How to restore whatsapp backup from the pc

Among messaging platforms, WhatsApp stands tall, boasting over two billion users globally. It’s not just a tool for chatting with friends or colleagues it’s become a storage vault of our personal and professional lives. Voice messages, photos, videos, documents, and chat histories often carry invaluable memories or business-critical data. That’s why backing up and restoring WhatsApp data is essential.

While WhatsApp primarily supports cloud-based backups via Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS), many users also prefer local backups, especially stored on personal computers. Whether it’s due to privacy concerns, storage limitations, or simple convenience, saving a copy of your WhatsApp data to a PC can be a smart move. But what happens when you need to restore that backup?

Local Backups

These are created automatically and stored on the device’s internal memory or SD card. You can also manually export chat histories.

Cloud Backups

These backups are linked to your Google account (Android) or iCloud account (iOS). They’re the default option for most users.

Manual PC Backups

Some users export chats or copy WhatsApp folders to their PC. These backups are not official but can contain the necessary files for restoration, such as databases, media, and shared documents.

This guide focuses on restoring WhatsApp backups that exist on your PC, not on cloud services.

Step-by-Step: Restoring WhatsApp Backup from PC to Android

Step 1: Locate the WhatsApp Backup on Your PC

If you’ve previously saved a WhatsApp backup to your PC, it will likely be in a folder containing files such as:

msgstore.db.crypt12 or another .crypt format (these are your chat backups)

Media files (inside folders like WhatsApp Images, WhatsApp Video, etc.)

Ensure that the folder structure mirrors the typical Android directory:

WhatsApp/Databases and WhatsApp/Media.

Step 2: Prepare Your Android Device

To restore the backup, you’ll need a fresh or uninstalled WhatsApp version on your phone. Here’s what to do:

Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.

Reinstall it but do not open it yet.

Connect your phone to the PC using a USB cable.

Enable File Transfer Mode on your Android device.

Step 3: Transfer Backup Files to Your Phone

Navigate to your phone’s internal storage (or SD card) via your PC, and manually create these folders if they don’t exist:

WhatsApp/Databases

WhatsApp/Media

Then, copy the msgstore.db.crypt12 file (or whichever crypt version you have) into the Databases folder. Also, copy the Media folder contents into the Media directory.

Step 4: Verify and Adjust File Permissions (if needed)

Sometimes, restoration fails due to incorrect file permissions. Ensure the transferred files are readable by WhatsApp:

On your Android phone, use a file manager app to check if the msgstore file is correctly placed.

Make sure it’s not renamed improperly or saved in subfolders.

Step 5: Launch WhatsApp and Restore

Now, open WhatsApp. It will automatically detect the local backup and prompt you to restore your chat history. Tap Restore, and wait until the process completes.

Once done, your messages and media should be available exactly as they were at the time of the backup.

Restoring WhatsApp Backup from PC to iPhone

Restoring WhatsApp data from a PC to an iPhone is more complex due to Apple’s system limitations. Unlike Android, iOS does not allow direct file manipulation unless the device is jailbroken. However, third-party tools can help.

Step 1: Export WhatsApp Backup Files from PC

Make sure your PC backup includes:

Chat database or exported chats in .txt format

Media files such as photos, videos, and audio

If your backup is in the Android .crypt12 format, it will need to be decrypted—a task that cannot be done easily without technical tools and the original key, which is device-specific.

Step 2: Choose a Third-Party Tool

Several trusted tools can assist in transferring WhatsApp data from PC to iPhone. Examples include:

MobileTrans by Wondershare

iCareFone Transfer by Tenorshare

iTransor for WhatsApp by iMyFone

These programs typically require:

Installation on your PC

USB connection to both Android and iPhone (if transferring from an Android backup)

Access to the backup folder on your PC

Once installed, follow the program-specific prompts to select your backup and restore it to the iPhone.

Step 3: Complete the Restoration

After the transfer completes, open WhatsApp on your iPhone. It may prompt you to verify your number. Upon verification, the chat history will appear, restored from your PC backup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Restoring WhatsApp from a PC backup isn’t always seamless. Here’s how to tackle some of the common challenges:

WhatsApp Doesn’t Detect Backup

File misplacement: Ensure msgstore.db.crypt12 is in WhatsApp/Databases.

Wrong crypt version: Check if the backup uses a format compatible with your current WhatsApp version.

Corrupt files: Try using a different backup or repair tools if available.

Decryption Fails (Android Backups)

Missing key file: This is stored in /data/data/com.whatsapp/files/key, which requires root access to retrieve.

Use decryption tools: Some forensic tools can assist, but they require advanced expertise.

Media Files Not Appearing

Verify that the entire Media folder was transferred.

Check for missing subfolders like WhatsApp Images, WhatsApp Video, etc.

Ensure file names and extensions haven’t been altered.

How to Export WhatsApp Chat from PC Backup

If restoring the actual database isn’t possible, you can still read and export WhatsApp chats in simpler formats.

Method 1: Read Chat Backup with WhatsApp Viewer

Some tools allow you to open .crypt12 files on your PC, assuming you have the encryption key. Once decrypted, you can:

View messages

Export them to HTML or TXT

Print specific conversations

Method 2: Use Exported .txt Chat Files

If your backup includes .txt files of exported chats:

Open the file with any text editor.

Use them for archival or documentation.

Attach the related media manually for full context.

This method is especially useful for legal, historical, or research purposes.

Best Practices for Managing WhatsApp Backups on PC

Restoring from a PC becomes easier if you follow structured backup habits. Here are some best practices:

Organize Your Backups

Keep folders named by date or device. For example:

css

CopyEdit

/WhatsApp_Backups/2025_06_01_Samsung/ ├── Databases/ │ └── msgstore.db.crypt12 └── Media/ ├── WhatsApp Images/ ├── WhatsApp Video/ └── …

Backup Regularly

Set reminders to transfer WhatsApp data from your phone to your PC periodically. This helps prevent data loss during device malfunctions or replacements.

Use Backup Software

Apps like Syncthing or FolderSync can automate backups from Android to PC over Wi-Fi, ensuring you always have the latest files.

Encrypt and Secure Your Backup

WhatsApp data can be sensitive. Encrypt your backup folders or use a password-protected archive. Always store backups in secure, access-controlled locations.

Tips for Cross-Platform Backup Migration

Transferring WhatsApp from Android to iPhone or vice versa is notoriously tricky. Here’s what to keep in mind:

WhatsApp Official Transfer Tool

WhatsApp now supports official chat migration between Android and iOS (and vice versa) in select cases. This requires:

A cable (USB-C to Lightning)

A fresh WhatsApp installation

Same phone number and verified account

However, this method doesn’t support all data formats or third-party backups.

Software-Assisted Migrations

As mentioned earlier, tools like MobileTrans, iCareFone, and iTransor allow cross-platform transfers. Make sure the backup format is supported before attempting migration.

What to Avoid

Some pitfalls can compromise your data or render the backup unusable:

Renaming or editing crypt files: This can corrupt the backup.

Using unofficial mods of WhatsApp: These may not support standard backups.

Overwriting backups without checking: Always verify the contents before replacing old backups.

Backing up and restoring WhatsApp data requires precision. Sloppy handling can mean irreversible data loss.