Messenger users Viber often face the need to find or transfer correspondence history when changing devices or resetting settings. The question of where database files are physically located on a smartphone with an operating system Androidis one of the most common requests in technical support. Understanding the structure of data storage allows you not only to make a competent backup copy, but also to restore lost messages manually.
Unlike cloud services that store information on remote servers, Viber creates local copies of dialogs directly in the internal memory of your gadget. However, starting with Android security updates, access to these folders has become more restricted for third-party apps and users. This is done to protect personal data from unauthorized access, which complicates the process of manually searching for files.
However, knowing the exact paths and having access to the file system through an explorer with permissions or a connection to a PC, you can manage your history. In this article, we will analyze in detail the directory structure, the nuances of working with Google Drive and methods of transferring data between devices.
Standard data storage paths in modern versions of Android
Starting with version Android 11, Google's security policy has tightened and apps have been prohibited from storing data in root shared folders. Now all application files Viber have been moved to a protected directory. By default, the correspondence database and media files are located in the following path:
Android/data/com.viber.voip/files/viber_media
This path is relevant for most modern smartphones, including models from Samsung, Xiaomi and Pixel. Inside this folder you will find subdirectories divided by content type: images, videos and audio recordings. However, the message database itself (a file with the extension .db) can be hidden or encrypted in the system partition, access to which requires root access.
If you are using an older version of the operating system (below Android 11), the folder structure may be different. In such cases, the files are often located in the root directory of the internal memory or SD card. Check for a folder with the name Viber at the very beginning of the list of your directories.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 11 and higher, standard file managers may not display the contents of the folder Android/data. To view files, you may need to connect your smartphone to a computer or use specialized explorers with extended access rights.
If your explorer does not see the Android/data folder, try connecting the phone to the PC in file transfer mode (MTP) - access to these hidden sections is often opened automatically through the computer.
Local backups and their structure
In addition to the current one databases, the messenger regularly creates local backups. They are compressed archives that contain the complete history of correspondence at the time of creation. These files are critical if you plan to restore data without using cloud services.
Usually such copies are created automatically once a day or when you manually start the save procedure. The file name often contains the creation date, which simplifies navigation when there are multiple versions of the backup. You can find them in the same protected directory or folder ViberBackupsif the application has appropriate permissions to write to the shared storage.
To manage copies, it is important to understand their format. These are not simple text files, but databases SQLitethat can be encrypted. Simply opening such a file in Notepad will not produce readable text. To view the content, you will need special decryptor utilities or exporters.
- 📂 Backup files usually have the extension
.vbkor.zipdepending on the version of the application. - 📅 Automatic creation of backups occurs in the background, often at night when the phone connected to charging.
- 🔒 Local copies do not sync with the cloud automatically unless you configure this option separately in your account settings.
Working with cloud storage: Google Drive
The most reliable way to save chats is to use cloud storage. Integration with Google Drive allows you to link your correspondence history to your Google account. This ensures that even if your smartphone is completely lost or damaged, you will be able to restore all dialogues on a new device.
The setup process is simple: you need to go to the messenger settings menu, select the “Account” section and click on “Viber Backup”. Here you can select the frequency of creating copies: daily, weekly or monthly. It's also important to make sure that the correct Google account is selected.
It's worth noting that files uploaded to Google Drivedo not take up space in your storage quota if it's an official app backup. However, if you manually upload folders with media files, they will be counted towards the total amount of used space.
| Option | Local Storage | Google Drive | Manual export |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Medium (risk of breakage) | High | Depends on the media |
| Availability | Only from this device | From any device | Where the file is saved |
| Automation | Yes (scheduled) | Full | No (manual) |
| Recovery | Complex (file needed) | Automatic at login | Via file import |
Cloud backup via Google Drive is the only way to guarantee the recovery of chats when a smartphone is completely replaced.
Manually creating a backup copy through the settings
Sometimes the automatic settings fail, or the user needs to create a restore point right before an important event (for example, before flashing the phone). In this case, you need to initiate the process manually through the app interface.
