Have you accidentally archived an important chat in WhatsApp and now you can’t find it? Or want to recover old messages after reinstalling the application? The archive in WhatsApp is not just a hidden folder, but an entire backup system that works both at the application level and at the operating system level Android. In this article, we will look at all possible ways to access archived data: from standard messenger functions to manually searching for files in the phone’s memory.

It is important to understand that archiving chats and backup are two different processes. The first simply removes the conversation from the main list, but keeps it in the application. The second creates a complete copy of the history on Google Drive or in local storage. We will show you how to work with both types of data, as well as what to do if the archive is lost after updating or changing your phone.

If you are looking for a specific archived chat, start with the first section. If you need to restore your entire correspondence history after resetting the settings or buying a new phone, go straight to methods with backup copies. And don’t forget: the sooner you start acting, the higher the chances of recovering lost data.

1. How to find archived chats directly in WhatsApp

The easiest way is to use the built-in archiving feature. When you archive a chat, it is not deleted, but simply hidden from the main list. Here's how to get it back:

  1. Open WhatsApp and scroll the list of chats to the very top.
  2. In the search bar (at the top of the screen), enter the name of the archived chat or the name of the contact.
  3. If the chat does not appear, tap on the search bar and select option Archived (or Archived in the English version).

In some versions of the application, archived chats are displayed immediately below the search bar as a separate tab. If you do not see this tab, try updating WhatsApp to the latest version via Google Play.

Update WhatsApp to the latest version

Check if the "Archived" tab is hidden in the settings

Restart the application

Try find a chat via keyword search-->

If a chat is found, but you want to return it to the main list, simply swipe left on it (or press and hold) and select Cancel archiving. In the English version it will be Unarchive.

⚠️ Attention: If you archived a chat with the "Archive all chats" option enabled, new messages in it will not be displayed in notifications. To fix this, disable archiving for a specific conversation.

2. Searching for an archive through Google Drive backups

If you deleted or reinstalled the chat WhatsApp, but you previously set up backup, data can be restored from Google Drive. This method only works if three conditions are met:

  • 🔹 You have enabled autoback up in the settings WhatsApp.
  • 🔹 You use the same account Googleas when creating the copy.
  • 🔹 There is enough free space on the phone for recovery (the copy size can reach several gigabytes).

To restore an archive from Google Drive:

  1. Delete WhatsApp from the phone (if installed).
  2. Download the application again from Google Play.
  3. When you first start, enter the same phone number that was used previously.
  4. When the system prompts you to restore your history from a backup, click Restore.
  5. Wait for the process to complete (may take from a few minutes to an hour depending on the size copies).

If a copy is not found, check:

  • 📱 Internet connection (preferably via Wi-Fi).
  • 🔄 Availability of free space on the phone (the minimum required volume is equal to the size of the copy + 20%).
  • 🔑 Correctness of the entered number phone (the copy is tied to the number, not to the account Google).
⚠️ Attention: If you skipped the recovery step during the first installation, you can restore data from Google Disk only after a complete reset of the phone or reinstallation WhatsApp with the deletion of all data.

Once a week

Once a month

Only before reinstallation

Never set up-->

3. Manual recovery from a local copy on the phone

WhatsApp creates local backups every day 2:00 nights (if the phone is connected to charging and there is access to the Internet). These files are stored in the device memory and can be used for recovery, even if the copy on Google Drive is missing.

To find and use a local copy:

  1. Connect your phone to your computer or use a file manager (for example, Total Commander or Files by Google).
  2. Navigate to the path: 
    /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases

    If you have Android 11+, the path may look like this:

    /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases
  3. Find files named msgstore.db.crypt14 (or crypt12, crypt15 —depends on the version WhatsApp).The most recent file will have no date in the name, the rest will have a date in the format msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt14.
  4. Copy the desired file to a safe place (for example, to a computer or cloud).
  5. Delete WhatsApp and install again.
  6. When you first launch the application, you will be prompted to restore data from a local copy. Confirm the action.

If the copy file is damaged or has an incompatible format (for example, you are trying to restore crypt12 in a version of WhatsApp that only supports crypt14), try using third-party utilities like WhatsApp Key/DB Extractor or Dr.Fone. However, be careful: such apps may contain malicious code.

Copy file type Compatible versions of WhatsApp Is it possible to restore without root
msgstore.db.crypt12 Up to version 2.21.15.19 Yes
msgstore.db.crypt14 From 2.21.15.19 and later Yes
msgstore.db.crypt15 Latest versions (2026–2026) Only with root access
💡

If you regularly make local copies, rename them by adding the date (for example, msgstore-2026-05-15.db.crypt14This way you can select the desired version when restoring.

4. Finding hidden WhatsApp folders through the file manager

Sometimes archived data is stored not in standard folders, but in hidden directories. This is relevant if you use Android 10+ with a function Scoped Storagethat restricts application access to the file system. Here's how to find such folders:

  1. Install a file manager with support for root or hidden files (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings (option Show hidden files).
  3. Go to the root directory of the storage and find folders: 
    /data/data/com.whatsapp/

    /Android/media/com.whatsapp/

  4. They may contain backups, media files or databases.

If you do not have root access, access to the folder /data/data/ will be limited. In this case, try the following workarounds:

  • 📁 Use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to copy files: 
    adb pull /data/data/com.whatsapp/databases/msgstore.db
  • 🔧 Connect your phone to the computer and use the app Android Backup Extractor.
  • 🔄 Create a new local copy via WhatsApp (in settings select Chats → Backup).
⚠️ Attention: Working with the folder /data/data/ may disrupt the stability of the application. Do not delete or change files if you are not sure of their purpose.

