Where is the local WhatsApp copy stored on Android - briefly?
On an Android device, the local copies of WhatsApp messages and media are stored in the internal storage under a hidden folder named "WhatsApp." This directory is located at "/sdcard/WhatsApp/" or "/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/," depending on the specific device.
Where is the local WhatsApp copy stored on Android - in detail?
On Android devices, WhatsApp stores a local backup of your messages and media in a specific directory within the device's internal storage or external SD card (if available). This backup includes all your conversations, photos, videos, voice messages, and other shared content. Here is a detailed explanation of where this local copy is stored:
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Internal Storage: By default, WhatsApp backs up your data to the device's internal storage. The location for this backup directory varies depending on the Android version and device manufacturer. However, it typically resides in the following path:
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/Within this directory, you will find a database file named
msgstore.db.crypt12(the exact name may vary depending on the encryption version). This file contains all your WhatsApp messages and other data in an encrypted format. -
External SD Card: If your Android device has an external SD card and you have configured WhatsApp to use it for backups, the local copy will be stored there. The path generally follows this structure:
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases/Again, you will find the encrypted database file (
msgstore.db.crypt12) in this directory. -
Google Drive Backup: While WhatsApp also offers a cloud backup option via Google Drive, it is important to note that the local backup stored on your device and the cloud backup are separate entities. The local backup is stored locally as described above, while the Google Drive backup is uploaded to your Google Drive account.
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Accessing the Backup: To access or manage this local WhatsApp backup, you typically need a file manager app that can navigate through the device's internal storage or SD card. Some popular file manager apps include ES File Explorer, Solid Explorer, and the built-in Files app on many Android devices.
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Encryption: It is crucial to understand that the local WhatsApp backup files are encrypted for security reasons. This means that you cannot directly read or view the contents of these files without decrypting them first. WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to protect your data, ensuring that only you have access to your messages and media.
In summary, the local WhatsApp copy on Android is stored in the /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/ directory for internal storage or /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases/ if using an external SD card. This backup includes all your conversations and shared content, encrypted for security purposes.