Problems moving whatsapp chats and media to another device - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've been using whatsapp on a samsung gs5. I'm in the process of moving over to a samsung gs7. (I have already registered the new sim card.) I backed up whatsapp on the old phone using google drive. The backup completed without any error. Then I opened whatsapp on the new phone and verified the number. I understood whatsapp was supposed to automatically restore the chats and media from google drive, but that didn't happen. Whatsapp created a new database and I started receiving messages right away. I copied the entire whatsapp folder off the old phone, backed up the new folder and moved the old folder into place. Whatsapp did not load it. None of the chats or media were visible. I was going to deinstall and reinstall whatsapp, but it's pre-installed on my phone so I can't do that. Is there a way to restore the chats and media from the old phone onto the new phone, preferably preserving the new chats and media? I emailed whatsapp support, but they take forever to respond so I'm trying here.

I've done it many times without any problem.
I've done it both ways, using Drive backup and copying folders across manually.
Easiest way is to just copy the whole WhatsApp folder across to the new device BEFORE you install WhatsApp.
So maybe you could uninstall the app, copy the folder across from your old device, then reinstall it.

the_scotsman said:
I've done it many times without any problem.
I've done it both ways, using Drive backup and copying folders across manually.
Easiest way is to just copy the whole WhatsApp folder across to the new device BEFORE you install WhatsApp.
So maybe you could uninstall the app, copy the folder across from your old device, then reinstall it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Whatsapp was preinstalled on my phone. I can't uninstall / reinstall it. Before I started whatsapp on the new device for the first time, I backed up the old device to google drive. When I started it on the new device, it sent a verification sms and started, but it did not restore from google drive. I immediately started receiving new messages. So now I have the old device with two years of chats and media. I tried moving the entire whatsapp folder onto the new device, but it did not load. I don't know how to restore the previous chats and media and I also don't know how to preserve the new chats and media.

bimmerdriver said:
Thanks for the reply. Whatsapp was preinstalled on my phone. I can't uninstall / reinstall it. Before I started whatsapp on the new device for the first time, I backed up the old device to google drive. When I started it on the new device, it sent a verification sms and started, but it did not restore from google drive. I immediately started receiving new messages. So now I have the old device with two years of chats and media. I tried moving the entire whatsapp folder onto the new device, but it did not load. I don't know how to restore the previous chats and media and I also don't know how to preserve the new chats and media.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure that you can't uninstall WhatsApp?
When you have your Google Account configured and you start WhatsApp for the first time it asks you for a restore.

lordhow said:
Are you sure that you can't uninstall WhatsApp?
When you have your Google Account configured and you start WhatsApp for the first time it asks you for a restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can disable and force stop, but not uninstall. As far as I know google drive was operational, but when I started whatsapp for the first time, it did not offer to restore. There is no option anywhere I can see to restore. For an app with such high usage, the developers seem to be pretty brain-dead about some obvious functionality.

bimmerdriver said:
I can disable and force stop, but not uninstall. As far as I know google drive was operational, but when I started whatsapp for the first time, it did not offer to restore. There is no option anywhere I can see to restore. For an app with such high usage, the developers seem to be pretty brain-dead about some obvious functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you considered to root your phone and uninstall WhatsApp? Is the first time that I see WhatsApp is pre-installed. Even so, you have all the reason, should be an option to restore instantly.

lordhow said:
Have you considered to root your phone and uninstall WhatsApp? Is the first time that I see WhatsApp is pre-installed. Even so, you have all the reason, should be an option to restore instantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I'd love to root my phone, but I can't. It's a company phone and the intranet software we are using would not run on a rooted phone. Not sure if it's Samsung or Bell Mobility that pre-installed what's app, but it's not possible to uninstall it.

I finally received a response from whatsapp support. There is no way to restore the chats and media from before the account was transferred to the new device, at least not without losing everything since. What a f*cking brain-damaged feature. Thanks for nothing, whatsapp support.

bimmerdriver said:
I finally received a response from whatsapp support. There is no way to restore the chats and media from before the account was transferred to the new device, at least not without losing everything since. What a f*cking brain-damaged feature. Thanks for nothing, whatsapp support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And now you now why most people stopped using it. Well at least in the states.

