How to view a WhatsApp backup on your computer - briefly?
To view a WhatsApp backup on your computer, you can use the built-in file explorer or third-party software like WhatsApp Backup Viewer. Simply locate the backup folder in your local storage and open it using the appropriate tool. This method allows for easy access to your chat history, media, and other data stored in the backup files.
How to view a WhatsApp backup on your computer - in detail?
Viewing a WhatsApp backup on your computer can be essential for retrieving important messages, media, or contacts. Here is a detailed guide on how to accomplish this:
Step 1: Create a Backup
Before you can view the backup on your computer, ensure that you have created one. Open WhatsApp on your mobile device and navigate to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup
. Tap on Backup
to create a new backup. This process will save your data to either Google Drive or iCloud, depending on whether you are using an Android or iOS device.
Step 2: Transfer the Backup to Your Computer
For Android Users:
- Connect your Android phone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Enable
File Transfer
mode on your phone if prompted. - Navigate to the internal storage of your phone, specifically the
WhatsApp > Databases
folder. - Copy the backup file (it should have a
.db
extension) to your computer.
For iOS Users:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes or Finder (depending on your macOS version).
- Click on your device icon in the top-left corner of the window.
- Navigate to
File Sharing
and select WhatsApp from the list. - Copy the backup file (it should have a
.crypt12
extension) to your computer.
Step 3: Use Third-Party Software to View the Backup
WhatsApp backups are encrypted, so you will need third-party software to decrypt and view them. Two popular options are WhatsApp Viewer (for Android backups) and iMazing (for iOS backups).
Using WhatsApp Viewer:
- Download and install WhatsApp Viewer on your computer.
- Open the application and select the backup file you transferred earlier.
- Choose a location on your computer to extract the files.
- Once extracted, you can view your messages, media, and contacts using the built-in viewer or any other text editor.
Using iMazing:
- Download and install iMazing on your computer.
- Open the application and connect your iPhone if not already connected.
- Select your device from the list and navigate to
Messages > WhatsApp
. - Here, you can view all your WhatsApp messages, media, and contacts directly within iMazing.
Step 4: Export Data (Optional)
If you need to export specific data from the backup, both WhatsApp Viewer and iMazing offer export options. You can choose to export messages, media, or contacts in various formats such as text, CSV, or HTML.
By following these steps, you can easily view your WhatsApp backup on your computer and access all your important data.