Guide in 2024: How to Restore WhatsApp from Local Backup With Ease

Charlotte Smith
2024-01-17
Home > Resources > WhatsApp > Guide in 2024: How to Restore WhatsApp from Local Backup With Ease

Summary

Do you often send messages with WhatsApp? If there are important messages and files in your WhatsApp account, backup will be necessary. However, many people know that we can restore WhatsApp from Google Drive but have no idea about how to restore WhatsApp from local backup. Therefore, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of restoring your WhatsApp data with local backup, addressing common issues, and providing insights into the frequently asked questions surrounding this crucial aspect of WhatsApp maintenance.

how to restore whatsapp from local backup

Part 1: How to Restore WhatsApp from Local Backup on Android

If you're an Android user looking to seamlessly restore your WhatsApp data from a local backup, you're in the right place. Part 1 of our guide delves into the skill of the local restoration process on Android devices. From locating your local backup files to navigating through the reinstallation steps, we've got you covered. Follow our detailed instructions to ensure a smooth transition and retain your valuable chat history and media files.

Restore WhatsApp from local backup on Android:

Step 1: Please ensure there is a local backup file on your Android device. You can go to WhatsApp > "More" > "Settings" > "Chats" > "Chat backup". If you backed up your WhatsApp data to Google Drive, it means that there is a copy saved in the local internal storage.

Step 2: Then uninstall WhatsApp from the Android device, and install it again.

Step 3: Enter your phone number and set up the app. When you see the "Restore backup" screen, click "RESTORE". The the data will be restored from the local backup to the WhatsApp app.

restore whatsapp data from local backup on android

Restore older WhatsApp chats from local backup on Android:

Step 1: Go to your File Manager on your Android phone, and choose "Internal storage".

Step 2: Find and choose "WhatsApp" > "Databases". You will see your WhatsApp files.

Step 3: Modify the name of the backup file you want to restore from "msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt14" to "msgstore.db.crypt14". Please do not change the number of the crypt extension. By the way, some older chats are on earlier protocols like crypt12, crypt8, etc.

Step 4: Now, reinstall WhatsApp to restore the older backup chats.

restore older whatsapp chats from local backup on android

See more: Where Is WhatsApp Backup Stored on Your Device? Locate It Fast

Part 2: How to Restore WhatsApp from Local Backup on PC

For those who prefer managing their WhatsApp backups on a PC, this part explores the process of restoring WhatsApp from a local backup using your computer. Unlock the potential of restoring WhatsApp with the convenience and control that a PC provides.

2.1 Using WhatsApp Data Recovery

To restore WhatsApp from the local backup on a PC, you will need to back up your WhatsApp data to the PC first. Thus, a useful backup tool is necessary, like WhatsApp Data Recovery. This desktop app can display all your Android WhatsApp data on a computer, allowing you to transfer WhatsApp chats and attachments from Android to a PC with ease.

Highlights of WhatsApp Data Recovery:

- Seamlessly back up WhatsApp data from Android to PC.

- Extract WhatsApp messages and media files from the local backup on the PC.

- Allow you to view your WhatsApp messages on the computer.

- Do not damage file quality.

- Export the WhatsApp data as readable HTML and CSV formats.

- Work for Android OS 4.0 and higher (Android 14 included).

Download the WhatsApp data recovery tool.

download windows version of whatsapp data recovery

Restore WhatsApp from local backup with WhatsApp Data Recovery on PC:

Step 1: Install the program on a PC, launch it, and tap "WhatsApp Recovery". Connect your Android phone to the computer with USB. Then turn on the USB debugging mode on Android, choose your phone, and tap "Next" on the interface.

use whatsapp data recovery to restore whatsapp from local backup on a computer

Step 2: Switch on the "End-to-end encrypted backup" feature on the WhatsApp app according to the on-screen guide. After that, click "View It" to get your WhatsApp data on the computer. Next, you can select the chats and attachments, and click "Recover to Computer".

input the key to scan whatsapp data

Step 3: To restore the WhatsApp backup file, please choose the "Recover from Backup File" tab and choose your backup file.

choose a whatsapp backup file on pc

Step 4: Click "Start Scan". Then you can view your backup WhatsApp data on the PC. Select the content you want, and you can extract the content from the backup file to your computer.

extract the data from whatsapp backup on pc

Learn more: What if the images are deleted by a sender on WhatsApp? How can you recover them? Open the guide to get the solution.

