WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the handy features of WhatsApp is the ability to transfer your chat history when switching between devices. Typically, this is done by backing up your WhatsApp data to Google Drive and then restoring it on your new device. However, some users may not want to rely on Google Drive for transferring WhatsApp data. The good news is there are a few alternative methods to transfer WhatsApp without using Google Drive.
Using Local Backup
The easiest way to transfer WhatsApp without Google Drive is to use local backups. WhatsApp gives you the option to backup your chats and media to local storage on your device instead of the cloud. Here’s how it works:
- On your old device, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
- Tap “Backup to Google Drive” and select “Back up to local storage” instead.
- WhatsApp will create a local backup file on your device storage. The file path varies by device but is usually in the WhatsApp/Databases folder.
- Copy this local backup file to your new device via USB, cloud storage, WiFi Direct, etc.
- On your new device, install WhatsApp and verify your number.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup and tap “Restore from local backup”.
- Select the backup file you transferred to restore your chats.
The main advantage of using local backups is you don’t need an internet connection or Google account. However, managing and transferring the backup files yourself can be a bit tedious. Also, local backups do not auto-update like Google Drive backups.
Using Third-party Apps
Another option is to use third-party apps to transfer your WhatsApp data. There are several apps on the Play Store and App Store designed for this purpose. Some popular options include:
- WazzapMigrator (Android)
- iTransor for WhatsApp (iOS)
- Backuptrans (Android & iOS)
These apps provide a simple interface to transfer your chats, media, and settings from one device to another. Typically you install the app on both devices, connect them to the same WiFi network, and then transfer data wirelessly. Some key things to note about third-party transfer apps:
- May require root access on Android
- iOS options transfer via iCloud or computer
- Paid versions allow WhatsApp call history transfer
- Encrypts data for security
- Works cross-platform between Android & iOS
The convenience of wireless transfers makes third-party apps a good Google Drive alternative. However, you need to be comfortable providing app access to your WhatsApp data.
Using Computer Backup
You can also transfer WhatsApp from one device to another using a computer backup. This method works as follows:
- On your old device, backup WhatsApp locally to internal storage.
- Connect the device to a computer via USB and locate the WhatsApp backup file.
- Copy the backup file over to the computer.
- Connect your new device to the same computer.
- Copy the backup file to the new device internal storage.
- Open WhatsApp on new device and restore from local backup.
Doing a manual USB transfer can be time-consuming. But it ensures no data passes through the cloud or third-party servers. This method is most useful when moving between iPhone and Android.
Using Email or File Sharing Apps
File sharing apps like Dropbox or Google Files provide another option for transferring WhatsApp backups. Here are the general steps:
- Create local WhatsApp backup on old device.
- Upload the backup file to a file sharing app.
- Install file sharing app on new device.
- Download the backup file.
- Restore WhatsApp on new device from local backup.
Any app that lets you transfer files between devices can work. Email attachments can also do the job. Just be conscious of backup file size limits for the services you use.
Using SIM Card
On Android phones, you can backup WhatsApp to your SIM card. Here’s how:
- Insert SIM card into old device.
- Backup WhatsApp chats to SIM card storage.
- Insert SIM into new device.
- Restore WhatsApp backup from SIM card.
The SIM card method only transfers your chat history. Media like photos or videos will not backup to the SIM card. And iPhone does not allow WhatsApp backups to iSIM. But for simple Android to Android transfers, it can work in a pinch.
Using SD Card
On Android devices with SD card slots, you can manually transfer WhatsApp backups using an SD card:
- Back up WhatsApp on old phone to internal storage.
- Insert SD card into old device.
- Locate WhatsApp backup file and copy to SD card.
- Move SD card to new Android device.
- Copy WhatsApp backup file from SD card to internal storage.
- Restore WhatsApp backup on new device.
SD cards provide portable offline storage. But you’ll need an SD card reader or adapter to transfer files between devices without SD slots. And SD cards don’t work for iPhone WhatsApp transfers.
Using Bluetooth File Transfer
Bluetooth can directly transfer WhatsApp backup files between Android devices. Here are the steps:
- Create local WhatsApp backup on old device.
- Enable Bluetooth on old device and set to visible.
- On new device, enable Bluetooth and pair with old device.
- On old device, find WhatsApp backup file and select Share via Bluetooth.
- Accept file transfer on new device.
- Restore WhatsApp backup from Bluetooth folder.
Bluetooth transfers require devices to be in close proximity. Transfer speeds are also slower than WiFi or USB. But it provides a wireless ad hoc option without internet or cables.
Using NAS Drive
If you have a networked attached storage (NAS) drive on your home network, you can use it to transfer WhatsApp backups:
- Back up WhatsApp chats locally on old device.
- On old device, upload backup file to NAS drive via WiFi.
- On new device, download WhatsApp backup file from NAS drive.
- Restore WhatsApp from local backup.
Using a NAS avoids cloud services while providing networked storage. But both devices must be on the same WiFi network to transfer the backup file.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many ways to transfer your WhatsApp data between devices without relying on Google Drive:
- Local backups + manual transfer
- Third-party transfer apps
- Computer backup and transfer
- File sharing services like Dropbox
- SIM card (Android only)
- SD card (Android only)
- Bluetooth file sharing (Android only)
- NAS drive on home network
Each method has pros and cons to consider in terms of convenience, speed, security, and cross-platform support. But all provide alternative options to move your WhatsApp history independent of Google services. With a bit of effort, you can successfully transfer WhatsApp to a new device while keeping your data private and secure.