Moving to a new smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to saving important data. WhatsApp with its years of correspondence, family photos and work chats becomes one of the main worries. Many users mistakenly believe that transferring the messenger will require paid services or complex manipulations with root access. In fact, Android offers built-in tools for free and safe transfer - you just need to know the nuances.

In this article we will look at all current methods of migrating WhatsApp between devices on Androidincluding backup via Google Drive, local backup and manual file transfer. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that cause users to lose data, and we will show how to avoid them. If you are planning to change your phone in the near future, save this instruction to bookmarks so as not to miss important details.

Why can’t you just install WhatsApp on a new phone?

At first glance it seems that it is enough download WhatsApp from Google Play on a new device, log in using your phone number - and all chats will magically appear. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. The messenger stores messages and media files local on the internal memory of the smartphone, and not in the cloud (with the exception of backups that need to be created manually). Without a preliminary backup, you will receive a clean account without correspondence history.

Another trap is linking to a phone number. If you changed SIM card or number, the process becomes more complicated: you will need to confirm the old number or transfer your account through official channels. Even with the same number without backup, chats will not be restored automatically.

  • 📱 Local storage: messages and media are in the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/ and are not synchronized between devices.
  • ☁️ Cloud does not equal synchronization: Google Drive used only for backups, not for constant data updating.
  • 🔄 Change numbers: if the phone number has changed, additional verification via email or WhatsApp support will be required.
⚠️ Attention: If you have already deleted WhatsApp from your old phone without creating a backup, it will be impossible to restore your correspondence history. The messenger does not store data on its servers after account deactivation.

Method 1: Transfer via Google Drive (official method)

The most reliable and recommended WhatsApp method - backup to Google Drive. It works on all devices with Android 4.0.3 and higher, does not require root access and saves not only texts, but also media files (photos, videos, voice messages). The main condition is that an account must be linked on the old phone Google, and on the new phone there must be enough space for recovery.

The process consists of two stages: create a backup on the old device and restore on the new one. Important: the backup is created only when connected to Wi-Fi (by default). If you want to use mobile data, you can change this in the messenger settings.

Synchronize your Google account on your old phone

Connect to Wi-Fi or disable mobile data restrictions

Check free space in Google Drive (backup can weigh 10+ GB)

Make sure that the new phone has the same number and Google account

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  1. Open WhatsApp on the old phone, go to ⋮ → Settings → Chat → Backup.
  2. Click Create a copy. If the button is inactive, check the connection to Google Drive in the phone settings.
  3. Wait for the process to complete (may take from several minutes to hours depending on the amount of data).
  4. Install on the new phone WhatsApp, log in using the same number and confirm restoring from backup.
Parameter Requirements Notes
Android version 4.0.3 and higher On older ones versions may not work
Free space in Google Drive From 2 GB (depending on the volume of chats) If there is not enough space, a backup will not be created
Phone number Must match When changing the number, additional verification is required
Internet connection Wi-Fi recommended May be blocked on mobile data
⚠️ Attention: If you use corporate Google account (for example, through work or school), an administrator can restrict access to Google Drive. In this case, a local backup will be more reliable.
📊 How often do you make WhatsApp backups?
Never
Once every month
Before changing phone
Regularly on a schedule

Method 2: Local backup through a file manager

If you do not have access to Google Drive or you prefer to store data under your control, can be transferred WhatsApp via a local copy. This method requires physically connecting phones to a computer or using OTG cable, but does not depend on cloud services. The main advantage is that you control the process yourself and can choose which data to transfer.

The local backup is saved in a folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/ as a file msgstore.db.crypt14 (or similar with a different version number). Important: do not rename this file do not open it manually - this may damage the data. Also make sure that the new phone has enough space to copy the entire folder WhatsApp, including media files.

  • 📁 Backup folder: /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/ —this is where the chat history files are located.
  • 🖼️ Media files: /sdcard/WhatsApp/Media/ — photos, videos and documents (optional).
  • 🔗 Transfer: can be used USB cable, Bluetooth (for a long time) or cloud services like Dropbox.
How to find hidden folders on Android?

On most devices, the WhatsApp folder is hidden. To see it, open your file manager (for example, Files by Google), click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show hidden files". In some firmware (for example MIUI or ColorOS) this item may be called "Display system files".

  1. Connect the old phone to the computer via USB and copy the folder WhatsApp to hard drive.
  2. Connect the new phone and insert the folder WhatsApp into the root directory of the internal memory (/sdcard/).
  3. Install WhatsApp on the new device, log in and wait for the offer to restore data from a local backup.
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If the new phone does not see the WhatsApp folder, reboot it or check if the folder is hidden. Also make sure that the folder name is written in the same way (with a capital letter, without typos).

Method 3: Transfer through third-party applications (for advanced)

If standard methods are not suitable (for example, due to a change in phone number or problems with Google Drive), you can use specialized utilities. The most popular are Dr.Fone, MobileTrans i BackupTransThey allow you to transfer WhatsApp between devices even with different numbers, but have limitations:

  • 💻 Computer required: most utilities work through Windows or macOS.
  • 🔓 Root not required: modern apps do not require superuser rights, but can request access to the storage.
  • 💰 Paid functions: free versions usually limit the amount of data or transfer speed.