Related

[Q] Problem with contacts backup restore in 2.1

Before upgrading to 2.1, I used the backup and restore app to backup all contacts.
After upgrading, I chose restore. The process ran smoothly from the beginning, but stayed for a long while at 93%, and then reported "Finished". Checked my phonebook - no contacts.
I have been doing regular backups, so I tried using an older backup file. Same problem - the app does not pass 93%. No contacts.
Does anyone have the same problem? Know how to solve it?
I also have backups as vcard and SE sync, but those do not seem to backup everything.
I was about to post when I found this thread.
Before moving on to 2.1, I would like to backup my messages, contacts, etc. Could anyone of you suggest an application which *WORKED* while moving to 2.1? Which app you used and was the restore done correctly using it?
Thanks in advance.
all msges were deleted, but i got all my contacts back trough gmail, i allways sync it with that, its fast and easy, thanks to that option i recovered my contacts over 20x allready the last months
Actually my gmail has around 1000s of contacts which I dont want to move to my phone. So I would like to use a backup app. Anyone who used a backup app successfully, please suggest.
Thanks.
Testing as we speak...
* SE sync: Too unstable. Some contacts are duplicated, some contacts are not duplicated but their data entries are (2x same phone number etc). Does not treat addresses or middle names well.
* Gmail: You can create groups and sync only those groups (or one group) that you need on your phone. However, with 1.6 I was not able to sync 2-way with gmail. Updates on gmail account would not update on the phone. Also does not treat first name/surname well.
* Standard backup and restore app: Well, as mentioned above... Restore of contacts does not work in my case!
* Export contacts to vcard or similar (from contacts app -> choose backup): Quickest and most accurate so far. Does not maintain links to facebook, twitter, possibly not contact images. But otherwise the most reliable service in my case.
murmeljenta said:
However, with 1.6 I was not able to sync 2-way with gmail. Updates on gmail account would not update on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never had this problem with 1.6, I used to make updates to my contacts and calendar items on my gmail account and it would instantly update on my phone and vice versa.
mith500 said:
Never had this problem with 1.6, I used to make updates to my contacts and calendar items on my gmail account and it would instantly update on my phone and vice versa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here, it works both ways.
mith500 said:
Never had this problem with 1.6, I used to make updates to my contacts and calendar items on my gmail account and it would instantly update on my phone and vice versa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Always worked a treat for me.
The only issue I have is when I create a contact on my phone, it doesn't create it into one of my sync'd groups which then gets removed. I have to then go into gmail to assign it to a group which will then sync back.
Still, Gmail is by far the best thing to use to sort contacts!
Still it wont save my messages. Therefore I want to know if anyone tried a backup app.
Lots of people have had problems with Gmail contact sync working only one way. Could have something to do with combining with SE sync.
Gmail contact sync seems to work perfectly on 2.1 (after 3 hours...)
The-Lord: The built-in backup and restore app had no problems with restoring 7 months of text messages. If you want to be sure you don't loose contents, you could back up your texts to Gmail first, using the free app SMSBackup.
If you need to backup and restore your contacts use MyPhoneExplorer.
It now supports Android and runs over WiFi.
SOLVED
I had this same problem, restore the contacts as normal, if you have favourites check the favourites folder in phone-book or go to text messages and press new message, find or type a contact you have, press on the contact open it and save it this will refresh the phone-book list, exit the application, turn on and off phone all contacts should reappear. BAM Saved. Not easy but worked for me.
asmanthebell said:
I had this same problem, restore the contacts as normal, if you have favourites check the favourites folder in phone-book or go to text messages and press new message, find or type a contact you have, press on the contact open it and save it this will refresh the phone-book list, exit the application, turn on and off phone all contacts should reappear. BAM Saved. Not easy but worked for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you do this through the stock messaging app? and when u look up the contact in messaging, u say click on it and open it, but do u mean just open it up to where its a new message? and then save the message? thanks for the help ahead of time though.
asmanthebell said:
I had this same problem, restore the contacts as normal, if you have favourites check the favourites folder in phone-book or go to text messages and press new message, find or type a contact you have, press on the contact open it and save it this will refresh the phone-book list, exit the application, turn on and off phone all contacts should reappear. BAM Saved. Not easy but worked for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not working for me. anybody else with a solution? Need help
Prior to upgrading to Nordic, I used MYBACKUP PRO to backup contacts, msgs and call log etc. After completing the upgrade I did a restore and everything was restored apart from my Contacs. I kept trying but with no luck. After an hour or so I tried again and the contacts were restored. I think you have to leave the phone to settle down prior to doing a restore. Hope this is of some help
macr59 said:
Prior to upgrading to Nordic, I used MYBACKUP PRO to backup contacts, msgs and call log etc. After completing the upgrade I did a restore and everything was restored apart from my Contacs. I kept trying but with no luck. After an hour or so I tried again and the contacts were restored. I think you have to leave the phone to settle down prior to doing a restore. Hope this is of some help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already tryed it several times... nothing is working...
minimannb said:
Already tryed it several times... nothing is working...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solved. Installed 2.1 again and all was fine. also solved laggy issue.
Resolved Issue! Here is HOW!
To backup your contacts before upgrading to 2.1 Nordic, you need to save them from the phonebook app to the memory card BEFORE upgrading.
I had to downgrade my phone to 1.6, run the restore, save them to memory card, then re-upgrade to 2.1 nordic and import them from memory card and it worked very will.
I had to do this 2 times for both mind and my wife's x10 phones!
The restore function does work fine in 2.1 after importing from memory card. I believe the records that are saved for the contacts are different from 1.6 to 2.1. there may be an additional field that we don't know about.
So word to Caution: SAVE TO MEMORY CARD BEFORE upgrading to 2.1.
Cellphone Carrier: Rogers Wireless
Happy X10ing
The restore of the contacts DID work. It just restored to our google account. If you try to add new contacts you'll be notice that the phonebook wil ask you where to add, your phonebook or your google account. You could change the phonebook content by clicking three man pics at the top left of your phonebook. Hope this will help.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

