new phone, including nuances for different versions Android and potential errors. We will pay special attention to situations when standard methods do not work - for example, when changing a phone number or switching between accounts Google. All instructions are relevant for the latest versions WhatsApp (2026) and tested on devices with Android 12–15.

Before you begin, make sure that you have:

  • 📱 Old and new smartphones with Android with sufficient battery charge (minimum 50%).
  • 🔌 Stable Wi-Fi connection (mobile data may not cope with large backups).
  • 🔑 Access to the account Googlelinked to the old phone.
  • 📦 Free space on Google Drive (the size of a WhatsApp copy can exceed 10 GB).
📊 How often do you backup instant messengers?
Weekly
Once a month
Only before changing phone
Never

1. Preparing the old phone: creating a backup

The first and most critical step is saving all data WhatsApp in a safe place. The application offers two backup options: via Google Drive or locally on the device. We recommend using both methods for double protection.

To create a copy in Google Drive:

  1. Open WhatsApp on your old phone.
  2. Go in ⋮ → Settings → Chat → Chat backup.
  3. Click CREATE A COPY (if the copy was created a long time ago, the system will offer to update it).
  4. Select the account Googlethat is linked to Google Drive.
  5. Wait for the process to complete (the time depends on the amount of data).

A local copy is created automatically every day in 4:00 and saved in the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. To make sure it is available:

  • 📁 Use any file manager (for example, Files by Google).
  • 🔍 Check for files like msgstore.db.crypt14 (current format for 2026).
  • 💾 Copy this folder to your computer or external drive.
💡

If you have little space on Google Drive, before creating a copy, clear old WhatsApp backups in the section Disk → Storage → App backups.

⚠️ Attention: If you use WhatsApp Business, the backup process is identical, but the copy files will have the prefix msgstore-business.db. Do not confuse them with personal chats!

2. Transferring a backup copy to a new phone

After successfully creating a copy on the old device, you need to transfer it to the new smartphone. There are two scenarios here: restoring from Google Drive or manually installing a local copy.

Option 1: Recovering from Google Drive (recommended for most users):

  • 📱 Install WhatsApp to a new phone from Google Play.
  • 🔑 Open the application and confirm your phone number (must match the old one).
  • 🔄 At the setup stage, the system will automatically offer to restore chats from Google Drive.
  • ⏳ Wait for the download to complete (may take from a few minutes to an hour).

Option 2: Manually restoring a local copy (if the copy on the Disk is missing or damaged):

  1. Copy the folder WhatsApp (including Databases and Media) from the old phone to the new one (via cable, cloud or SD card).
  2. Install WhatsApp on the new device, but do not run it!
  3. Use the file manager to move the folder WhatsApp to the root directory of the internal memory (/sdcard/).
  4. Run WhatsApp and confirm the number - the system will detect a local copy and offer to restore it.

Does the phone number match on the new device?|Is there a stable Wi-Fi connection?|Is there enough space on the new phone?|Are media files (photos, videos) copied separately?-->

Recovery method Pros Cons Execution time
Google Drive Automatic process, does not require manual actions Depends on Internet speed, may not work if you change your Google account 10–60 minutes
Local copy Does not depend on the Internet, works if you change your Google account Requires manual file transfer, risk of copying errors 15–30 minutes
Through third-party utilities (for example, Dr.Fone) Suitable for cross-platform transfer (Android→iOS) Paid tools, possible problems with encryption 30–120 minutes

3. Problems during recovery and their solutions

Even with proper preparation, users often encounter errors.

Error: "The backup could not be found in Google Drive"

  • 🔍 Make sure you are signed in to the same account Googlethat was used to create the copy.
  • 📅 Check the date of the last backup in Settings → Chat → Backup of chats.
  • 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
  • 📧 If there is a copy, but is not restored, try deleting and installing it again WhatsApp.

Error: "Backup file damaged"

This occurs if the copying process was interrupted or the file was damaged during transfer. Solutions:

  • 🔄 Create a new copy on your old phone and repeat the transfer.
  • 💾 If you are using a local copy, check the integrity of the file msgstore.db.crypt14 (its size must be more than 1 MB).
  • 🛠️ Use recovery utilities damaged databases (for example SQLite Database Recovery).

