How to create an archive copy of WhatsApp - briefly?
To create an archive copy of WhatsApp, you can use the built-in backup feature. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and tap on "Backup" to save your data to Google Drive or iCloud.
How to create an archive copy of WhatsApp - in detail?
Creating an archive copy of WhatsApp involves a series of meticulous steps designed to ensure that all your messages, media files, and other data are preserved securely. This process is particularly valuable for those who wish to maintain a backup of their conversations or transfer data between devices. Below is a detailed guide on how to create an archive copy of WhatsApp:
Firstly, it's crucial to understand the distinction between backing up your WhatsApp data and creating an archive copy. A regular backup allows you to restore your messages and media to the same device or transfer them to another device running the same operating system. In contrast, an archive copy creates a snapshot of your entire WhatsApp data, which can be stored on your computer or external storage devices for long-term preservation.
Step 1: Backup Your WhatsApp Data
Before creating an archive copy, it's essential to back up your WhatsApp data using the built-in backup feature. This process ensures that all your messages and media are saved on your device's local storage or cloud service (such as Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iOS).
On Android:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner to access the menu.
- Select "Settings."
- Navigate to "Chats" and then tap on "Backup."
- Choose your preferred backup frequency (daily, weekly, monthly) or tap on "Back Up" to create a manual backup.
- Ensure that you have sufficient storage space for the backup process.
On iOS:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap on "Settings" at the bottom of the screen.
- Select "Chats" and then tap on "Backup."
- Choose your preferred backup frequency (daily, weekly, monthly) or tap on "Back Up Now" to create a manual backup.
- Ensure that you have sufficient iCloud storage for the backup process.
Step 2: Transfer Backup to Computer
After backing up your WhatsApp data, you need to transfer this backup file to your computer. This step is necessary because creating an archive copy typically involves compressing the backup into a ZIP file and storing it on your computer or external storage device.
On Android:
- Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Enable File Transfer mode on your device if prompted.
- Navigate to the internal storage of your device (usually labeled as "This PC" or the name of your device).
- Locate the WhatsApp folder and copy the "Databases" subfolder to your computer. The databases contain your message backups in .db format.
On iOS:
- Connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
- Select your device from the list of available devices.
- Navigate to the File Sharing section and select WhatsApp.
- Copy the "ChatStorage.sqlite" file to your computer. This file contains your message backups.
Step 3: Create an Archive Copy
Once you have transferred your WhatsApp backup files to your computer, you can create an archive copy by compressing these files into a ZIP archive.
- Locate the folder containing your WhatsApp backup files on your computer.
- Select all the files related to your WhatsApp backup (e.g., .db or .sqlite files).
- Right-click on the selected files and choose "Compress" or "Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder."
- A new ZIP file containing your WhatsApp archive copy will be created in the same directory.
Step 4: Store the Archive Copy
Finally, store the created ZIP file in a secure location on your computer or an external storage device such as a USB drive or cloud storage service. This ensures that your WhatsApp data is preserved for long-term access and can be restored if needed.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively create an archive copy of your WhatsApp data, providing a secure and lasting record of your conversations and media files.