"Hello all, I have a problem with WhatsApp not recognizing previous backups from a WhatsApp apk. Because it was an apk it only saved my backups locally and not on Drive, however, I didn't change phones and the number I used was the same on both versions, as I didn't leave any groups I was a part of, etc. So everything between the versions should be the same. Does anyone know a fix to this?"
- From Reddit
WhatsApp local backups are essential for safeguarding your chats and media. However, many users face the frustrating issue of WhatsApp not detecting local backups. Whether you're switching phones or recovering lost data, this problem can be a major roadblock. In this guide, we'll explore the reasons behind this issue and provide actionable solutions to fix it. Plus, we'll share an alternative method for transferring WhatsApp data without relying on local backups.
Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand why WhatsApp might fail to detect your local backup. Here are the most common reasons:
WhatsApp local backups are stored in specific folders (e.g., Internal Storage/WhatsApp/Databases on Android). If the backup file is moved or deleted, WhatsApp won't be able to detect it.
WhatsApp backup files follow a specific naming format (e.g., msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt14). If the file name is altered, WhatsApp may not recognize it.
If the backup file is damaged or incomplete, WhatsApp won't be able to restore it.
Using an outdated version of WhatsApp can lead to compatibility issues with local backups.
If your device storage is full, WhatsApp may fail to create or detect backups.
Now, we'll provide you with detailed steps to help you fix the issue where WhatsApp fails to detect local backups.
Firstly, ensure that the local backup file does indeed exist. Typically, backup files are saved in the WhatsApp/Databases folder on the device:
Step 1. Open the File Manager and navigate to the device's Internal Storage or SD Card.
Step 2. Locate the WhatsApp folder and tap to enter it.
Step 3. Then, proceed to the Databases folder to check for backup files resembling msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.
Of course, if the backup file is corrupted, WhatsApp will be unable to read it. You'll also need to try checking if the backup file can be opened normally.
If the backup files are missing or corrupted, you have to create a new backup:
Step 1. Open WhatsApp and go to "Settings" > "Chats" > "Chat Backup".
Step 2. Tap "Back Up" to create a new local backup.
Step 3. Ensure the backup process is completed successfully.
If the backup files exist but WhatsApp still can't detect them, you can try the following steps to manually restore the backup:
Step 1. Locate the Backup Files on Your Old Android Phone
Step 2. Transfer the Backup Files to the New Android Phone
Step 3. Install WhatsApp on the New Phone
Step 4. Verify the Phone Number
Step 5. Ignore Google Drive Backup Prompt
Step 6. Open WhatsApp Again
Reopen WhatsApp, and wait longer than usual for the local backup scan process to complete.
Step 7. Restore the Local Backup
Step 8. Turn Off Airplane Mode and Enable Wi-Fi/Data
After trying the above solutions, are you still facing the issue of WhatsApp not detecting the local backup? Additionally, the native WhatsApp backup (Google Drive and local storage) is only available for transferring files between Android devices. This method does not work when transferring data between an Android phone and an iPhone. In such cases, the best approach is to transfer WhatsApp data directly from the old phone to the new phone using a reliable third-party WhatsApp transfer tool like WhatsApp Transfer. It helps you seamlessly transfer WhatsApp messages between different devices.
What You Can Get from WhatsApp Transfer:
Here, we take transferring WhatsApp from Android to iPhone as an example:
01Download and install WhatsApp Transfer on your computer. Launch the program and connect your Android and iPhone devices to the same computer. Additionally, enable USB debugging on your Android and tap "Trust" on your iPhone to allow the software to access the storage.
02Once connected successfully, go to the "Transfer" module and ensure the devices are correctly listed under "Source" and "Target". In this case, the Android phone will be the Source and the iOS device will be the Target; if they are incorrect, click "Flip" to correct them.
03Now, click "Transfer" to automatically initiate the WhatsApp data transfer process.
With the solution provided in this article, you should be able to fix the issue of WhatsApp not detecting local backups. If the problem persists, you can use WhatsApp Transfer for data migration. WhatsApp Transfer makes it easy to transfer WhatsApp chat history and attachments between various devices (between Android devices, between iOS devices, and between Android and iOS devices) without the need for local backups. Don't hesitate to take action, whether it's to fix the WhatsApp Not Detecting Local Backup issue or to transfer WhatsApp data.
Related Articles:
How to Fix No Backup Found on WhatsApp? - 9 Quick Fixes Here!
Where Is WhatsApp Backup Stored on Android/iPhone/Google Drive?
How to Retrieve WhatsApp Messages from Lost Phone without Backup?
How to Restore Whatsapp Backup Without Uninstalling on Android & iOS?
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