2.2 Using WhatsApp Transfer

WhatsApp Transfer can not only back up and restore WhatsApp data but also transfer WhatsApp chat history fast from one phone to another. With it, you can restore the local backup from your computer to your mobile device. Furthermore, this software supports most Android and iOS devices.

Download WhatsApp Transfer.

download windows version of whatsapp transferdownload mac version of whatsapp transfer

Here's how to restore WhatsApp from local backup with WhatsApp Transfer on a PC:

Step 1: Install and open the transfer software on your computer, and click "WhatsApp Transfer". Then link your phone to the PC via USB.

Step 2: Choose "WhatsApp" at the left side, and tap "Backup WhatsApp messages". Follow the on-screen instructions to generate a 64-digit key and click "Next". Then the software will back up your WhatsApp data to your computer.

restore whatsapp from local backup on pc via whatsapp transfer

Step 3: To restore the local backup from your computer to your phone, please choose "Restore to Device", and select your WhatsApp backup file.

Step 4: Click "View" and select the WhatsApp chats. Finally, tap "Restore to Device" at the bottom to import the local backup data to your phone.

restore whatsapp from pc backup

Read also: Fast Move WhatsApp to SD Card: Change Storage Location of WhatsApp

Part 3: Why I Can't Restore My WhatsApp Chat from Local Backup

In general, restoring WhatsApp from a local backup is straightforward, but in some cases, we fail to restore WhatsApp data from local backup. There could be several reasons why you are unable to restore your WhatsApp chat from a local backup. Here are some common issues and solutions:

Incorrect Backup Location

Ensure that the backup file is stored in the correct location on your device. On Android, WhatsApp backups are typically stored in the "/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases" folder, while on iOS, they are stored in iCloud.

Backup File Corruption

If the backup file is corrupted, WhatsApp may not be able to restore your chat. Make sure the backup file is intact and hasn't been modified.

Outdated WhatsApp Version

Ensure that you are using the latest version of WhatsApp from the official app store (Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS). Older versions may have compatibility issues with newer backup formats.

Insufficient Storage Space

Ensure that there is enough free space on your device to restore the backup. WhatsApp needs sufficient space to unpack and restore the chat data.

Different Phone Number or Device

WhatsApp backups are tied to the phone number and device. If you are trying to restore on a different phone or with a different number, it won't work. Make sure you're using the same number and device.

Permissions

Ensure that WhatsApp has the necessary permissions to access storage on your device. Without proper permissions, it may not be able to locate or restore the backup file.

Date and Time Settings

Make sure that the date and time settings on your device are accurate. Incorrect date or time settings may cause issues during the restoration process.

Further reading:

Part 4: FAQs of Restoring WhatsApp from Local Backup

Q1: Can I restore WhatsApp from Local Backup on iPhone?

WhatsApp on iPhone primarily relies on iCloud for backups. However, if you have made a local backup using iTunes, you can restore WhatsApp from that backup. Besides, you can back up your WhatsApp data from an iPhone to a computer with WhatsApp Transfer, and restore WhatsApp from the local backup with this software.

Q2: Where are local WhatsApp backups stored on Android and iOS devices?

On Android, backups are typically stored in the /WhatsApp/Databases/ directory. On iOS, they are stored in iCloud for automatic backups or in the device's local storage for manual backups.

Q3: Is it necessary to uninstall WhatsApp before restoring from a local backup?

Yes, uninstalling WhatsApp is a necessary step before restoring from a local backup. This ensures a clean installation for the restoration process.

Conclusion

Mastering the skill of restoring WhatsApp from a local backup empowers users to take control of their data, ensuring a seamless experience across devices. Whether you're an Android enthusiast, a PC user, or grappling with unexpected restoration challenges, this guide equips you with the knowledge needed to navigate the methods of WhatsApp restoration, like using WhatsApp Data Recovery. Also, another effective tool - WhatsApp Transfer can restore WhatsApp from the PC's local backup your smartphone without effort.

As technology evolves, staying informed about these fundamental processes ensures that your WhatsApp experience remains reliable, secure, and tailored to your needs.

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Charlotte Smith Senior Editor

Charlotte Smith, an accomplished editor in the dynamic landscape of mobile technology, has distinguished herself with her abundant experience and skills for iPhone, OnePlus, Sony, Vivo, Motorola, ZTE, Huawei, etc. Help readers and users solve the problems in iPhone Transfer and Mobile Data Management. Her proficiency extends beyond mere functionality, delving into the nuances of each brand with precision and clarity.