With each update of the operating system Android the security policy becomes more and more stringent, which directly affects access to the file system. If previously users could easily access the root directories of applications, now many system folders are hidden from the eyes of the average user. This also applies to the popular messenger, the files of which are now located in less obvious places.
The need to find application directory arises for various reasons: someone wants to free up space on the internal drive by deleting old videos, and someone needs to restore the correspondence history from a backup manually. Understanding the data storage structure allows you to effectively manage your smartphone's memory without installing third-party cleaning software.
In this article we will analyze in detail the current paths to messenger files on modern versions of the OS, explain the difference between media files and a database, and also show how to bypass access restrictions if the standard file manager does not display the required ones sections.
Standard paths to messenger data in different versions of Android
The location of the files directly depends on the version of the operating system installed on your device. Starting from Android 11, Google has introduced new data storage rules, the so-called Scoped Storage, which isolates application files from each other. This means that the path that worked on older phones may not work on new models.
For devices running versions Android 10 and below, the files are still located in the root of the internal memory. The user can easily navigate to the path /WhatsApp and see all subfolders. However, if you have a modern smartphone released after 2020, the folder structure has changed dramatically.
On current systems, the data has moved to the system directory. Now the full path looks like this: /Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp. This is where all received images, videos and documents are now stored. Going to this folder may require granting special permissions to the file manager.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models from manufacturers Xiaomi, Samsung or Huawei access to the folder
/Androidmay be further limited by the manufacturer's shell. If you don't see the contents, try using the built-in file manager rather than third-party applications.
If the standard Explorer does not show the Android folder, try installing the "Files by Google" or "Solid Explorer" application - they often have extended rights to view system directories.
Whatsapp folder structure: where photos, videos and databases are located
Inside the main directory of the messenger, the files are not piled up in one pile, but are strictly sorted by content type. Understanding this structure is critical if you want to delete only heavy videos while leaving text messages and contacts intact. The main subfolders have intuitive names.
The most voluminous part of the data is usually contained in the subsection Media. This is where gigabytes of information accumulate over the years of using the application. Inside this folder there are various directories responsible for specific types of files that you sent or received in chats.
The folder deserves special attention Databases. It stores local backup copies of your correspondence. Files have names like msgstore-2023-10-25.1.db.crypt14, where the numbers indicate the creation date, and the extension crypt indicates encryption. These files are necessary to restore message history when reinstalling the application.
Below is a table with a breakdown of the main subfolders that you will find inside the messenger directory:
| Folder name | Contents | Can I delete |
|---|---|---|
Images |
All received and sent photos | Yes, if not needed |
Video |
Videos from chats and statuses | Yes, they take up a lot of space |
Audio |
Voice messages and music files | C with caution |
Databases |
Backup copies of correspondence | Only old copies |
Profile Photos |
Photos of your contacts' profiles | Yes, cached data |
☑️ Check before deleting files
How to access hidden system folders on Android 11 and higher
An attempt to enter the directory /Android/data or /Android/obb through a standard explorer on new versions of the OS often leads to because the user sees an empty folder or an access error message. This is not a bug, but a security feature that blocks viewing of other people's data.
To get around this limitation, you can use the hidden file manager, which is in the system, but is not displayed in the application menu. To do this, you will need to enter a special command through the Run menu or use the activity shortcut. The method may differ depending on the smartphone model.
One of the universal methods is to use the application Files (not to be confused with the default file manager). You need to open the application, click on the three dots in the menu and select the option to access system files. The system will ask for confirmation, after which full access to the root of the file system will be opened.
Alternative method via computer
Connect the phone to the PC via USB in file transfer mode (MTP). On a computer, access to the Android/data folder is often open by default, even if it is locked on the phone itself. You can copy or delete files directly from the monitor screen.
There are also specialized utilities, such as Material Files or X-plore, which request permission to work with system files upon first startup. After granting rights through the system window, these apps display the contents of hidden partitions without any additional manipulation.
⚠️ Attention: Giving full rights to third-party file managers gives them access to all your data. Use only verified applications from the official store Google Play and revoke permissions after finishing working with files.
