How to view a WhatsApp backup on Android for free - briefly?
To view a WhatsApp backup on Android for free, you can use third-party applications such as "WhatsApp Backup Viewer" or "Dr.Fone - Recover (Android)". These tools allow you to extract and preview your backup files without any cost.
How to view a WhatsApp backup on Android for free - in detail?
Viewing a WhatsApp backup on an Android device can be accomplished through several methods, all of which are free and relatively straightforward. To ensure that you can successfully access your backup without any issues, it is essential to follow the steps meticulously.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that WhatsApp backups are stored in two primary locations: Google Drive and local storage on the device itself. The method you choose will depend on where your backup is located.
Using File Manager Apps
- Locate Your Backup: Open the file manager app on your Android device. Navigate to the 'WhatsApp' folder, which is typically found in the root directory of your internal storage or SD card.
- Find the Backup Folder: Inside the 'WhatsApp' folder, look for a subfolder named 'Databases'. This folder contains all the backup files, which have the extension '.db' or '.crypt12'.
- Rename the Backup File: To view the contents of the backup file, you need to rename it. Change the file extension from '.db' or '.crypt12' to '.txt'. For example, 'msgstore.db.crypt12' becomes 'msgstore.db.crypt12.txt'.
- Open with a Text Viewer: Use any text viewer app to open the renamed file. While the content might not be perfectly formatted, you should be able to see the messages and other data stored in the backup.
Using WhatsApp Itself
If your backup is on Google Drive, you can restore it directly through WhatsApp:
- Uninstall WhatsApp: Remove WhatsApp from your device by going to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Uninstall.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Restore Backup: During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your chat history from a Google Drive backup. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration.
- View Your Messages: Once the restoration is complete, open WhatsApp and navigate to the specific chats or messages you want to view.
Using Third-Party Apps
There are several third-party apps available that can help you view your WhatsApp backup files more conveniently:
- Download a Viewer App: Search for 'WhatsApp Backup Viewer' in the Google Play Store and download an app of your choice.
- Grant Necessary Permissions: Open the app and grant it the necessary permissions to access your device storage.
- Select Your Backup File: Use the app to browse and select the WhatsApp backup file you want to view.
- View Your Messages: The app will display the contents of the backup file, allowing you to read through your messages and other data.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively view your WhatsApp backup on an Android device without incurring any costs. Whether you choose to use built-in tools or third-party apps, the process is designed to be user-friendly and accessible for everyone.