Open Viber and go to the "More" section, then select "Settings". In the menu, find the “Account” item and then “Viber Backup”. Click the "Start Backup" button. The system will create a fresh snapshot of the data and upload it to the selected storage.
It is important to monitor the loading process. If you have a large volume of media files (thousands of photos and videos), the process may take a significant amount of time. It is recommended to perform this operation when connected to a stable network Wi-Fito avoid wasting mobile traffic.
☑️ Preparing for manual backup
⚠️ Attention: When restoring from a backup, all current messages on the device will be replaced with data from the backup. Messages received after the date the copy was created will be irretrievably lost.
Restoring chats from a local file
Situations when the cloud is inaccessible or the user fundamentally does not use it require the ability to work with local files. Restoring from a local copy is a more labor-intensive process and requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions.
First you need to find the backup file (usually it is located in the folder viber_local_backup or similar). This file needs to be moved to a new folder on the device where the messenger will be installed. Often you need to create a folder structure manually if it has not yet been generated by the application.
After reinstalling Viber and confirming the phone number, the application will offer to find a backup copy. If the file is in the correct location and has the correct name, the system will detect it and offer to restore the history. If the file is renamed or is in the wrong directory, the restore option may not appear.
Recovery path: /storage/emulated/0/Viber/viber_local_backup/
Make sure the file name matches the expected format. Sometimes the system looks for a file with a specific name containing a date. In such cases, you may need to rename the file according to the template that your version of the application uses.
What to do if the application does not see the local backup?
Try clearing the Viber application cache before starting the recovery process. Also check the permissions of the file manager - the application may not have permission to read the internal memory. As a last resort, try placing the file in the root of the internal memory, if the Android version allows it.
Transferring data to a new smartphone
When purchasing a new gadget, the issue of transferring correspondence becomes the most pressing. The easiest way is to use the restore from Google Drive function when setting up the application for the first time on a new device.
However, if you change platforms (for example, from Android to iOS or vice versa), standard methods may not work due to differences in file systems and encryption. In such cases, the developers recommend using the “Viber Transfer” function, available in the settings of both devices, provided that they are on the same Wi-Fi network.
To transfer within the Android ecosystem, just log in to the same Google account. The application will automatically pull up the latest available copy. Make sure that the new device has the same or a newer version of the application installed on the old one to avoid database format conflicts.
- 📱 Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on on both devices for fast transfers.
- 🔋 Charge both phones, as the process of transferring a large amount of data is energy-consuming.
- 🚫 Do not interrupt the process or minimize the application during data migration.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and names of menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of Viber and the shell of your smartphone (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). Always check the latest reference materials on the official website of the developer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I read the Viber database file on a computer?
Directly open the database file (.db) in text the editor will not work, since it has a binary structure and is often encrypted. To view the content, you will need special apps for working with SQLite, as well as decryption keys, which are stored in the system partition of the phone. For an ordinary user, it is easier to use the function of exporting a chat to a text file or PDF through the settings of the application itself.
How much space do Viber backups take up?
The volume of the backup directly depends on the number of media files (photos, videos, voice messages) in your correspondence history. Text messages take up negligible space (kilobytes). If you have thousands of photos, a copy can weigh several gigabytes. It is recommended to regularly clean unnecessary media files before creating a backup.
What will happen to chats if I delete the Viber application?
When you delete the application, all local data, including the current correspondence database and cache, will be erased from the device. They can only be restored if you have a previously created backup copy (local or cloud). Without a copy, message history will be lost forever.
How often do you need to make a manual backup?
If you have automatic copying to Google Drive enabled (daily or weekly), manual backups are rarely required. It is recommended to do this manually only before critical changes to the system: resetting the settings to factory settings, flashing the phone, or before installing dubious updates.
Where are Viber stickers and decals stored?
Downloaded sticker packs are stored in the application cache. When you clear your cache or reinstall an app, you may need to download it again from the sticker store inside Viber. The sticker images themselves are not included in the text backup of the correspondence, but links to them in dialogs will be saved.