Memory clearing: what can be deleted and what cannot be touched
Manually clearing messenger folders is an effective way to regain several gigabytes of free space, but it is important to act carefully here. Improper deletion of system files can lead to the loss of the entire correspondence history or incorrect operation of the application.
It is safest to delete the contents of folders Images, Video and Documents. You can safely erase files from the Sent (Sent) subfolder, since your interlocutors already have copies of these files or saved them in your gallery. It is also safe to empty the folder Stickersif you do not use third-party sticker sets on a regular basis.
It is strictly not recommended to delete files with the extension .db or .db.crypt from the folder Databasesif you plan to use backup. Deleting the most recent copy (usually called msgstore.db.crypt... without a date in the name) will deprive you of the ability to restore recent messages.
If your goal is to free up space, but you are afraid to delete something unnecessary, use the built-in cleaning function inside the application itself. To do this, go to Settings → Data and storage → Storage management. Here the application itself will show the largest chats and offer to delete media files selectively.
The largest amount of memory is usually occupied by files from the Video and Statuses folder. Deleting them is safe and gives the maximum increase in free space.
Transferring the WhatsApp folder to an SD memory card
Owners of smartphones with a small amount of built-in memory are often interested in the possibility of transferring messenger data to the card microSD. Unfortunately, in modern versions Android this function has been officially abolished by the application developers for security and stability reasons.
Previously, in the application settings there was a “Folder in storage” checkbox, which allowed you to change the save path. This item is currently missing. Attempts to move a folder manually through a file manager and create a symbolic link often lead to synchronization errors or new photos no longer being saved.
However, on some older devices or custom firmware, the transfer option may still be available. If you have a menu item for changing storage, the action algorithm will be as follows:
- 📂 Insert the memory card and make sure that the phone sees it.
- ⚙️ Open
Settings → Chatsin the messenger application. - 💾 Find the "Data storage" item and select "SD card".
- 🔄 Wait for the transfer process to complete without closing the application.
If there is no such option, the only option is to regularly manually transfer heavy media files from the internal memory to the card via a computer or file manager. Automatically writing new files directly to the card without receiving root access is impossible.
⚠️ Attention: Removing the memory card while the application is running may cause the database to crash. If you store data on an SD card, never remove it without first unmounting it in the system settings.
Restoring correspondence from a local copy manually
Sometimes cloud backup via Google Drive fails or the user wants to roll back to an older version of correspondence than the one stored in cloud. In such cases, local copies stored on the phone come to the rescue.
To restore, you need to delete the messenger application from the device. Then, using the file manager, find the folder Databases. Select the backup file with the desired date (for example, a week ago) and rename it to msgstore.db.crypt14 (the number at the end may differ depending on the encryption version).
It is important to delete or rename the current file msgstore.db.crypt... without date so that the system does not pick it up instead of the old one. After renaming, install the application again. At the first start, when the system prompts you to restore a copy, select the "Restore from local copy" option.
How to find the encryption version?
Look at the extension of other files in the Databases folder. If they end in crypt12, rename your file to crypt12. If on crypt14 - then in crypt14. A version mismatch will result in a recovery error.
This method requires care, as an error in the file name will make the copy unreadable. Make sure you have enough free space on your phone to deploy the database before starting the procedure.
Why can't I see the WhatsApp folder in the file manager?
Most likely, you have Android 11 or higher. The files have been moved to a hidden directory /Android/media/com.whatsapp. Also check if system files are hidden in the settings of the explorer itself.
Can you read .crypt files without a phone?
No, the database files are encrypted with a unique key that is stored in the security system of a particular device. Without access to the phone, it is impossible to decrypt correspondence on a computer.
Deleting the Media folder will delete messages?
No, text correspondence is stored in a database (.db files), and the Media folder contains only pictures, videos and voice messages. The text will remain untouched.
How to find the statuses that I have viewed?
Statuses are saved in a hidden folder .Statuses inside the WhatsApp directory. To see it, enable the display of hidden files (dot at the beginning of the name) in the file manager settings.
Is it safe to use third-party apps to clean WhatsApp?
Use only official tools inside the application or proven system utilities. Third-party "cleaners" may accidentally delete important configuration files or disrupt the database structure.