How to Transfer WhatsApp Local Backup to New Phone

WhatsApp users typically have the option to back up their data to cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud, which simplifies the transfer process to another phone. However, not everyone prefers these cloud storage solutions, whether due to privacy concerns or other limitations. That’s why utilizing the local backup technique is an essential approach that involves saving your WhatsApp data directly to your phone’s internal storage.

In this way, users can have greater control over their data and can eliminate reliance on third-party cloud services. This guide will help you navigate through several ways to conveniently transfer WhatsApp local backup to a new phone. By going through the whole article to the end, you will also learn about the most ultimate solution for this purpose.

Part 1: Where is a Local WhatsApp Backup Stored?

Before heading to the part where we will show you how to perform this new WhatsApp transfer approach, let’s learn about its storage location. Unlike cloud backups, local backups are saved on the device itself and do not require an internet connection for storage.

Once you get to know where your smartphones store these files, you can then easily opt to transfer local WhatsApp backup to another device. Those who want to access local files related to WhatsApp would need to perform the following steps on their mobiles:

For Android

1. Step 1:

   First, navigate to “Internal Storage” on your Android mobile device through the File Manager application. Afterward, look for the ” WhatsApp ” folder among the various Internal Storage folders.

2. Step 2:

   Now, hit the “Databases” folder in the “WhatsApp” folder to access this local backup page. Finally, you will be able to preview all the locally preserved WhatsApp backup files named “msgstore” along with the backup date.

For iPhone

WhatsApp does not store local backups on iPhones in a user-accessible location due to iOS’s strict file system restrictions. Instead, WhatsApp backups on iPhones are typically stored in iCloud, which you can access through iCloud storage settings. However, Apple still allows users to copy WhatsApp local backup to new phone without the iCloud service via the built-in functionality of transfer chats in WhatsApp application.

Part 2: How Do I Transfer My WhatsApp Local Backup to Another Device?

Now that you have learned where this web communication app stores its local data, it’s time to proceed to how you can perform this transfer. In this section, we will explain some practical ways for WhatsApp local data transfer to a new phone.

• [Limited] Official Way to Transfer WhatsApp Local Backup to New Phone
• [Unlimited] A Universal Way to Transfer WhatsApp Local Backup to New Phone 🔥

[Limited] Official Way to Transfer WhatsApp Local Backup to New Phone

We will first start with the official ways that you can try for this local WhatsApp data-shifting process without requiring any third-party apps. No doubt, these techniques are risk-free because WhatsApp itself supports these methods and has integrated a built-in feature for them. However, they come with some limitations, which we are going to show you in the following table:

Now, let’s ponder over the operational steps for all these local WhatsApp transfer types using official methods:

1. Android to Android

1. Step 1:

   Start by tapping the “Three Dots” icon from the above right corner in WhatsApp and then select the “Chats” option from the “Settings” page.

2. Step 2:

   Now, tap the “Transfer chats” option and then hit the “Start” button on the next screen. Following this, your phone will then launch a QR code scanner on its display.

3. Step 3:

   Next, install this social media app on your new mobile and hit “Agree and continue.” Then, sign into your WhatsApp account by allowing all the essential permissions and hit “Continue.”

4. Step 4:

   Finally, again tap “Continue” on the next page to generate a QR code for transferring WhatsApp data and then hit “Next” after scanning it.

Disadvantages

● This method will not transfer peer-to-peer payment messages, WhatsApp Channels media, and call history.
● You cannot share selective data types between your old and new Android devices.

2. iPhone to iPhone

1. Step 1:

   First of all, access the WhatsApp application’s “Chats” option from the “Settings” tab and choose the “Transfer chats to iPhone” option there.

2. Step 2:

   Following this, hit the “Start” button and allow all the permission to get to the QR code scanning page, showing you further instructions.

3. Step 3:

   Next, open the WhatsApp app on your new iPhone and hit the “Agree & continue” button. Then, tap “Next” after entering your SIM number to register your WhatsApp account on this phone.

4. Step 4:

   Afterward, press the “Continue” button and accept all required permissions, followed by scanning the QR code generated on your new iPhone.

Disadvantages

● This method sometimes fails to transfer data between old and new iPhones due to a weak internet connection.
● Users cannot transfer their WhatsApp Business data between different iPhones using this method.

3. Android to iPhone

1. Step 1:

   Begin by installing and opening the Move to iOS app on your Android phone and hit the “Continue” button to reach the “Find Your Code” page.

2. Step 2:

   Afterward, tap “Move Data from Android” while your iPhone is setting for the first time and generate a one-time code by hitting “Continue.”

3. Step 3:

   Next, tap the “Continue” button after selecting “WhatsApp” and then proceed with further confirmation buttons.

4. Step 4:

   Afterward, log in to your Apple ID on your iPhone after tapping “Continue Setting Up Phone.” Finally, press “Start” and allow the relevant permissions to get access to your WhatsApp chats.

Disadvantages

● It has to be the latest version of WhatsApp and the iOS version has to be 15.5 or higher, which is not very friendly to users with lower versions.
● Incompatibility issues between the Android and iOS platforms can lead to incomplete transfer or loss of some data.

4. iPhone to Android

1. Step 1:

   Initiate by connecting both your Android and iOS phones via a USB-C to Lightning/USB-C cable and hit the “Receive Data” option in the Smart Switch app.

2. Step 2:

   Then, choose “iPhone/iPad” as the Source device and hit “Next” after trusting this phone on your iOS device.