Error: "Not enough space on the device"

WhatsApp requires free space 2-3 times larger than the backup size. To free up memory:

  • 🗑️ Delete unnecessary files or applications via Settings → Storage.
  • 📁 Transfer media files (photos, videos) to an SD card or cloud.
  • 🔄 Try restoring the copy in parts: first chats, then media.
What to do if WhatsApp asks you to confirm the number, but SMS does not arrive?

If the confirmation code does not arrive, try:

1. Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa).

2. Request the code via call (the "Call me" option in the confirmation window).

3. is not blocked on WhatsApp (check via link).

4. Wait 12 hours and try again (WhatsApp request rate limit).

⚠️ Attention: If you change your phone number, first add the new number in the WhatsApp settings on your old device (Settings → Account → Change number). This will save linking chats to the new number and simplifying the transfer.

4. Transferring media files: photos, videos and documents

Backup chats does not always include media files - they need to be transferred separately. By default WhatsApp stores them in the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Media, which is divided into subfolders:

  • 📷 WhatsApp Images — photos from chats.
  • 🎥 WhatsApp Video — videos.
  • 🎵 WhatsApp Audio —voice messages and audio files.
  • 📄 WhatsApp Documents — documents (PDF, DOCX, etc.).

To transfer media:

  1. Connect the old phone to the computer and copy the folder WhatsApp/Media.
  2. Connect the new phone and paste the folder into the same directory (/sdcard/WhatsApp/).
  3. Restart WhatsApp —the application will automatically scan the media and display it in chats.

If media files are not displayed:

  • 🔄 Restart your phone.
  • 📂 Check that the files are not hidden (in file managers, enable the display of hidden files).
  • 🔍 Make sure that the file names do not contain special characters (for example, #, %).
💡

Media files take up up to 90% of the WhatsApp backup volume. Manually transferring them saves space on Google Drive and speeds up the recovery process.

5. Features transfer when changing Google account

If a different account is used on the new phone Google, standard recovery from Google Drive will not work. In this case:

Method 1: Temporary change. account

  1. On the new phone, add the old account Google to Settings → Accounts.
  2. Make it the main one in settings Google Drive.
  3. Install WhatsApp and restore the data from the copy.
  4. After restoration, you can return the main account.

Method 2: Manual copying of the local database

As described in Section 2, transfer the files msgstore.db.crypt14 and folder Media manually. This method is universal and works regardless of the account Google.

Method 3: Using third-party tools

apps like Backuptrans or Dr.Fone allow you to transfer chats between accounts, but require you to connect your phones to your computer. Please note:

  • 💰 Most of these utilities are paid (price from $30).
  • 🔒 There is a risk of data leakage - use only proven apps.
  • 🛠️ Some tools require USB debugging (Settings → For developers → USB debugging).
⚠️ Attention: When changing an account Google local copies of WhatsApp on the new phone can be automatically deleted by the system after 7 days if the application has not been launched, install and activate WhatsApp immediately after transferring the files!

6. Checking the integrity of the data after the transfer

After restoration, you need to make sure that all data is transferred correctly. What to pay attention to:

1. Chat lists and correspondence

  • 📋 Scroll. list of chats - all dialogues should be displayed in the same order.
  • 🔍 Open several random chats and check for old messages.
  • 🗓️ Make sure that the dates of the messages correspond to the original (sometimes only the last few months are restored).

2. Media files

  • 📷 Check if photos and videos are displayed in the chat gallery.
  • 🎵 Make sure voice messages are playing.
  • 📄 Open several documents (PDF, XLS) - they should download without errors.

3. Settings and profile

  • 👤 Check your avatar, status and profile information.
  • 🔔 Make sure the notification settings (Settings → Notifications) are saved.
  • 🔒 Check two-step verification (Settings → Account → Two-step verification).

