Transferring correspondence history WhatsApp between two smartphones to Android is a task that millions of users face when changing a device, resetting settings or buying a new phone. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process has nuances: from cloud storage limitations to application version compatibility. In this article we will analyze all current synchronization methodsincluding official methods through Google Drive and alternative solutions for cases when standard tools do not work.

It is important to understand that WhatsApp does not support direct export of chats between devices over the air (for example, via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct). All methods are based on creating a backup on one phone and restoring it on another. At the same time if you use different phone numbers on the old and new device, the official transfer of history is impossible - workarounds will be required.

We tested each method on devices with Android 10–14 and the latest versions WhatsApp (2.24.x). The instructions are adapted for users with any level of training - from beginner to experienced smartphone owner. Let's start with the most reliable and simple method.

1. Official method: transfer via Google Drive

This is recommended method from the developers WhatsAppwhich works in 90% of cases. Its main advantage is automatic synchronization of backups and the ability to restore history on a new device without connecting to a PC. However, there are also limitations:

  • 🔹 Required same phone number on both devices.
  • 🔹 The new phone must have same Google accountas on the old one.
  • 🔹 Backup size is limited Google Drive quota (15 GB on the free plan).
  • 🔹 The latest backup must be not older than 1 year, otherwise WhatsApp will not offer to restore it.

To transfer history through Google Drive, do the following steps:

  1. Create a backup on your old phone:
    • Open WhatsApp → ⋮ (three dots) → Settings → Chat → Backup.
    • Click CREATE A COPY (if necessary, select an account Google to save).
    • Wait for the process to complete (may take from a few minutes to an hour depending on the size of the history).
  • Install WhatsApp on your new phone:
    • Download the application from Google Play and run it.
    • Enter same phone numberas on the old device.
    • When the request to restore from Google Driveappears, confirm the action.

    Check free space in Google Drive|Connect both phones to Wi-Fi|Make sure that on the old phone latest version of WhatsApp|Record your Google account password (if two-factor authentication is required)

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    Recovery time depends on Internet speed and data volume. For example, a 2 GB chat history at a speed of 50 Mbps will be restored in ~10–15 minutes. If the process is stuck at the "Recover Media Files" stage, do not interrupt it - wait for it to complete (it may take up to an hour).

    ⚠️ Attention: If you Already installed WhatsApp on a new phone and skipped the recovery step, the only way to get your history back is to uninstall the application, clear its data (Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Storage → Clear data) and install it again. All chats created after the initial installation will be lost.

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

    This method is suitable if:

    • 🔹 You no access to Google Drive or do not have enough space.
    • 🔹 You want to transfer the history to the device with another phone number.
    • 🔹 You need to save a copy of chats on external storage (for example, on a hard drive).

    A local backup is created automatically every day at 2:00 am (if the corresponding setting is enabled) and is saved in the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. The files have a name like msgstore.db.crypt14 (where crypt14 is the encryption version, may differ).

    Transfer instructions:

    1. Copy the backup file from the old phone:
      • Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (for example, Total Commander).
      • Go to the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases and find the file msgstore.db.crypt14 (or msgstore.db.crypt12 for older versions).
      • Copy it to a memory card, PC or cloud storage.
    2. Prepare a new phone:
      • Install WhatsAppbut do not launch it.
      • Place copied backup file to the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases on the new phone.
      • If there is no folder WhatsApp create it manually.
  • Restore history:
    • Run WhatsApp and confirm your phone number.
    • The application will automatically detect the local backup and offer to restore it.
      • What to do if WhatsApp does not see the local backup?

      1. Make sure the file is named accurately. msgstore.db.crypt14 (without extra characters).

      2. Check that the folder Databases is located inside WhatsApp, and not in the root of the storage.

      3. If used Android 11+, give WhatsApp permission to access files: Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Permissions → Files and media → Allow access to all files.

      4. Restart your phone and try again.

      If you transfer history to a device from with another number, after restoring the backup you will have to manually change the number in the settings WhatsApp (Settings → Account → Change number). However, in this case group chats may be displayed incorrect (you will lose access to some groups where you were added using the old number).

      Transfer method Supports different numbers Requires PC Max. backup size Recovery speed
      Google Drive ❌ No ❌ No 15 GB (free) Average (depending on the Internet)
      Local backup ✅ Yes (with reservations) ✅ Possible Unlimited Fast (via memory card)
      Third-party tools (Dr.Fone) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Unlimited Slow (processing on PC)

      3. Transferring history between different phone numbers

      Officially WhatsApp does not support transferring chats between accounts with different numbers. However, there is a workaround using local backup and changing system files. This method requires root access or special tools like WazzapMigrator (for Android) or Dr.Fone — WhatsApp Transfer (for PC).