Need a Backup-Restore program 4 Contacts...

Hi Friends,
I am having a serious problem with contacts syncing, backup-restore...
I like trying new build android OSs & therefore I need a backup-restore application for contacts, but I can not get a perfect solution up to now...
Even gmail syncing is a disaster for me.. I don't know which way is main, phone or gmail contacts? Sometimes it is bullshitting, syncing but not all groups, no sync for photos of contacts...
My experiences:
1- MyBackupPro-v3.8: Sometimes not restoring groups, & very very slow restore
2- SpriteBackup-v2.5.0.188: Sometimes not restoring groups, & very very slow restore
3- ContactsBackupPro-v2.5.4: Restoring groups but adding " character on contacts which are not having anything on Notes section & put themon a new group "
4- Some others are having problem as restoring contact numbers; ie, I am saving my contacts as a +XX YYY ZZZ ZZZZ format, but they are restoring contacts with +XXYYYZZZZZZZ format... & some of them are not restoring saved photos for contacts.
5- PC based backup-restore: Wondershare MobileGo-v1.1.0.111 is backing up, but with destroying the number format as I've just told...
Anyway, is there any contacts backup-restore program that allows you to (correctly) do restore groups + number format + without adding anything?
Finally, I met with android with MIUI, & I miss the Backup program of MIUI's own backup application, it was very perfect.
No advice at all!!
You might want to try manually doing my making a .csv file and importing and exporting to the phone.
In my opinion, people that say that GMail conmtact sync is not working they haven't set it up right...
lostcausenjtown said:
You might want to try manually doing my making a .csv file and importing and exporting to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you but I tried that also, photos are not backed up that way.
Have you tried the actual contacts app import/export? I'm not sure what info is saved by this method but I was assume it'd be a full backup.
Also, this is somewhat related so I just want to mention...
on Wednesday the Google server went wacky and I lost about 3/4 of my contacts from the cloud. I went crazy trying to find a fix but nothing... then I got onto Gmail from the desktop. There is a contacts restore feature, to any time from the past 30 days. I just went to restore to Tuesday, and everything was back. Saved me!
Like amnigo said try the built in import/export function. You can find it from the contacts app menu.
Also the problem you stated about '+XX YYY ZZZ ZZZZ format, but they are restoring contacts with +XXYYYZZZZZZZ format' you should be able to use this Contacts Clean-up (I can't liunk it since I'm a new user so search for it in the android market) I had the same type of problem too and managed to fix it with this.
Try this
Am using this and works well
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.idea.backup.smscontacts&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5pZGVhLmJhY2t1cC5zbXNjb250YWN0cyJd
Hey, can anyone tell me any app that makes contacts backup with all the high quality images in the ics contacts, i tried a lotta apps and import/export and the gmail sync but the picture quality is reduced in those
jawadkho said:
Like amnigo said try the built in import/export function. You can find it from the contacts app menu.
Also the problem you stated about '+XX YYY ZZZ ZZZZ format, but they are restoring contacts with +XXYYYZZZZZZZ format' you should be able to use this Contacts Clean-up (I can't liunk it since I'm a new user so search for it in the android market) I had the same type of problem too and managed to fix it with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this & tried as well, but as you said, it changes the format & contacts clean-up sometimes does not work (may be some interfere with the rom build, I don't know!)
vndkmr97 said:
Am using this and works well
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.idea.backup.smscontacts&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5pZGVhLmJhY2t1cC5zbXNjb250YWN0cyJd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I have tested this also but this does not restore groups...