If you find missing data:

  • 🔄 Try repeating the restore with another backup (if it is yes).
  • 📧 Contact WhatsApp support via Settings → Help → Contact us.
  • 🛠️ Use recovery tools (for example Wondershare Recoverit for media files).
💡

Create a new local backup on the new phone immediately after a successful transfer. This will protect you from data loss in the future: Settings → Chat → Backup → CREATE A COPY (locally).

7. Alternative transfer methods (for experienced users)

If standard methods are not suitable, you can use advanced techniques. They take more time, but give additional control over the process.

Method 1: Transfer via ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

For users familiar with the command line:

adb pull /sdcard/WhatsApp C:\Backup\WhatsApp

adb push C:\Backup\WhatsApp /sdcard/WhatsApp

These commands copy a folder WhatsApp from the phone to the computer and back. Before use:

  • 🔧 Enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
  • 💻 Install ADB Tools to the computer.
  • 🔌 Connect the phones one by one and run the commands.

Method 2: Using Titanium Backup (requires root)

If your phone has root access, Titanium Backup allows you to:

  • 📦 Create a complete copy WhatsApp along with the settings.
  • 🔄 Restore it on a new device (also with root).
  • 🔒 Save even system settings applications.

Please note: root access will void the warranty and may compromise the security of the device.

Method 3: Transfer via cloud services (Dropbox, Mega)

If Google Drive is not available:

  1. Upload folder WhatsApp to the cloud from your old phone.
  2. Download it to your new phone.
  3. Place the files in /sdcard/WhatsApp/.
  4. Install WhatsApp and restore the data.
⚠️ Attention: Details WhatsApp interface and encryption algorithms may change. For example, in 2026 the company announced a transition to a new backup format (crypt15). If your version of WhatsApp is newer than in these instructions, check the official help in the application (Settings → Help).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring WhatsApp

❓ Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone?

Officially - no. WhatsApp does not support cross-platform data transfer between Android and iOS. However, there are unofficial solutions:

  • 📱 Using apps like Backuptrans or iCareFone (paid, require a computer). data-i="272">🔗 Transfer through an intermediate account on an Android device with subsequent synchronization on the iPhone.
  • 🔗 Transfer through an intermediate account on an Android device with subsequent synchronization on the iPhone.

Please note that these methods may violate WhatsApp policies and lead to account blocking.

❓ Why WhatsApp does not see the backup copy on Google Drive?

Reasons may be as follows:

  • 🔍 The copy was created under a different account Google.
  • 📅 More than 1 year has passed since the copy was created (WhatsApp stores only the latest copy).
  • 📱 The new phone has a different version of WhatsApp (update the application).
  • 🔧 In settings Google Drive syncing is disabled for WhatsApp.

Solution: check the settings Google Drive on your old phone (Settings → Backup) and make sure that WhatsApp is included in the list of backup applications.

❓ How to transfer WhatsApp to a new phone if the old one is broken?

If the old phone does not turn on, but the data is saved on it:

  • 🔧 Remove the memory card (if a copy is saved on SD) and insert it into the new phone.
  • 💻 Connect the broken phone to the computer and try to copy the folder WhatsApp via ADB (if the device is detected).
  • 🛠️ Contact a service center to extract data from the internal memory.

If the phone is completely inoperable and backup copies no, data recovery is unlikely.

❓ Is it possible to restore only part of the chats?

No, WhatsApp does not support selective restoration from a backup. You can:

  • 📌 Restore all chats and then manually delete unnecessary ones.
  • 🔍 Use third-party utilities (for example, WhatsApp Viewer) to view a copy and extract individual messages.

Please note that editing manual backup can damage it.

❓ How long does it take to transfer WhatsApp?

Time depends on:

  • 📊 Data volume (1 GB copy is restored in ~10-15 minutes).
  • 📶 Internet speed (when restoring from Google Drive).
  • 📱 Phone performance (on weaker devices the process may take longer).

On average, a complete transfer takes from 20 minutes to 2 hours. If the process is stuck at the "Media Recovery" stage, try:

  • 🔄 Restart WhatsApp.
  • 📶 Switch to another network (Wi-Fi → mobile data).
  • 📁 Restore chats first, and transfer media manually.