Example of working with MobileTrans:

  1. Install the app on your computer and connect both phones via USB.
  2. Select a mode WhatsApp Transfer and specify the source (old phone) and receiver (new).
  3. Confirm the transfer and wait for completion. The app will automatically restore chats on the new device.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party utilities may request access to personal data. Before using, check the reviews of the app and make sure that it does not contain malicious code. We recommend downloading software only from official websites.
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The apps are convenient for transferring between devices with different phone numbers, but do not guarantee 100% data safety. Always make a backup copy using standard methods before using such utilities.

What to do if the phone number has changed?

Changing a number is one of the most difficult situations when transferring WhatsApp. The messenger is tied to a phone number, and if it changes, the account on the old number is deactivated, and on the new one it is created from scratch. However, there is an official migration procedure that allows you to save your chat history:

  1. On the old phone, create a backup via Google Drive or locally.
  2. Install WhatsApp on the new one phone, but do not log in using a new number.
  3. In the messenger, select Change number (this item appears when you try to register on a device where the account has already been authorized).
  4. Follow the instructions: enter the old and new number, confirm via SMS or call.
  5. After changing the number, the messenger will offer to restore data from the backup.

If you have already logged in to the new number without recovery, the chat history will be lost. In this case, you can try contacting support WhatsApp via the form on the website, but the chances of recovery are minimal.

Can I transfer WhatsApp from iPhone to Android?

Officially - no. WhatsApp does not support cross-platform transfer between iOS and Android. Unofficial methods (for example, through iMazing or Backuptrans) require a computer and do not always work reliably.

Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems during the transfer. WhatsApp. Here are the most common errors and ways to solve them:

Error Cause Solution
Backup is not created Not enough space in Google Drive Clear the cloud or use a local backup
History cannot be restored The phone number has changed Use the "Change number" function in WhatsApp
The application does not see the backup The backup file is damaged or renamed Check the file name (msgstore.db.crypt14)
Media files were not transferred Folder was not copied Media Manually transfer the folder to a new one phone
  • ⏳ Long backup creation: if the process is stuck on "Preparing for backup", check your Internet connection and free space on the device.
  • 🔄 Cyclic reboot: if WhatsApp constantly restarts after recovery, delete the application and install it again.
  • 📱 Incompatibility of versions: If the new phone has an old version of Android, update it before transferring.

Additional tips for a successful transfer

To make the process go smoothly, take into account a few nuances:

  • 🔋 Battery charge: make sure that both phones have enough charge (at least 50%). Transferring large amounts of data may take several hours.
  • 📶 Stable Internet: if using Google Drive, connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network. mobile data may interrupt the download.
  • 🔒 Two-factor authentication: If it is enabled in WhatsApp, prepare a backup email or PIN code for recovery.
  • 📂 Checking files: After the transfer, open several chats and make sure that media files (photos, videos) are displayed correctly.

If you plan to sell or transfer your old phone, do not forget completely delete WhatsApp data. To do this:

  1. Open the messenger, go to Settings → Account → Delete my account.
  2. Enter your phone number and confirm deletion.
  3. Delete the folder WhatsApp from the internal memory through the file manager.
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If you use WhatsApp Business, the transfer process is similar, but a backup is created separately. Make sure you are logging into the correct version of the application on the new phone.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring WhatsApp

Can I transfer WhatsApp without Google Drive?

Yes, you can use local backup (copying a folder WhatsApp via a computer) or third-party utilities like MobileTrans. However, local backup requires manual transfer of files, and third-party apps may be paid.

Why doesn’t WhatsApp offer to restore chats on a new phone?

This happens for three reasons:

  1. The new phone has a different number (solution: use the "Change number" function).
  2. The backup was created under a different Google account (solution: log in under the same account).
  3. The backup file is damaged or deleted (solution: check the folder Databases for file availability msgstore.db.crypt14).
How long does it take to transfer WhatsApp?

Time depends on the amount of data and the method of transfer:

  • Google Disk: from 10 minutes to several hours (depending on Internet speed).
  • Local backup: 5–30 minutes (file copying + recovery).
  • Utility side: 20–60 minutes (including app setup).
Is it possible to transfer only individual chats, and not the entire history?

No using standard means. WhatsApp restores the entire history or does not restore at all. If you need to save only part of the correspondence, you can:

  1. Manually copy important media files from the folder WhatsApp/Media.
  2. Export individual chats through the function Export chat (without media or with media).
  3. Use third-party utilities with a selective transfer function (for example, Backuptrans).
What to do if some messages were lost during the transfer?

If part of the history has not been restored, check:

  • Creation date backup (it may be outdated).
  • Presence of file msgstore.db.crypt14 in the folder Databases.
  • Free space on the new phone (if there is not enough memory, the recovery may be interrupted).

If the backup is damaged, try restoring an older version (files) in the folder Databases have dates in the name).