Backing up contacts to Google

Hey XDA!
I have a rooted Samung Infuse with AT&T and am currently running ZEUS with few problems. I love this ROM but I am going to switch up and flash a newer ROM within the next few days. However, (back in January) before I got ZEUS, I went from the Stock ROM to MIUI and I used Titanium Backup to transfer all of my data. When I backed up contacts in the Stock ROM through Titanium and tried to restore them once I had MIUI, I kept getting force close messages that made the phone unusable because they were so frequent. I isolated the problem to be related with contacts and just deleted my saved contacts. The problem went away, but I ended up switching to ZEUS later, now with no contacts.
Anyway, I don't know if that was a random occurrence that happened only to me in my flashing process, but to avoid anything like that again, I'd like to be able to backup my contacts to Google. I've seen it mentioned several times here and on Google's site, but never did I find a how to or any sort of procedure. Can someone explain to me (as comprehensively as possible) how to backup my contacts to Google?
Any guidance or redirection would be greatly appreciated! Thanks a lot!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app
Actually, you only need to activate the sync option on Settings >Sync (or account settings, I dunno). All your contacts will be uploaded to your GMail account, and downloaded to your phone the next time
You can also make a manual backup, doing this:
Go to Phone >Contacts >press Menu key >Import/export >export contacts to SD. So, when you need your contacts, follow the same procedure, choosing now Import contacts from SD.
RoberGalarga said:
Actually, you only need to activate the sync option on Settings >Sync (or account settings, I dunno). All your contacts will be uploaded to your GMail account, and downloaded to your phone the next time
You can also make a manual backup, doing this:
Go to Phone >Contacts >press Menu key >Import/export >export contacts to SD. So, when you need your contacts, follow the same procedure, choosing now Import contacts from SD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot! I tried every manner of playing with the settings possible. I had the account sync multiple times, but none of the contacts actually stored when I checked on a computer. I'm just gonna settle with the backups from Titanium, my SD card, and my Sim. No worries!

How to: Switch to GS3 from HTC Desire HD

Hi, I just received my Samsung Galaxy S3 in the mail today. I was using HTC Desire HD before. I was wondering how do I transfer everything such as contacts, sms, picture, app and etc from my HTC Desire HD before reseting my Desire HD to factory settings (I wish to resell it). Please advise thanks. I never rooted and don't plan to root my phones =).
Titanium backup.
use the export xml feature to export your sms/mms, call logs, & wifi hotspot configs
use the app backup feature to backup all your apps (mainly the data), then moved the backed up files to your s3 and restore it from there.
use your phone app to export your contacts as a vcard then go to your s3 and import vcard.
Titanium backup is the best way but it might have a problem for some user
it requires root
so u might want to consider that before u plan on using it
Google for your contacts is a sensible start
Thanks for the replies. Do I have to root my GS3 too in order to backup everything from Desire HD to GS3?
slaphead20 said:
Google for your contacts is a sensible start
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, however, how does google understand which one is my main account once I have google account on both devices? Wouldn't it delete everything if I remove account on my Desire HD?
To get really really thorough backups, you need to root the DHD. But I bet you can manage without that. For instance, you can backup call logs and SMS with the "Call Log Backup & Restore" and "SMS Backup & Restore" apps on the android market. You'll need to backup, then install these apps on your new phone and copy the backups to the new phone, then use them to restore.
Your contacts should be part of your google account--you can check by logging into http://contacts.google.com and checking. If they're there, you don't need to worry about backing them up. They will exist on your new phone as soon as you enter your google account information while you're setting up the phone.
I'm not sure how to delete your account from your old phone, but that won't affect your new phone. Just don't delete your contacts--removing an account is not the same as changing the data that belongs to an account.
heartnet89 said:
Thanks for the replies. Do I have to root my GS3 too in order to backup everything from Desire HD to GS3?
Yeah, however, how does google understand which one is my main account once I have google account on both devices? Wouldn't it delete everything if I remove account on my Desire HD?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I makes no odds, the contacts are stored in the cloud! I have two phones, regularly mess with my old S1, if you wipe it you are only wiping the on phone storage, unless you actually delete a contact through contacts on the phone nothing will get deleted from g cloud!
i would suggest you root the dhd so you can use titanium to pull data for you apps as well so any games and apps that you have can easily have their data restored.
and it's also a great app that handles nearly all your backup needs.
root is nothing scary.. it just means you can allow certain programs to access settings that require admin status.
Some answers are just...... Ehhh nvm
Contacts should be stored on your default Gmail account go to settings.... Accounts check which one of our account is syncing contacts
SMS simple answer. SMS backup and restore
Pictures well that should be on your SD card that came with the phone. Same with any other media
Now app data... Without root in think you can forget it. What I normally do is to make a nandroid backup and if need to move this to another phone I use app extractor and restore certain apps I need
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
sms back up and restore doesn't seem to do mms for me.. maybe i botched something. titanium though, stores it in xml form and can do all the necessary import and export as needed. why get a separate app if titanium is about as close to a one stop shop as it gets for android users...
and really... if you're on xda, why aren't you rooting your phone and enjoying one of thr biggest reason to be here (for me atleast) : to flash different roms that will suite your needs/wants.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
I moved over from my desire s without root. It was a bit of a faff but ok I the end.
My apps all restored from the market. The other apps that needed side loading were installed using app saver on my DS and copying the files onto external SD.
I restored my sms with sms backup and restore (I don't use mms as I just e-mail), which was fine.
Contacts were saved to my Google account so downloaded automatically. I think you can export contacts from stock app if you want to do it that way, or use something in the market.
Finally I used angry birds backup to restore my progress.
Hope this helps. I do agree with above though, it will be a lot easier with titanium backup provided you are rooted, but if you have to root and don't mind losing all your app data then it may not be any faster.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

