Where does WhatsApp backup go on Android - briefly?
On Android, WhatsApp backups are stored in the device's internal storage by default. However, you can choose to save them to Google Drive for added security and convenience.
Where does WhatsApp backup go on Android - in detail?
When you create a backup of your WhatsApp data on an Android device, the backup is stored in two primary locations: Google Drive and local storage.
Firstly, let's discuss the backup process on Google Drive. WhatsApp allows users to back up their chat history, photos, videos, and audio messages to Google Drive. This feature ensures that your data remains safe even if you switch devices or need to reinstall WhatsApp. To initiate a backup, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your Android device.
- Tap the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner to access the menu.
- Select "Settings."
- Navigate to "Chats" and then choose "Chat Backup."
- Click on "BACK UP" to start the process. The backup will be saved directly to your Google Drive account associated with your WhatsApp number.
It is essential to note that this backup does not count against your Google Drive storage quota. However, you must ensure that you have a sufficient amount of free space in Google Drive for the backup to proceed successfully. Additionally, make sure your Android device is connected to Wi-Fi during the backup process to avoid unnecessary data charges.
Secondly, WhatsApp also creates local backups on your Android device's internal storage. These backups are stored in a specific directory and can be found at:
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/
This local backup includes the most recent messages you have sent or received and is automatically created daily at 2 AM local time. It helps to ensure that your data remains up-to-date even if you haven't manually backed up to Google Drive recently. However, keep in mind that these local backups are limited in size and may not contain all of your WhatsApp data, especially if you have a large volume of messages, photos, or videos.
To restore from either a Google Drive backup or a local backup, follow these steps:
- Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp on your Android device.
- Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
- When prompted to restore a backup, tap "RESTORE."
- If you're restoring from Google Drive, you will need to sign in with the same Google account used for the backup. For local backups, the restoration process will automatically detect and use the most recent backup available on your device.
In summary, WhatsApp backups on Android are stored both in Google Drive and locally on your device's internal storage. Understanding these storage locations ensures that you can effectively manage and restore your data when needed.