Changing a smartphone is always an exciting process, but most often it is accompanied by headaches due to the need to transfer personal data. Users are especially concerned about saving correspondence in instant messengers, because the loss of important dialogues can become a real problem. If you are wondering how to copy WhatsApp messages to another Android phone without losing data, then you have come to the right place. There are several proven methods, from standard cloud backups to complex local manipulations with database files.
The process of data migration directly depends on what operating system is installed on your old device and where exactly you plan to move. The transition from Android to Android is the easiest scenario, since the Google ecosystem provides native synchronization tools. However, iPhone owners who decide to change the platform will face a number of restrictions that require knowledge of the specific algorithms of the messenger. In this article, we will analyze each nuance in detail so that you can choose the best method for your situation.
Standard method via Google Drive
The easiest and most reliable way to save your entire correspondence history is to use the built-in backup function to cloud storage. This method requires an account Google and sufficient free space on your virtual disk. Before starting the procedure, make sure that both smartphones are connected to a stable network Wi-Fi, since transferring large amounts of data via the mobile data can be slow or lead to additional costs.
To create a copy, go to the application settings and find the section responsible for chats. Usually the path looks like this: Settings → Chats → Chat backup. Here you will see a Backup button and information about the last backup you saved. Click on the create a new copy button and wait for the process to complete. The waiting time depends on the volume of accumulated media files and the number of messages in your dialogs.
An important point is to select the frequency of automatic saving. You can configure the system to create copies daily, weekly, or monthly. This ensures that even if your old phone suddenly breaks down, you will have an up-to-date version of the data for the last day or week. Don't forget to check which account Google is specified as the target account for saving, so as not to get confused when restoring to a new device.
⚠️ Attention: Backups created in Google Drive are tied to a specific phone number and Google account. You will not be able to restore chats on a device with a different number or under a different Google login without special tricks.
After the backup has been successfully created on the old phone, proceed to the new device. Install the application WhatsApp from the official store Google Play, but do not open it yet. When you first launch the app, you will be asked to confirm your phone number. Enter the same number that was used on the old device. The system will automatically detect the presence of a backup copy in the cloud and offer to restore the data.
☑️ Preparing for cloud transfer
Local copying via file manager
Sometimes the cloud method is not available due to internet problems or storage limitations. In such cases, local backup comes to the rescue, saving data directly to the phone’s internal memory or to a card microSD. Database files have an extension .crypt14 (or another, depending on the application version) and are stored in hidden system folders. This method requires a more careful approach and basic skills in working with the file system Android.
To find backup files, you will need any file manager. Go to the root directory of the internal drive and find the folder WhatsApp. Inside it you are interested in the catalog Databases. This is where files with names like msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt14are stored, where the date the copy was created is indicated. The file named msgstore.db.crypt14 (no date) is the most recent current database.
Copy this file to external storage, such as a memory card or computer, and then transfer it to a similar folder on the new phone. It is extremely important to do this before installing and launching the messenger for the first time on a new device. If you have already installed the application and received a message that there is no backup, you will have to uninstall the app, move the database file to the correct directory and install again.
On newer versions of Android (11 and higher), the folder path may have changed to Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases due to access restrictions to the root directory. Check both locations.
When using this method, make sure that the version of the application on the new phone is not significantly older than the version on the old one. Sometimes databases encrypted with new keys are not readable by older versions of the software. It is also worth considering that when transferring locally, media files (photos, videos) are not always automatically copied along with the database if they are not in the same folder structure.
⚠️ Attention: Do not arbitrarily rename the backup file. If you change the file name so that the system sees it, use the format msgstore.db.cryptXX, where XX is the current encryption version number of your WhatsApp.
Migrating data from iPhone to Android
Migration from iOS to Android has historically been the most difficult task for instant messenger users due to differences in file systems and encryption methods. For a long time, direct transfer was impossible without the use of third-party paid software. However, modern smartphones and software updates have made it possible to implement official tools for a seamless transition.
One effective method is to use a Lightning-to-USB-C cable when initially setting up a new Android smartphone. Many manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi and Google Pixel, have implemented support for transferring data directly during device setup. You will need to connect both phones with a cable and follow the instructions on the screen of the new device, selecting the option to copy data from iPhone.
