Many users of smartphones based on Android face anxiety when receiving a notification about the need to update WhatsApp. The main fear is related to the possible loss of important correspondence, photographs and documents. Indeed, in the process of updating an application or the operating system itself, there is a risk of data reset if proper precautions are not taken.
However, by following a clear algorithm of actions, you can minimize any risks to zero. Modern versions of the messenger use Google Drive cloud services for automatic backup. This makes the recovery process almost painless. In this article, we will look in detail at how to properly prepare your device for installing a new version of software.
The issue of data security is especially acute if you are switching from one version of Android to another or changing the firmware. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to your chats remaining in the old database, which the new version of the application simply will not see.
Preparing the device and checking the current version
The first step before starting any manipulations with the software is to diagnose the current state of the system. You need to make sure you have enough free space and battery power on your device. Update via Google Play Market may require a significant amount of RAM to unpack installation files.
Go to the settings of your smartphone and check the available storage. If memory is critically low, the installation process may be interrupted in the middle, which can lead to corruption of application files. It is recommended to free up at least 1-2 GB of space before starting the procedure.
It is also worth paying attention to the version of the operating system. Older versions Android may not support the latest messenger releases. In this case, you will need to first update the phone system, and only then proceed to the messenger.
- 🔋 Make sure that the battery level is at least 50% before starting the download.
- 📶 Connect your smartphone to a stable Wi-Fi network to avoid mobile traffic costs.
- 💾 Check availability in the internal storage of the device.
⚠️ Attention: If your device runs on custom firmware or has root access, the standard update procedure may not work. In such cases, it is recommended to make a full backup of the entire system via the recovery menu.
Manually creating a backup copy in Google Drive
The most reliable way to save your correspondence history is a forced backup to cloud storage. Even though WhatsApp offers automatic backup, relying on it alone is risky since the last save could have happened several days ago.
Open the application and go to the settings section. Find the item responsible for working with chats. This is where the backup management function is located. You need to initiate the process manually by clicking the appropriate button.
The system will prompt you to select an account Google, where the archive will be saved. Make sure you select the correct account, especially if you have multiple accounts on your phone. After confirmation, the data will begin uploading to the cloud.
The process time depends on the size of your message history and the number of media files. If you have hundreds of gigabytes of photos in chats, the procedure can take considerable time. In this case, you can exclude the video from to speed up the process.
☑️ Checklist before backup
Local copy to internal memory
In addition to cloud services, WhatsApp automatically creates local copies of the database on the internal storage of the smartphone. These files are stored in hidden system folders and can serve as a lifeline if access to Google Drive is impossible.
Backup files usually have an extension .crypt14 or higher, depending on the encryption version. They are on the way Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases. Knowing this path is critical for manual data recovery in complex cases.
It is recommended to copy the most recent database file to another folder or computer before updating. This will create an additional level of protection. If the cloud backup becomes damaged, you can manually replace the file in the system.
Keep in mind that local copies are stored for only 7 days. Old files are automatically deleted by the system to save space. Therefore, timely copying to external media is the best strategy for long-term storage.
| Copy type | Storage location | Storage period | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | Cloud | Indefinite | High |
| Local | Phone memory | 7 days | Average |
| Manual (PC) | Computer/SD | Indefinite | Maximum |
Where exactly is the database located?
The path to the files may differ on different versions of Android. On new versions (Android 11+), the folder was moved to Android/media, while on old ones it was in the root of the internal memory in the WhatsApp folder.
⚠️ Attention: Do not delete files from the Databases folder until you are completely sure that the new version of the application works correctly and sees all chats.
Update process via Google Play Market
The safest and recommended way to install a new version is to use the official application store Google Play. This method ensures that you receive a file signed by the developer that has been checked for viruses and compatibility.
Go to the application store and find WhatsApp in the list of installed apps. If an update is available, you will see a Updatebutton. Clicking on it will automatically download and install the new version over the old one.
With this method, user data is usually saved automatically, since the folder structure does not change. However, if the update is large and affects the application architecture, the system may request additional permissions.
After installation is complete, do not rush to open the messenger right away. Give the system a couple of minutes to index new files and optimize the database in the background.
If the update button is inactive or missing, try clearing the Google Play Market application cache in the phone settings and restarting the device.
Updating via APK files: risks and nuances
Sometimes users are forced to update the application manually by downloading the installation package file .apk from third-party resources. This may be due to regional restrictions or the desire to install the beta version before the official release.
If installed from unknown sources, the security system Android will issue a warning. You need to allow installation for a specific browser or file manager. Be extremely careful and download files only from trusted portals, such as APKMirror.
The main risk of manual updating is incompatible certificate signing. If you previously installed a modified version of WhatsApp, the official update may not install without completely deleting the old application, which will lead to data loss without a backup.
Before installing the APK file, be sure to check its hash sum, if it is provided by the developer. This will help ensure that the file has not been modified by attackers and does not contain malicious code.
- 🛡️ Enable a virus scanner before running the installation file.
- 📂 Make sure that the "Install from unknown sources" option is enabled.
- 🔒 Never download WhatsApp mods from suspicious forums.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may vary slightly depending on the model of your smartphone and the version of the manufacturer’s shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS, etc.). Always check the current settings of your device.
Data recovery after updating
After successfully installing the new version, launch the application. The first screen will be a greeting and a request to verify your phone number. Enter the same number you used previously. This is critically important, since the backup is tied specifically to the number.
After confirming the number via SMS code, the system will detect the presence of a backup copy in Google Drive or local storage. You will be prompted to restore your chat history. Under no circumstances click the “Skip” button.
The recovery process may take time. Do not close the application or lock your phone screen at this time. Interrupting the process can damage the database, making it almost impossible to recover messages.
If the restoration was successful, you will see all your chats in the form in which they were at the time the last copy was created. Messages received between the backup and update may be lost if they were not saved separately.
Data recovery only works if you use the same phone number and the same Google account that were used when creating the backup.
In some cases, the application may not see the cloud copy right away. Try deleting and adding your Google account in your phone settings again, then restart WhatsApp. This often solves the synchronization problem.
Solving common problems when updating
Users often encounter the “Not enough space” error even when there is free memory. This is due to the fact that unpacking the update requires temporary space that is larger than the size of the installation file itself.
Another common problem is freezing when checking the network status. This may be caused by your antivirus or firewall settings blocking Google's servers. Try temporarily disabling protection or changing DNS servers.
If media files are missing after the update, check the media visibility settings in the gallery. In new versions of Android, files may be hidden from public access due to changes in the system's privacy policy.
What to do if the update is stuck at 99%?
Do not panic and do not reboot your phone right away. Wait 10-15 minutes. If progress does not move, force close the application through the settings and try to launch it again. In extreme cases, you will need to re-install with a full restore from the backup.
Is it possible to restore chats without a Google account?
Yes, this is only possible if you have a local copy of the database. You will need a file manager with access rights to system folders to rename the backup file to msgstore.db.cryptXX and place it in the desired directory before installing the application.
Will privacy settings be erased after the update?
Usually, privacy settings such as “who can see my status” or “profile photo” are saved on WhatsApp servers and restored automatically. However, notification settings and themes may be reset to default values.
How to update WhatsApp on an old Android?
If the official update is not available in the Play Market due to an outdated OS version, you will have to look for a compatible version of the APK file on third-party resources. Please note that support for older versions of Android is gradually being discontinued by the developer.