How to restore WhatsApp chat from a local copy on Android?

How to restore WhatsApp chat from a local copy on Android - briefly?

To restore a WhatsApp chat from a local copy on an Android device, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure that your Google Drive backup is disabled to avoid overwriting the local backup.
  2. Reinstall WhatsApp and during setup, when prompted to restore chats, tap "Restore" to recover your messages from the local storage.

How to restore WhatsApp chat from a local copy on Android - in detail?

Restoring WhatsApp chats from a local backup on an Android device is a straightforward process that can help you retrieve important messages, media, and conversations. Here’s a detailed guide to walk you through the steps:

Understanding Local Backups

WhatsApp automatically creates local backups of your chats on your Android device. These backups are stored in the internal storage or SD card (if available) and can be used to restore your chat history when needed. The backup files are typically located in the /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases directory and have a filename format like msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12.

Steps to Restore WhatsApp Chat from a Local Copy on Android

1. Backup Your Current Data (Optional but Recommended)

Before restoring any data, it’s wise to create a backup of your current WhatsApp data. This ensures that you don’t lose any recent messages or media files during the restore process.

  • Open WhatsApp.
  • Go to Settings > Chats.
  • Tap on Chat Backup.
  • Follow the prompts to back up your chats to Google Drive.

2. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp

To restore from a local backup, you need to uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp:

  • Go to your device’s Settings > Apps.
  • Find WhatsApp in the list of installed apps.
  • Tap on it and select Uninstall.

After uninstalling, go to the Google Play Store or download WhatsApp directly from the official website and install it again.

3. Verify Your Phone Number

When you open WhatsApp for the first time after reinstallation, you’ll be prompted to enter your phone number:

4. Restore from Local Backup

Once your phone number is verified, WhatsApp will automatically search for any local backups:

  • If a backup is found, you’ll see an option to Restore. Tap on it.
  • The restore process may take some time depending on the size of the backup and the speed of your device.

5. Complete the Setup

After the restoration is complete, you can start using WhatsApp again:

  • You will be prompted to set up your profile picture and name if they were not restored from the backup.
  • Tap on Next to proceed with the setup process.

Important Notes

  • Backup Dates: When restoring, you can choose from a list of backups sorted by date. Make sure to select the most recent one unless you specifically need an older backup.
  • Storage Location: Ensure that your local backup files are not deleted or moved from their original location (/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases) before starting the restore process.
  • Data Loss: Restoring from a local backup will overwrite any existing data on your device with the backed-up data. Any messages, media, or contacts that were added after the last backup date will be lost unless they are included in a more recent backup.

By following these steps, you can effectively restore your WhatsApp chats from a local copy on an Android device and ensure that your important conversations and media files are safely retrieved.