      Step-by-step guide for WazzapMigrator (without root):

      1. Download WazzapMigrator from Google Play to both phones.
      2. On the old phone, create a local backup (WhatsApp Settings → Chat → Backup -> Local copy Install).
      3. IN WazzapMigrator select option Export WhatsApp Data and save the file to a memory card or to the cloud.
      4. Install on your new phone WhatsApp, but don't run it. Install WazzapMigrator and import the saved file.
      5. Run WhatsApp and confirm the new number. The application will offer to restore history from the imported backup.
    💡

    If you are using Dr.Fone on a PC, connect both phones via USB and follow the app instructions. It will automatically change the backup metadata, linking it to the new number. However, this method is paid (from ~$40 per license).

    Method limitations:

    • 🔹 Group chats may be displayed as individual (you will lose access to general groups with the old number).
    • 🔹 Media files (photos, videos) are not always transferred correctly - you will have to download them again.
    • 🔹 On Android 12+ you may need to disable APK signature verification (Settings → Special. features → For developers → Disable signature verification).
    ⚠️ Attention: The use of third-party tools to change backups WhatsApp can lead to suspicion of fraud. Do not transfer the history to other people's numbers - this violates the rules of the service. The method is intended only for personal use when changing your number. account blocking on suspicion of fraud. Do not transfer the history to other people's numbers - this violates the rules of the service. The method is intended only for personal use when changing your number.

    4. Transferring history without data loss: proven lifehacks

    Even with successful transfer of chats, users often encounter problems: media files disappear, stickers are not restored, or the history is not completely displayed. Here 5 proven methods to avoid common mistakes:

    📊 Which WhatsApp transfer method do you use most often?
    Google Drive
    Local backup
    Third-party apps (Dr.Fone, WazzapMigrator)
    I can’t transfer history
    • 📌 Disable battery optimization for WhatsApp:

      On Android 9+ the system may pause the application in the background, causing the backup to be interrupted. To avoid this, go to Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Battery → Battery optimization → No restrictions.

    • 📌 Use the original USB cable:

      When transferring via PC, slow or uncertified cables may cause errors read/write. For example, charging cables often do not support data transfer at high speed.

    • 📌 Check the version WhatsApp:

      If the old phone has a version installed WhatsApp newer than the new one, the backup may not be restored. Update the application on both devices to the latest version Google Play.

    • 📌 Clear the cache Google Play Services:

      Sometimes synchronization errors with Google Drive are related to the cache of Google services. Go to Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Storage → Clear cache.

    • 📌 Move history to night:

      Servers Google Drive and WhatsApp are less busy from 2:00 to 5:00 local time, which reduces the risk of failures when restoring large backups (more than 5 GB).

      • 💡

      The most common mistake during transfer is ignoring the encryption version backup. Files msgstore.db.crypt12 and msgstore.db.crypt14 are incompatible. Make sure that the version on the new phone WhatsApp supports your backup format.

      5. How to transfer history if the old phone is broken or lost

      If you do not have access to the old device, but have a backup copy on Google Drive or a local backup on a memory card, the chances of restoring the history remain. Let's consider both scenarios:

      Option 1: Backup on Google Drive

      1. Install WhatsApp on a new phone and confirm same numberthat was on the old device.
      2. When the application offers to restore history from Google Drive, agree.
      3. If a backup is not displayed, check:
        • Are you connected to the same account Googleas on the old phone.
        • Is there enough space on the new device (a backup can weigh several gigabytes).
        • Is the storage period for the copy (backups) expired? older than 1 year are deleted automatically).

      Option 2: Local backup on a memory card

      1. Insert the memory card from the old phone into the new one.
      2. Copy the file msgstore.db.crypt14 from the folder WhatsApp/Databases to the internal memory of the new one phone along the way /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases.
      3. Set WhatsApp and confirm the number. The application should automatically detect the backup.

    If the memory card is damaged or the files cannot be read, try:

    • 🔧 Connect the card to the PC via a card reader and check for errors with the utility CHKDSK (for Windows):
      • chkdsk E: /f
    • 🔧 Use recovery apps data, for example Recuva or DiskDigger.
      • ⚠️ Attention: If you reset the old phone to factory settings without creating a backup, it is WhatsApp impossible to restore the history. Even specialized services (like Oxygen Forensic) will not be able to extract data after full formatting.