5. Restoring an archive through third-party apps

If standard methods did not help, you can use specialized utilities. They are suitable for cases when:

  • 🗄️ The local copy is damaged.
  • 🔒 You need to extract data from crypt15 without root.
  • 📱 The phone is broken, but there is access to its memory via a card SD or computer.

The most popular apps:

app Supported formats Root required Cost
Dr.Fone – WhatsApp Transfer crypt12, crypt14, crypt15 No From $39.95
iMyFone ChatsBack crypt8–crypt15 For crypt15 - yes From $29.95
WhatsApp Viewer crypt12, crypt14 No Free

Instructions for use Dr.Fone:

  1. Download and install the app on your computer.
  2. Connect your phone via USB (enable debugging by USB in the settings developer).
  3. Select an option Restore WhatsApp Messages.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen (the app will automatically find backups).
  5. View found messages and export them in a convenient format (.html, .csv or back to WhatsApp).
What to do if the app does not see the phone?

1. Check if USB debugging is enabled in the developer settings (path: Settings → About phone → Number assembly - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).

2. Install drivers for your phone model (download from the manufacturer's official website, for example Samsung or Xiaomi).

3. Try using a different USB cable or port.

4. If the phone asks for permission to access data, be sure to confirm it.

6. How to prevent archive loss in the future

In order not to look for ways to restore the archive WhatsApp in an emergency, set up automatic backup and follow simple rules:

  • ☁️ Enable autoback up on Google Drive: 
    WhatsApp Settings → Chats → Backup → Save to Google Drive

    Select frequency (daily, weekly or monthly) and account Google.

  • 📲 Regularly check for local copies in the folder /WhatsApp/Databases.
  • 🔄 Before updating WhatsApp or by changing your phone, create a manual copy via Settings → Chats → Backup → CREATE A COPY.
  • 📁 Store the most important chats in the archive, but do not delete them - this way they will remain in the local database data.

If you often reinstall WhatsApp or change phones, consider exporting important chats to a text file:

  1. Open the desired chat.
  2. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Export chat.
  4. Select whether to include media files (this will significantly increase the file size).
  5. Select the export method: Gmail, Google Drive or another application.
💡

Exporting a chat to a text file is the only way to save correspondence in a readable format outside of WhatsApp. Local and cloud copies are stored in encrypted form and cannot be opened without special apps.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When working with an archive WhatsApp users encounter typical errors. Here are the most common of them and how to fix them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The folder is not located WhatsApp/Databases Hidden files are disabled or in use Android 11+ s Scoped Storage Use a file manager with root access or connect the phone to a PC
The backup copy on Google Drive is not restored Phone number or account mismatch Google Check that you are using the same number and account as when creating the copy
File msgstore.db.crypt14 cannot be restored File corruption or version incompatibility Try to restore an older copy or use Dr.Fone
Archived chats disappear after updating Reset settings or data migration error Restore data from a local or cloud copy

If none of methods did not help, check:

  • 📵 Is WhatsApp from the account Google (go to Google Settings → Backup).
  • 🔌 Does not block does the antivirus have access to folders WhatsApp.
  • 📡 Is traffic limited for Google Drive in the phone settings.
⚠️ Attention: If you use custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience etc.), backup WhatsApp may be unstable. In this case, it is recommended to manually copy the folder /WhatsApp/Databases to the computer after each important dialogue.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to restore archive WhatsAppif I deleted the application and did not make a backup?

If you did not create backups either on Google Driveor locally, the chances of restoring the archive are minimal. However, you can try:

  1. Check if there are any files left WhatsApp in the recycle bin of the file manager.
  2. Use apps to recover deleted files (DiskDigger, Recuva), but success is not guaranteed.
  3. Contact support WhatsApp (via Settings → Help → Contact us), but they do not store message history on their servers.
How to transfer the archive WhatsApp to a new phone?

There are two reliable ways:

  1. Through Google Drive:
    • Create a backup copy on the old phone (Settings → Chats → Backup).
    • Install WhatsApp on the new phone and log in with the same number.
    • When you first start, select recovery from Google Drive.
  • Via a local copy:
    • Copy the folder /WhatsApp/Databases from the old phone to the new one (in the same directory).
    • Install WhatsApp and restore data from a local copy.

    If you use iPhone or a phone on iOS, transfer is possible only through special apps (Dr.Fone, Backuptrans).

    • Why archived chats disappear after reinstallation WhatsApp?

    This happens if:

    • You did not restore data from a backup copy during the first setup.
    • The local copy was deleted or damaged.
    • You logged in WhatsApp with a different number phone.

    To return chats, delete WhatsApp, download it again and select the recovery option when you first start it. If the copy on Google Drive is missing, check the local files in /WhatsApp/Databases.

    Is it possible to read the archive WhatsApp without restoring it to your phone?

    Yes, but for this you will need special apps:

    • WhatsApp Viewer — for files crypt12 and crypt14.
    • SQLite Browser —if you have a decrypted one database (msgstore.db without crypt).
    • Dr.Fone - supports all formats, but is paid.

    Without these tools, it is impossible to read encrypted copy files.

    How to archive chats so that they do not disappear?

    Follow these rules:

    1. Do not delete WhatsApp without first creating a backup copy.
    2. Check periodically that autoback up on Google Drive works (go to Settings → Chats → Backup and look at the date of the last save).
    3. Store local copies in several places (for example, on your phone, computer and cloud).
    4. Do not archive chats using functions Android (for example, via Settings → Storage → Backup), since this does not save data WhatsApp.