Changing a smartphone is always an exciting time, but it can turn into a real nightmare if you lose your chat history. Messenger WhatsApp has become an integral part of our lives, storing important work agreements, family photos and memories. Fortunately, the developers have provided several reliable ways to migrate data between devices based on Android.
The transfer process does not require deep technical knowledge, but it does require attention to detail. An error at any stage can result in the database being inaccessible on the new device. In this article, we will analyze in detail the official backup methods, as well as nuances that are often silent in standard instructions.
Preparing an old device for migration
Before you begin the copying process itself, you need to make sure that your current smartphone is completely ready for this operation. The most critical factor is the availability of free space in cloud storage Google Drive or in the internal memory of the device if you plan to use a local backup. Often users encounter an error precisely because the cloud is full.
Go to the messenger settings and check the date of the last automatic saving. If the last copy was created a month ago, a manual update is simply necessary. Go to menu Settings → Chats → Chat backup and click the create a new copy button. Make sure that in the settings you select saving video files if they are important to you, as this significantly increases the amount of data.
It is also critical to check the linked account Google. Correspondence is tied to a specific mailbox, and when you change your phone, you will need to log into it. If you plan to change your phone number, the procedure for changing the number must be completed on the old device before creating the final backup so that the history remains linked to the new contact.
☑️ Ready to transfer
Cloud backup method via Google Drive
This is the most universal and recommended method for most users. It does not require connecting cables and allows you to restore data even if your old phone has already been reset to factory settings. However, the recovery speed directly depends on the speed of your Internet connection and the volume of saved media files.
For the method to work correctly, make sure that the same version is installed on both devices WhatsApp or at least compatible versions. Differences in application architecture may cause the database to not be recognized by the system when imported. The setup process on the new phone will begin automatically immediately after entering your phone number.
The system will detect an available copy on Google Drive and offer to restore it. It is important not to skip this step when setting up the messenger for the first time. If you click "Skip", you will not be able to restore chats later without deleting the application and reinstalling it.
⚠️ Attention: Google Drive backups do not take up space in your storage quota unless they were created before certain Google policy changes. In some regions and with large data volumes (more than 15 GB), the copy may begin to take up space in your account. Check the storage status before starting the process.
Use a high-bandwidth Wi-Fi network to download the copy. mobile data can drain the battery of a new phone faster than the correspondence history can be loaded.
Local transfer of files via internal memory
If you do not have access to the Internet or the amount of data is too large for the cloud, you can use the local copying method. This method involves physically moving the database file from the old device to the new one. Backup files are stored in hidden system folders Android.
You will need a file manager with access to system directories. The path to the files may differ depending on the operating system version. On modern versions Android 11 and higher, the path has changed for security reasons. You need to find a file with a name like msgstore.db.crypt14 (the number may differ depending on the encryption version).
Copy this file to the internal memory of the new smartphone, observing the exact folder structure. If the folder has not yet been created on the new phone, install WhatsApp, run it, enter the number, wait for an error or abort the installation so that the folders are created, then replace the file and run the application again.
| Android version | Backup path | File name | Transfer complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10 and below | /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases | msgstore.db.cryptXX | Low |
| Android 11 and above | /sdcard/Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases | msgstore.db.cryptXX | Medium |
| Android 13/14 | /sdcard/Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases | msgstore.db.cryptXX | High (special access required) |
What to do if the file is not copied?
On Android 11+, access to the Android folder is limited. Use the built-in file manager "Files from Google" or connect your phone to your PC in file transfer mode (MTP) to bypass application access restrictions to system folders.
Using a cable and the "Quick Connect" function
Modern smartphones from Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel and other manufacturers have built-in tools for data migration that can transfer WhatsApp directly via cable. This is the fastest method, does not require the Internet and takes a minimum of time.
When setting up a new phone for the first time, the system will offer to copy data from the old device. Select the option to use cable USB-C to USB-C. In the list of transmitted data, be sure to check the box Applications and specifically WhatsApp. The system will automatically create a temporary copy and deploy it to a new device.
This method is good because it transfers not only the text history, but also all privacy settings, pinned chats and background images. However, it only works during the initial setup of a new phone. If you have already set up a new device, you will have to do a factory reset (Factory Reset) to use this method.
Data recovery on a new device
The recovery process starts automatically the first time you launch the application on a new phone. After entering a phone number that matches the one on which the copy was created, the system will prompt you to find a backup copy. The cloud method will require permission to access Google Drive.
If you are using a local file, make sure that it is in the correct folder before installing the application or immediately after entering the number, but before pressing the restore button. The application will scan the memory and find the file msgstore.db.crypt.... If there are several files (for different dates), the system usually offers the most recent one, but you can rename the desired file to msgstore.db.cryptXX, removing the date from the name.
Recovery time depends on the number of messages and media files. The screen may appear frozen - this is normal. Interrupting the process at this point may corrupt the database, which will require you to completely reinstall the application and go through all the steps again from the beginning.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to restore a copy created with a newer version of the application to a device with an older version of WhatsApp. This will result in a database format error. Always update the application on your new phone to the latest version from Google Play before restoring.
The success of recovery depends 90% on the match between the phone number and the Google account used to create the backup.
Common errors and how to fix them solutions
Even if all instructions are followed, users may encounter technical glitches. One common problem is the message “Backup not found,” even though it clearly exists in the cloud. Most often this is due to the fact that a different account has been entered on the new phone Google, different from the one where the backup is stored.
Another problem is an endless recovery cycle. This may happen if the Wi-Fi connection is unstable or if the local copy file is corrupted. In the case of a local file, try renaming it by removing the date from the name, leaving only the standard format name msgstore. It is also worth checking whether the file is encrypted with a password if you used third-party backup utilities.
Sometimes some recent messages disappear after restoration. This happens if the last copy was made yesterday, and today you were actively texting. In this case, it is impossible to restore today's messages without a special procedure for exporting chats by mail or manually, since they have not yet been backed up.
If the recovery is stuck at 99%, do not restart the phone immediately. Wait 10-15 minutes. Often the system unpacks heavy video files in the background, and the indicator simply does not update visually.
Can I transfer chats if I change my phone number?
Yes, but you need to use the “Change number” function on old the device before creating a backup copy. This will link your chat history to the new number. When installing on a new phone, enter a new number.
What should I do if I forgot the password for my Google account?
Without access to your Google account, it is impossible to restore the cloud copy. You will have to either restore access to your mail through Google's recovery form, or use the method of copying the file locally via your computer if you have access to the old phone's file system.
Do WhatsApp calls carry over when you change your phone?
No, call logs inside the WhatsApp app are not saved in the standard chat backup. It is reset when installed on a new device. Only text messages, photos and videos from chats will be saved.
How long is the backup stored on Google Drive?
The backup is stored indefinitely until you delete it manually or delete your Google account. However, if you have not used your account for more than 2 years, Google may delete data, including WhatsApp backups, according to the new inactive accounts policy.