We have shared many precious messages and memories on WhatsApp, making it crucial to store and ensure the secure backup of this data on mobile devices. The storage location of WhatsApp backup files has thus become a focal point of user concern. This article shows where WhatsApp backup is stored on Android and iPhone, as well as the storage location of WhatsApp backups on Google Drive. Additionally, we'll provide an extra tip on how to securely back up WhatsApp data to a computer. Let's explore together:
Finding WhatsApp backup files on an Android device is a straightforward process, and you can easily locate them using your device's file manager. WhatsApp automatically creates local backups on your device's storage daily, but these backups are encrypted, and you cannot directly read their contents without the appropriate decryption methods.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find WhatsApp backup files on Android. By following these steps, you can find and identify both earlier local WhatsApp backups with dates in their filenames and the latest backup with the "crypt14" extension:
1. Open File Manager:
Unlock your Android device and open the file manager app. If your device doesn't have a built-in file manager, you can download one from the Google Play Store.
2. Navigate to WhatsApp Directory:
Within the file manager, go to:
Internal Storage/Android/Media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp
3. Access the Databases Folder:
Look for a folder named "Databases" within the WhatsApp directory and open it. This is where WhatsApp stores its local backup files.
4. Identify WhatsApp Backup Files:
In the "Databases" folder, you will see multiple files with names like "msgstore-YYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12". The format includes the date of the backup (YYYY-MM-DD) and the extension "crypt12". These files represent earlier local WhatsApp backups.
5. Locate the Latest Backup:
The most recent backup file may not include the date in its name. Instead, it will have the extension "crypt14". This is the latest backup of WhatsApp on your device.
Read also:
WhatsApp Local Backup: A Complet Guide
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Accessing WhatsApp backup files on an iPhone is not as straightforward as on Android due to Apple's restrictions on accessing internal iPhone files. Unlike Android, iPhone users cannot easily locate or access WhatsApp backup files without resorting to methods like jailbreaking.
WhatsApp messages on iPhones are primarily stored and backed up through iCloud and iTunes. While these platforms facilitate the backup and restoration of WhatsApp messages, accessing the raw backup files is not permitted under normal circumstances.
If you use an iPhone, you have the option to back up your WhatsApp chats on iCloud. However, iCloud does not provide direct access to low-level systems or backup files. Even if your WhatsApp backup is stored in iCloud, you won't be able to access or view it by logging into iCloud, as it keeps these backups encrypted and inaccessible to users.
Alternatively, iPhone users can utilize iTunes on Windows or Finder on Mac to back up their WhatsApp data. The backed-up chats are stored in an encrypted SQLite database file called "ChatStorage.sqlite". While this file is not directly accessible, you can extract and view the contents of the backup by employing a reliable iTunes backup extractor such as iMazing or Dr.Fone - Data Recovery.
Here are the steps for using iMazing to achieve that:
WhatsApp backups on Google Drive are securely stored in a dedicated section called "Backups", which is tucked away within the broader context of Google Drive's storage management. The backup files are intentionally hidden from the main list of files and folders, adding an extra layer of privacy and organization to your Google Drive account.
To locate your WhatsApp backup on Google Drive, follow these step-by-step instructions:
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If you want to enhance the security of your WhatsApp data without relying on cloud backups, you should definitely consider using Coolmuster WhatsApp Recovery - this professional tool offers a convenient way to back up your WhatsApp data directly to your computer, adding an additional layer of protection. Coolmuster WhatsApp Recovery is specifically designed for efficiently recovering deleted WhatsApp messages, attachments, and contacts. Its speedy and robust recovery engine supports the extraction of lost data from Android devices, all presented through a user-friendly interface.
01Download, install, and activate Coolmuster WhatsApp Recovery. From the main interface, select "WhatsApp Recovery" and run the software.
02Connect your computer and phone using a USB cable, then click "Next". Ensure USB debugging is enabled on your Android phone.
03The software will initiate the scanning process to extract your WhatsApp data, effectively backing it up in the process.
Understanding the storage location of WhatsApp backup files is a key step in ensuring the security of our communication data. Using the methods introduced in this article, you can easily locate WhatsApp backup files on your phone and understand the storage mechanism of these files on Google Drive. Moreover, with the extra tip, you can conveniently back up WhatsApp data to your computer, providing additional security for unforeseen circumstances. Whether for preventing data loss or changing devices, a thorough understanding of WhatsApp backup storage methods will ensure a more secure and worry-free experience in the digital communication world.
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