WhatsApp It has established itself as the most widely used messaging app on Android devices, serving as the primary communication bridge for both individual and business users. Therefore, secure your chats and files with a backup It is essential to avoid losing conversations, multimedia files, and key business data in the event of a device change, loss, theft, or factory reset.
In this complete guide you will discover How WhatsApp backup works on Android, the different options for doing so, and how to restore it step by step, including advanced ways to move your chats between mobile devices without errors, and recommendations for potential issues during the process.
Why is WhatsApp backup so important?
The backup feature in WhatsApp not only protects your messages and files from unexpected events; it also allows you to transfer All your chat history, photos, videos, documents, and voice notes to a new Android device. It's an indispensable tool for those who use WhatsApp as their primary means of work or personal communication, as it prevents the loss of critical information and saves time migrating between devices. Learn more about WhatsApp backup.
Google Drive WhatsApp is the default system for storing these backups, ensuring remote access as long as you use the same Google account and phone number. However, it's also possible to make local backups to your phone's storage, which adds an extra layer of protection against cloud failures or sync issues.
WhatsApp Backup Types and Frequency for Android
- Automatic copy to Google Drive: WhatsApp allows scheduling automatic daily, weekly or monthly backupsYou can choose whether to include videos, which take up more space, and configure whether copies are uploaded only over Wi-Fi to save mobile data.
- Manual copy: If you're changing phones or need an immediate backup, you can run the backup manually from Settings > Chats > Backup > Save.
- Local copy: In addition to Drive, WhatsApp automatically creates a local backup (stored in /WhatsApp/Databases), which can be useful if there are issues with the cloud or you need to move the copy without internet.
Remember that cloud backup will only be available if you keep the same Google account and the same number registered with WhatsApp. If you change one of these, you'll need to make a new backup before transferring or reinstalling the app.
Step by Step: How to Restore WhatsApp Backup on Android
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp:
If you want to restore a backup, WhatsApp only offers you the option during the initial setup after a new installation. Therefore, it is necessary uninstall the app and reinstall it from the Google Play Store. This also applies when setting up WhatsApp on a different phone than the original one. - Verify phone number:
After reinstalling, launch the app and accept any requested permissions. Then, enter the same phone number with which you made the backup and verify via SMS or call. If you don't use the correct number, WhatsApp won't detect the existing backup on Google Drive. Learn how to transfer chats from iPhone to Android.. - Select and restore the copy:
Once the number is verified, WhatsApp will automatically search for backups on Google Drive. If it finds one, it will display the date and size to ensure it's the one you want to restore. Tap Restore and wait for the process to complete. This may take more or less time depending on the size (and type of files, especially videos). - Set up your profile:
After restoring the messages, WhatsApp will allow you to set up your account, name and profile pictureMedia files will begin downloading in the background, so please be patient until all content is available.
Remember you can only restore the backup at that timeIf you skip the restore, you'll have to repeat the entire uninstall/install process to try again. Additionally, it's not possible to merge chats from an old backup with messages generated on the new device after the restore: you'll choose between the old or new history, but never both combined.
Restore WhatsApp backup from local storage
In certain situations (for example, if there are sync issues with Google Drive or if you prefer not to use the cloud), you can restore WhatsApp from a local copy stored on your deviceThis method requires more advanced file handling, but it's a very useful resource if you have the backup saved or transferred via cable or SD card. Learn how to restore old WhatsApp backups..
- Locate the local copy: Go to your mobile's internal storage, in the path /WhatsApp/Databases/. There you will find files of type msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt14.
- Rename the file: Rename the file to the date you want to restore and leave it as msgstore.db.crypt14.
- Transfer the file: If you're going to use it on another phone, copy the renamed file to the same path on the new device.
- Install WhatsApp and log in: When the app detects the local backup during installation (and doesn't find one in Google Drive), it will give you the option to restore from internal storage.
This method is ideal if you've manually backed up your chats outside of the cloud, forgot to back up to Drive, or need to access a previous version of your chats.
Transfer WhatsApp chats from mobile to mobile without Google Drive
The latest versions of WhatsApp offer a direct chat transfer function between Android phones, without having to use Google Drive. This option is especially useful if you're having trouble with the cloud, have a poor internet connection, or prefer maximum privacy.
- On the old mobile, go to Settings > Chats > Transfer chats and follow the instructions to begin the transfer.
- On the new phone, install WhatsApp and follow the usual process until the option appears Transfer chat history from old phoneA QR code will be displayed.
- Use your old phone to scan the QR code on your new device.
- Both phones will connect via Wi-Fi Direct, and the secure transfer of all your chats and attachments will begin.
This transfer may take several minutes depending on the amount of information, but it is more secure, private, and faster than the cloud, and does not require an internet connection after the initial connection.
Requirements and recommendations for restoring backups on WhatsApp Android
- Stable internet connection: Essential for restoring from Google Drive, especially with large media files.
- enough storage space On mobile: Make sure your device has room for all your chats and media.
- Same Google account and phone number: WhatsApp only associates copies with the account and number active at the time of the copy.
- Appropriate permissions: Accept access permissions to contacts, storage, and Google Drive during setup.
- Make the backup manually before resetting or changing devices: This way you can be sure you have the latest messages and files backed up.
Common problems and solutions when restoring WhatsApp backups
Obstacles can arise during restoration. Here are the main problems and how to solve them:
- The app does not detect the backup.: Check that the number and Google account are the same. If you're using a local copy, make sure the file is correctly located and renamed.
- Missing messages or filesThis could be because your backup is old. Check the date in WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Backup.
- There is not enough space: Delete non-essential files before restoring.
- Connection error: Try restoring using Wi-Fi only and ideally disconnect other devices from the local network to improve speed.
- Change of number: Change your WhatsApp number on your old phone first before starting the restoration process on your new device.
Advanced Options: Restore WhatsApp with Third-Party Tools
If you need to transfer your WhatsApp history between operating systems (for example, from Android to iPhone or vice versa), or you want to do full copies on your computer, there are options like Wondershare MobileTransThis app allows you to create and restore backups on both Android and iOS, export all files, messages, and documents to your computer, and transfer data directly between phones connected via cable. It's the ideal alternative if you're looking for total privacy, control and security During all the process.
- Download MobileTrans on your computer.
- Choose the WhatsApp transfer option and follow the instructions to connect both phones.
- Select the backup and perform the restore.
These tools are usually paid, but they offer technical support, greater compatibility, and allow you to bypass cloud backup limitations.
Additional tips to protect your WhatsApp information
- Make regular copies and check the date of the last backup in Settings > Chats > Backup.
- Exclude or include videos according to your needs, as they take up a lot of space and can slow down the restoration.
- Keep your WhatsApp app and Google Play Services updated to avoid incompatibilities or errors during transfers.
- Protect your Google account with two-step authentication so no one can access your cloud backups.
- Do not use unofficial migration applications; can corrupt your data and chat history.
The procedure for restoring a WhatsApp backup on Android is simple if you understand how backups work, follow the steps carefully, and meet the necessary requirements. Thanks to Google Drive integration, local backup, and direct transfer between phones, You should never lose your conversations, files, voice notes or important memories again.If you use WhatsApp for business or manage sensitive data, you'll want to perform manual backups before major changes and consider tools like MobileTrans to have an additional backup on your computer. Spending a few minutes protecting your data will save you hours and hours of trouble if anything unexpected arises.