Changing a smartphone often becomes a source of stress, especially when it comes to saving the history of correspondence in instant messengers. Users are wondering how to recover WhatsApp messages from another Android phone so as not to lose important conversations, media files and documents. This process is not always intuitive, as it depends on the chosen backup method and compatibility of operating system versions.
There are two main ways to solve this problem: using cloud storage Google Drive and direct transfer of local database files. The choice of a specific method depends on whether you have previously configured backup in the cloud or whether you plan to transfer data manually through a file manager. It is important to understand that the standard functionality WhatsApp does not allow you to simply synchronize chats between two active devices simultaneously without a recovery procedure.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the nuances of the procedure, including working with files msgstore.db.crypt, setting up an account and possible pitfalls when changing smartphone models. You will learn how to properly prepare your old device and what to do if automatic recovery does not work.
Preparing your old device for data transfer
Before starting the migration procedure, you need to make sure that an up-to-date copy of all data has been created on your old smartphone. Without this step, any further actions will be useless. Go to the application settings and select the section Chats → Chat backup. Here you will see the date and time of the last save.
Make sure to switch to account Googleand not to local storage if you plan to use the cloud method. Press the button Backup and wait for the process to complete. This may take time depending on the amount of media files you have accumulated and the speed of your Internet connection.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that your old phone is using the same phone number and the same Google account that you plan to use on your new device. The binding of the backup copy is strictly fixed to this data.
If automatic copy creation is configured, check its schedule. Often users rely on weekly saving, forgetting that a lot of important information could have accumulated in a week. It is better to initiate the process manually immediately before changing the device.
☑️ Readiness of the old phone
Recovery from a cloud copy of Google Drive
This is the simplest method recommended by the developers. It requires minimal user intervention, but critically depends on the quality of the Internet. After installation WhatsApp on a new phone, launch the application and enter your phone number.
The system will automatically detect the presence of a backup on the linked account Google Drive. You will be prompted to restore your chat history and media files. Click the button Restore. Do not skip this step, as after the initial setup it will be extremely difficult to return data.
The download process may take a long time. During this time, do not close the application or lock the smartphone screen. If the connection is interrupted, the process will have to start again. After completion, all your dialogs will appear in the list, and media files will begin to be loaded as needed.
Use a stable Wi-Fi connection for recovery, as the amount of data can exceed several gigabytes, which will lead to large traffic costs when using a mobile network.
Manual transfer of a local database
Sometimes the cloud method is not available due to lack of disk space or synchronization problems. In such cases, manual file transfer comes to the rescue. This method requires using a file manager and possibly connecting to a computer.
On your old phone, find the data folder. In modern versions of Android, the path usually looks like Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases or simply WhatsApp/Databases at the root of the internal memory. You need a file with a name like msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt14 (the encryption version number may differ).
Copy this file to the new phone in exactly the same directory. Important: before copying, install WhatsApp on a new phone, but Do not open it. If you have already opened the application and created a new profile, delete it and install it again.
| File type | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|
| msgstore.db.crypt | Current database | Rename if necessary |
| msgstore-DATE.db.crypt | Archive copy for date | Select the most recent |
| wa.db | Contact database | Copy along with chats |
| msgstore.db.crypt12 | Outdated format encryption | Not compatible with new versions |
After transferring the file, launch the messenger. It should detect the local copy and offer to restore data from it. If this does not happen, check the folder permissions and the accuracy of the file name.
What to do if the encryption versions do not match?
If the old phone has a lower cryptography version (for example, crypt12), and the new one requires crypt14, direct recovery may not work. In this case, try first restoring the data on an intermediate device or updating the application on your old phone to the latest version before creating a backup.
Using the "Transfer Chats" function when changing a phone
In the latest versions Android i WhatsApp there is a native function for transferring data when initial setup of the smartphone. This is the most reliable method, as it uses a direct connection between devices, bypassing the cloud.
When you turn on your new phone, select the option to copy data from the old device. Connect both smartphones with a USB-C cable or use a wireless connection if both devices support this technology. Follow the instructions on the screen.
The system will prompt you to select data to transfer. Make sure the checkbox opposite WhatsApp is active. This method copies not only text messages, but also all settings, including pinned chats and archives.
⚠️ Attention: The direct transfer function only works when setting up a new phone for the first time (out of the box). If you have already set up a new smartphone, you will have to perform a factory reset to use this method.
The advantage of this method is speed and does not depend on the amount of space in the cloud storage. Data is transferred directly, which guarantees its integrity and confidentiality.
Solving problems with encryption keys and versions
One of the most common reasons for failure is incompatibility of database encryption versions. WhatsApp regularly updates security protocols by changing the suffix of backup files (for example, from crypt14 to crypt15). Old files may not be read by new versions of the application.
If you are transferring a file manually, make sure that identical versions of the messenger are installed on both devices. A difference of even one minor version number can lead to a decryption error. Update the application on your old phone before creating a copy.
The problem may also lie in access rights. In Android 11 and higher, access to the folder is Android/data restricted for third-party file managers. Use the built-in explorer or connect your phone to a PC to copy files.
Matching versions of the WhatsApp application on the old and new device is a critical condition for successful manual transfer of database files.
Frequent errors and how to resolve them
Users often encounter a situation where the recovery process freezes at the stage "Preparation" or "Loading". This may be due to a lack of free space in the internal memory of the new smartphone. Free up at least 2-3 GB of space before starting the procedure.
Another common mistake is logging into a Google account different from the one on which the backup is stored. Check your phone settings in the Accountssection. Delete unnecessary accounts or add the one you need and make it the main one for synchronization.
- 📱 "The backup copy is corrupted" error - try downloading the file again or using a local copy.
- 📶 Network error during download - switch from mobile data to stable Wi-Fi.
- 🔒 Denying access to files - grant the application all the necessary permissions in the system settings.
If none of the methods help, the backup may have been deleted or its retention period has expired (for Google Drive this is 1 year without activity). In this case, restoring previous messages will become impossible.
FAQ: Questions and answers
Can I restore messages if I change my phone number?
No, the backup copy is tied to a specific phone number. When changing your number, you must first change the number in the WhatsApp settings on your old device (the "Change Number" function) to link your chat history to the new number, and only then make a backup.
How long does a Google Drive backup last?
WhatsApp backups in Google Drive do not take up space in your storage quota, but they are deleted if you don't sign in to your Google account for 1 year. The copy is also deleted if you delete it manually.
Will deleted messages be restored?
Only those that were deleted after the date of the last backup. If the message was deleted before the backup was created, it is impossible to restore it in any way.
What to do if the new phone is on iOS and the old one is on Android?
Direct restoration from Google Drive to iPhone is impossible. It is necessary to use the "Transfer to iOS" function when initially setting up an iPhone or special tools from manufacturers (for example, Samsung Smart Switch or Move to iOS) that support WhatsApp transfer.
Is it possible to restore chats without a SIM card?
To activate WhatsApp and restore a backup copy, you must have a SIM card with the number to which the copy was registered. Without passing SMS verification, access to the archive cannot be obtained.