How to extract a phone number from an archive in WhatsApp - briefly?
To extract a phone number from an archive in WhatsApp, first locate the desired message containing the phone number within the archive. Then, simply copy the phone number directly from the message.
How to extract a phone number from an archive in WhatsApp - in detail?
To extract a phone number from an archive in WhatsApp, you will need to follow a detailed process that involves accessing the archive and locating the specific phone number within it. WhatsApp archives are essentially backups of your chat history, media, and other data. These archives can be stored either on your device's local storage or cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud, depending on your backup settings.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Locate the Archive File:
- Android Users: WhatsApp backups are typically saved in a folder named "WhatsApp" located in the root directory of your internal storage or SD card. The backup files have the extension
.db. - iOS Users: Backups for iOS devices are usually stored in iCloud, but if you have manually created a local backup, it will be found in the iTunes backup folder on your computer.
2. Accessing the Archive:
- For Android users, you can use file manager apps like ES File Explorer to navigate through the WhatsApp folder and locate the
msgstore.dbormsgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.dbfiles. - For iOS users, if the backup is on iCloud, you will need to download it using iTunes or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later). Connect your device to the computer, open iTunes/Finder, and choose "Restore Backup" from the device menu.
3. Extracting the Database:
- If you are on Android, use a file manager app to copy the
msgstore.dbormsgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.dbfiles to your computer for further processing. - For iOS users, the iTunes/Finder backup will be extracted to a location on your computer, typically in the MobileSync folder within your user directory.
4. Using Third-Party Software:
- To read and extract data from the WhatsApp database files, you will need specialized software because these are SQLite databases.
- For Android users, tools like "WhatsApp Xtract" or "DB Browser for SQLite" can be used to open and view the contents of the
msgstore.dbfile. - For iOS users, similar tools are available, but you might need to convert the backup file format first using software like "iMazing" or "Dr.Fone".
5. Locating the Phone Number:
- Once you have opened the database file with your chosen tool, navigate through the tables to find the one containing contact information (usually named
messages_contactsor similar). - Look for columns such as
phone_numberorcontact_name. These columns will contain the phone numbers associated with the contacts in your WhatsApp archive.
6. Exporting the Data:
- After locating the desired phone number, you can export it to a format of your choice (e.g., CSV, TXT) using the tools' export functions.
- Save the file to a secure location on your computer for future reference.
Important Notes:
- Always ensure that you have proper authorization and comply with legal regulations when accessing and extracting data from backups or archives.
- Be cautious while using third-party tools, as they might pose security risks if not sourced from trusted providers.
By following these steps, you can effectively extract a phone number from an archive in WhatsApp, providing you with the necessary information for your purposes.