      6. Frequent errors and their solutions

      When transferring history WhatsApp users encounter typical problems. We have collected TOP-5 errors and ways to eliminate them:

      Error Cause Solution
      "Failed to restore backup" Version mismatch WhatsApp or damaged file Update the application on both phones. If it doesn’t help, create a new backup
      "There are no backups in Google Drive" The copy was created under another Google account or deleted Check that you are logged into the correct account. Try restoring from a local backup
      "Restore stuck at 0%" Slow Internet connection or blocked by firewall Connect to another Wi-Fi network. Disable VPN or antivirus
      "Media files are not downloading" Synchronization error or insufficient space Manually download media: open the chat → click on the file → "Download"
      "Groups are displayed as personal chats" Transfer between different numbers Contact the group admins so they can re-add you using a new number

      If none of the methods worked, try an alternative method:

      1. On your old phone, export important chats to a text file:
        • Open the desired chat → ⋮ → Export chat.
        • Select "Without media" (to make the file smaller).
        • Send the received .txt file to yourself by mail or via instant messenger.
    • On your new phone, import the file into any text editor or save it in the cloud.

    This method does not save message formatting (for example, quotes or reactions), but will save a text archive correspondence.

    7. Security: how to protect your WhatsApp history

    Transferring correspondence history is not only convenience, but also risk of personal data leakage. Follow these rules to protect your chats:

    • 🔒 Encrypt local backups:

      The files msgstore.db.crypt14 are protected, but if you copy them to a PC or cloud, use additional encryption (for example, 7-Zip with a password or VeraCrypt).

    • 🔒 Do not store backups in the public domain:

      Avoid uploading backups to public cloud services (for example, Yandex Drive with an open link). It is better to use Google Drive with two-factor authentication enabled.

    • 🔒 Delete old backups:

      After successful transfer, delete backup files from the old phone and from temporary folders on your PC. They may contain confidential data (phone numbers, addresses, bank account. information).

    • 🔒 Check application permissions:

      If you use third-party tools (for example, Dr.Fone), revoke their access to contacts and files after the transfer is complete: Settings → Applications → [app name] → Permissions.

    If you are selling or transferring an old phone, required:

    1. Delete your account WhatsApp through the app settings (Settings → Account → Delete my account).
    2. Reset to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset settings).
    3. If the phone supports data encryption (for example, Samsung Knox or File-Based Encryption on Android 10+), turn it on before resetting.
    💡

    Even after deleting your account WhatsApp backup files may remain on the phone. To ensure they are deleted, use applications for secure data erasing, for example SD Maid or CCleaner.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Can I transfer WhatsApp history from Android to iPhone?

    Officially - no. WhatsApp does not support cross-platform transfer between Android and iOS due to differences in backup formats. However, there are unofficial solutions:

    • Use Move to iOS (only during initial setup iPhone).
    • Third-party apps like Backuptrans or iMazing (paid, require a PC).

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

    Why does WhatsApp not offer to restore a backup during installation?

    This happens for the following reasons:

    • You are logged in WhatsApp with another phone number.
    • Backup file damaged or has the wrong name.
    • On the phone the folder is missing WhatsApp/Databases (create it manually).
    • You are using an outdated version WhatsApp (update the application).

    Try to manually place the file backup to the correct folder and restart WhatsApp.

    How to transfer only selected chats, and not the entire history?

    WhatsApp does not support selective restoration from a backup. However, you can:

    1. Export the desired chats to .txt or .zip file (Open chat → ⋮ → Export chat).
    2. Delete unnecessary chats on the old phone, create a new backup and transfer only that.
    3. Use third-party tools like WazzapMigrator (there is a selective transfer option).
    How long does it take to transfer 100 GB of history?

    Time depends on the method:

    • Google Drive: from 2 to 8 hours (depending on Internet speed). With a slow connection (less than 10 Mbit/s), the process can take a day.
    • Local backup (via memory card): 30–60 minutes (speed is limited only by the phone's performance).
    • Third-party apps (Dr.Fone): 1–3 hours (includes data processing on a PC).

    To speed up, disconnect other devices from the Wi-Fi network and close background applications on the phone.

    Is it possible to transfer history if it is already installed on the new phone? WhatsApp?

    Yes, but for this you need:

    1. Create a fresh backup on the old phone.
    2. Delete on the new phone WhatsApp and clear its data (Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Storage → Clear data).
    3. Install WhatsApp again and restore history from backup.

    All chats created on the new phone before recoverywill be lost.