How to extract a backup copy of WhatsApp - briefly?
To extract a backup copy of WhatsApp, you can use third-party software like Dr.Fone or iMazing, which allow you to transfer and save your chat history, media files, and other data from your device to your computer. Alternatively, you can manually back up your chats to Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iOS), and then restore them on a new device.
How to extract a backup copy of WhatsApp - in detail?
Extracting a backup copy of WhatsApp can be crucial for preserving important messages, media files, and contacts. The process involves creating a backup and then restoring it on another device or extracting specific data from the backup file. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Backup Creation on Android Devices
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your Android device.
- Navigate to Settings: Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
- Access Chat Backup: Go to "Chats" > "Chat Backup".
- Backup Frequency: Choose your backup frequency (daily, weekly, monthly, or manually).
- Start Backup: Tap on the "BACK UP" button. The process will begin and save your chats, photos, videos, and voice messages to your Google Drive account.
Restoring Backup on Another Android Device
- Install WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp on your new Android device from the Google Play Store.
- Verify Phone Number: Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number during the setup process.
- Restore from Google Drive: When prompted, tap "RESTORE" to restore your chat history from Google Drive.
- Wait for Completion: The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of your backup and your internet connection speed.
- Complete Setup: Once the restoration is complete, tap "NEXT" to proceed with setting up your profile picture and name if desired.
Backup Creation on iOS Devices
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your iPhone.
- Navigate to Settings: Tap on "Settings" in the bottom menu.
- Access Chat Backup: Go to "Chats" > "Chat Backup".
- Backup Frequency: Choose your backup frequency (automatic, daily, weekly, monthly, or manually).
- Start Backup: Tap on the "BACK UP NOW" button. The process will save your chats, photos, videos, and voice messages to your iCloud account.
Restoring Backup on Another iOS Device
- Install WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp on your new iPhone from the App Store.
- Verify Phone Number: Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number during the setup process.
- Restore from iCloud: When prompted, tap "RESTORE CHAT HISTORY" to restore your chat history from iCloud.
- Wait for Completion: The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of your backup and your internet connection speed.
- Complete Setup: Once the restoration is complete, tap "NEXT" to proceed with setting up your profile picture and name if desired.
Extracting Specific Data from Backup (Android Only)
- Locate Backup File: The WhatsApp backup file is stored in a hidden folder on your device's internal storage or SD card, typically located at
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases
. - Rename the File: Rename the database file (
msgstore.db.crypt12
) to remove the ".crypt12" extension. This will decrypt the file and make it readable. - Use File Manager or PC: Transfer the decrypted file to your computer using a USB cable, and then use a file manager or specialized software to view and extract specific data from the backup file.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively create, restore, and even extract specific data from WhatsApp backups on both Android and iOS devices.