3. Step 3:

   Following this, tap “Install” after selecting the “WhatsApp Messenger” option from the “Apps” section.

4. Step 4:

   Now, scan the QR code that appears on your Galaxy phone and tap the “Start” button to initiate this local WhatsApp transfer.

5. Step 5:

   Finally, you must open the WhatsApp application on your Android phone and hit the “START” button to recover all your WhatsApp chats here.

Disadvantages

● This method can only work for scenarios where the recipient phone is a Galaxy model of Samsung devices.
● Due to cross-platform incompatibility, there’s a higher risk of data loss or corruption during the transfer process.

[Unlimited] A Universal Way to Transfer WhatsApp Local Backup to New Phone 🔥

In the previous section, we explained all the possible ways you can attempt to transfer WhatsApp local backup to a new phone using official approaches. However, you must face several limitations and challenges, which make them not the very best options for every kind of situation. That’s where FonesGo WhatsApp Transfer comes as a comprehensive solution, regardless of the device you are using.

This all-in-one WhatsApp data transfer software can transfer large amounts of data quickly between any kind of mobile device without interruptions. Here are some of the peculiar features you can expect with its usage:

● Cross-Platform Transfer: You can quickly shift your precious WhatsApp data between Android and iOS devices without worrying about the transfer direction.
● Selective Transfer Support: Instead of transferring the entire WhatsApp history every time you perform this operation, this software allows you to choose specific chats or media files.
● Data Security: While operating the data moving process, FonesGo ensures that the integrity of your data privacy and security remains intact.
● Support for Multiple WhatsApp Variants: In addition to the standard version of WhatsApp, you can also use this tool for the data of WhatsApp Business and GBWhatsApp.

Guide to Transfer WhatsApp Local Backup Using FonesGo

Those wanting to learn how to move local WhatsApp backup to a new phone for all kinds of transferring directions can go through the comprehensive guide below:

1. Step 1

   Launch With the FonesGo’s WhatsApp Transfer Feature

   First of all, download the FonesGo WhatsApp Transfer app on your PC and install it with recommended settings. Then, launch it and tap the “Start” button through the “WhatsApp Transfer” feature after connecting your both mobiles to your system.

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2. Step 2

   Choose the Local WhatsApp files to Transfer to New Phone

   Following this, the software will ask you to adjust the “Source” and “Destinations” devices to set the transfer direction. Next, tap the “Transfer” option and pick the selective categories of data you want to shift.

3. Step 3

   Validation Process for Different OS Devices

   After choosing the WhatsApp data files, you will now be required to authenticate this process, which is different according to the direction of the transfer type. Have a look at this authentication step for each of them individually:

   Android to Android: This transfer method involves disabling the Google Drive backup of your Android phone and executing the backup manually. After completion, you will be then able to use your WhatsApp with all your data on the new device.

   iPhone to iPhone: In this directional transfer, you need to back up your old iPhone WhatsApp if you want to preserve your data. When you set up your new iPhone, you can then recover all the backed-up data after registering your WhatsApp account.

   Android to iPhone: For shifting data in this OS direction, FonesGo requires end-to-end encryption of the WhatsApp backup on your Android phone. You can then save the snap of the generated password to preserve it for later use. Once you use this 64-bit password for backup confirmation, you can then have all the backed-up data on your iOS device after the completion of the process.

   iPhone to Android: Those who have set an iTunes password will need to enter it to back up their local WhatsApp data on their iPhone. Afterward, you will have to validate your WhatsApp account for the Android phone by providing the contact number and its code for your country. Moreover, don’t forget to turn off your Android’s two-step verification feature for smooth operation.

4. Step 4

   WhatsApp Data Transfer Completion

   When you are done with the required authentication for the transfer direction, you can then access the entire WhatsApp data on your new phone within a few minutes. Finally, reboot your target device and open the WhatsApp application there to enjoy the whole copy of data there.

Part 3: Common Questions about WhatsApp Local Backup

Q1. Can I restore WhatsApp from a local backup instead of Google Drive?

Yes, you can totally restore all the WhatsApp data in this approach by utilizing the above-mentioned ways. Although you can perform some official methods to transfer WhatsApp local backup to new phone, having a comprehensive solution like FonesGo would be more helpful.

Q2. How do I export local WhatsApp backup?

For Android phones, you can export the local WhatsApp backup file from the “Databases” folder or directly through the Settings of WhatsApp application. iPhones don’t allow you to access WhatsApp backup files from its internal storage, but you can still export it from the settings by transferring chat history.

Q3. Can I upload my local WhatsApp backup to Google Drive?

WhatsApp does not support manually uploading local backups from your smartphones to Google Drive. However, you can back up your WhatsApp data to Google Drive service directly from the WhatsApp application by enabling it.

Q4. Why is WhatsApp not detecting local backups?

WhatsApp may fail to detect the local backup due to the following reasons:

● You may have put the backup file in the incorrect folder.
● Make sure that the WhatsApp backup file is named correctly.
● The WhatsApp version on the target phone might be outdated.
● The backup file might be corrupted, preventing WhatsApp from detecting it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you are moving WhatsApp data between devices of the same platform or across different platforms, knowing the way for local transfer is crucial. In this regard, this guide has helped you with the information regarding the location of the stored local backup file. We have also enlightened you with several official ways to transfer WhatsApp local backup to new phone.

However, these official methods come with a lot of limitations as we mentioned in the guide explicitly. Therefore, you can use FonesGo WhatsApp Transfer for a more comprehensive approach which allows you freely shift data from any direction regardless of your phone’s OS.