During the transfer process, the system will offer to copy contacts, photos and application data, including WhatsApp. The iPhone screen will ask you to create a local backup and transfer it. This process can take considerable time, especially if you have a lot of media in your chats. After completing the setup on the new phone, you will need to install WhatsApp and log in with the same number.
| Transfer method | Required equipment | Difficulty | Saving media |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive (Android-Android) | Wi-Fi, Google Account | Low | Full |
| Local file (Android-Android) | PC or memory card | Average | Partial |
| Cable (iOS-Android) | Special cable | Average | Full |
| Third-party software (iOS-Android) | Computer, Software license | High | Full |
It is worth noting that this method only works during the initial setup of a new device. If you've already set up your phone and started using it, the cable transfer option may not be available without resetting the device to factory settings. In this case, you will have to resort to third-party solutions or accept the loss of your correspondence history.
Using the "Change number" function
Often users want to transfer correspondence not just to a new phone, but also change the SIM card or phone number. For such cases, WhatsApp provides a special “Change number” function, which allows you to transfer the history of chats and groups to a new number without losing data. This process is performed on the old device before transferring data to the new phone.
To use this option, go to Settings → Account → Change number. The system will ask you to enter your old and new phone numbers. After confirmation, you will receive a verification code for the new SIM card. It is important to understand that this function does not create a backup copy itself, but only prepares the account for migration.
After changing the number on your old device, you need to create a backup copy in Google Drive, as described in the first section. Then, on a new phone, you restore the data from this copy, logging in under a new number. All your groups and contacts will remain in place, and chat participants will see a notification that you have changed your number.
What happens to groups when you change your number?
When using the official number change function, you automatically remain in all groups. You do not need to log out and log in again, and group administrators do not lose your rights if you had them.
This method is especially useful if you bought a new SIM card with a better tariff or moved to another region, but want to keep all your business and personal connections intact. Don't forget that after changing the number on your old phone, the old number will no longer be linked to your WhatsApp account.
Problems during recovery and their solutions
Even if you follow all the instructions, users may encounter errors when restoring data. One of the most common problems is the “Backup not found” message, even though you are sure it exists. Most often, this is due to the fact that the Google account entered on the new phone is not the same as the one the save was made into.
Another common reason for failure is a mismatch of phone number. WhatsApp strictly links backups to a phone number. If you try to restore data to a number that is different from the one from which the copy was made (and did not use the number change function), the system will deny access to the archive. Problems may also arise due to insufficient free space in the internal memory of the new smartphone.
- 📱 Make sure that the same Google account is installed on the new phone as on the old one.
- 🔢 Make sure that you enter the phone number in the international format identical to the old device.
- 💾 Free up space in the internal memory, deleting unnecessary applications or cache before restoring.
- 🔄 Try clearing the WhatsApp application data and starting the setup process again.
If the recovery freezes at a certain percentage, do not rush to interrupt the process. If there is a large amount of data (especially video files), recovery can take from 30 minutes to several hours. Leave the phone connected to the charger and do not minimize the application.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu names may vary slightly depending on your smartphone model and shell version (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If you cannot find the item you need, use the search in your phone settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone?
Officially, transferring chats from Android to iPhone through standard Apple or WhatsApp tools is not possible. There are third-party paid PC apps that promise to solve this problem, but their use carries security risks and does not guarantee the safety of all media files. Apple and WhatsApp do not provide a native tool for reverse migration.
How much space does a WhatsApp backup take?
The size of the backup directly depends on the number of accumulated media files. Text messages take up negligible space (kilobytes), while photos and videos can swell the archive to several gigabytes. Before creating a copy in Google Drive, check the available space in your storage.
What should I do if I forgot my Google account password?
Without access to your Google account, it is impossible to restore data from a cloud copy. You will have to use the procedure for restoring access to your Google account through the support form or use the local copy method through the file manager if you have physical access to the files on your old phone.
Will my messages disappear from groups during the transfer?
No, if the data is transferred correctly, you will remain a member of all the groups you were in previously. The history of correspondence in groups will also be completely restored. The only thing that may change is your display name if you decide to change it in your profile settings.
The main key to a successful transfer is using the same phone number and Google account on both devices, as well as patience during the process of restoring large amounts of data.