Transferring WhatsApp chats from one Android device to another might seem like a daunting task, but it is actually quite a simple process if you follow the right steps. In this guide, we will cover several methods to help you retain all your messages and media files when switching devices.
Method 1: Transferring Chats Using Google Drive
The easiest and most common way to transfer chats is to use Google Drive for backup and restore.
Step 1: Creating a Backup in Google Drive
- Open WhatsApp on your old device.
- Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and select “Settings.”
- Go to “Chats” and select “Chat backup.”
- Tap “Back up to Google Drive.”
- Select the Google account where you want to save the backup.
- Tap “Back up” to start the process. Make sure the device is connected to Wi-Fi to avoid using mobile data.
Step 2: Restoring Chats on the New Device
- Install WhatsApp on the new device from the Google Play Store.
- Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your number.
- After verification, you will be prompted to restore chats from Google Drive. Tap “Restore.”
- Wait for the restoration process to complete, then tap “Next.”
- Your chats and media files will be restored on the new device.
Method 2: Transferring Chats Using a Local Backup
If you do not want to use Google Drive, you can use a local backup. This method requires using a file manager or connecting the device to a computer.
Step 1: Creating a Local Backup
- Open WhatsApp on your old device.
- Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and select “Settings.”
- Go to “Chats” and select “Chat backup.”
- Tap “Back up” to create a local backup on the device.
Step 2: Transferring the Backup to the New Device
- Connect the old device to the computer using a USB cable.
- Open the file manager and navigate to the WhatsApp/Databases folder on the device.
- Copy the latest backup file (named something like msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12) to the computer.
- Connect the new device to the computer and copy the backup file to the WhatsApp/Databases folder on the new device. If the Databases folder does not exist, create it.
Step 3: Restoring Chats on the New Device
- Install WhatsApp on the new device from the Google Play Store.
- Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your number.
- WhatsApp will automatically find the local backup and prompt you to restore chats. Tap “Restore.”
- Wait for the restoration process to complete, then tap “Next.”
- Your chats and media files will be restored on the new device.
Useful Tips
- Ensure you have enough free space on Google Drive or the new device to store the backup.
- Regularly back up your chats to avoid data loss in case of device failure or other unforeseen situations.
- When using local backups, make sure the backup file is transferred correctly and is in the right folder.
By following these steps, you can easily transfer your WhatsApp chats from one Android device to another. We hope this guide has been helpful and has helped you keep all your important messages and media files when switching devices.