Where are WhatsApp messages saved - briefly?
WhatsApp messages are stored locally on your device and in the cloud backup if you have enabled this feature.
Where are WhatsApp messages saved - in detail?
WhatsApp messages are stored in a variety of locations, both locally on the user's device and remotely on WhatsApp servers. This storage system ensures that messages remain accessible even if the user switches devices or experiences technical issues.
Locally, WhatsApp messages are saved in the app's database on the user's device. For Android users, this database is typically located in the internal storage of the device under the directory /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. The main database file, named msgstore.db, contains all the messages sent and received by the user. This file is encrypted to protect the user's privacy. For iOS users, the database is stored in a similar manner but is more tightly integrated into the device's system.
In addition to local storage, WhatsApp also saves messages on its servers. When a message is sent, it is first encrypted using end-to-end encryption before being transmitted to the recipient's device. A copy of this encrypted message is also stored on WhatsApp's servers. This backup system ensures that even if the user's device is lost or damaged, their messages can be restored when they reinstall WhatsApp and log in with the same phone number.
WhatsApp also offers a cloud backup feature for both Android and iOS users. With this feature enabled, messages are periodically backed up to the user's chosen cloud service (Google Drive for Android and iCloud for iOS). These backups include not only text messages but also media files such as photos and videos. This additional layer of backup provides extra security and peace of mind for users who want to ensure that their message history is safe.
In summary, WhatsApp messages are stored both locally on the user's device and remotely on WhatsApp servers. The combination of local databases, server backups, and cloud storage ensures that messages remain accessible and secure, even in cases of device loss or technical issues.