Moving between Android phones? How do I do it?

Hello,
I need some insights from Android users...
I was wondering...
WIth my iPhone, I have my iTunes full backup. If I upgrade my phone to a new one, I just connect my old phone to the Macbook, do a full backup, connect the new phone, do a full restore, and my new phone has everything there.
My contacts, SMS messages, Settings, Pictures, Camera Roll, Apps, App data like save games and progress on games, you get it.
How is it on android?
Suppose I have a Galaxy S4 I have been using for a few months. I have it set up, I have SMS messages on it, data, emails, I have 80% of angry birds complete, I have 2000 pictures on my camera roll, i have some MP3 music...
Then I upgrade to a Note 3. Is there a way to transfer all my data to the new android without losing it? Like I can on Apple?
Thanks for your insight.
Cheers!
gdourado said:
Hello,
I need some insights from Android users...
I was wondering...
WIth my iPhone, I have my iTunes full backup. If I upgrade my phone to a new one, I just connect my old phone to the Macbook, do a full backup, connect the new phone, do a full restore, and my new phone has everything there.
My contacts, SMS messages, Settings, Pictures, Camera Roll, Apps, App data like save games and progress on games, you get it.
How is it on android?
Suppose I have a Galaxy S4 I have been using for a few months. I have it set up, I have SMS messages on it, data, emails, I have 80% of angry birds complete, I have 2000 pictures on my camera roll, i have some MP3 music...
Then I upgrade to a Note 3. Is there a way to transfer all my data to the new android without losing it? Like I can on Apple?
Thanks for your insight.
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download Rom toolbox from the store, when installed go to the Apps Admin module of Toolbox, then swipe to right and you will find the backup module; there try the backup phone data option and it will show you the different backup options it do, when it finishes, return to the main page of Apps Admin module, and press the menu key to show the preferences of the toolbox app, and there will show you the carpet in your phone where the backup is.
To restore it on the new phone you have to install the Toolbox app in it first, then check in which folder the backup is going to be stored, so you have to copy the folder of the old phone into that exact location of the new phone, so you can do a restore of it in Toolbox app. Sorry for my English but is not my first language, this is the best method I know, there could be others. cheers
gdourado said:
Hello,
I need some insights from Android users...
I was wondering...
WIth my iPhone, I have my iTunes full backup. If I upgrade my phone to a new one, I just connect my old phone to the Macbook, do a full backup, connect the new phone, do a full restore, and my new phone has everything there.
My contacts, SMS messages, Settings, Pictures, Camera Roll, Apps, App data like save games and progress on games, you get it.
How is it on android?
Suppose I have a Galaxy S4 I have been using for a few months. I have it set up, I have SMS messages on it, data, emails, I have 80% of angry birds complete, I have 2000 pictures on my camera roll, i have some MP3 music...
Then I upgrade to a Note 3. Is there a way to transfer all my data to the new android without losing it? Like I can on Apple?
Thanks for your insight.
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
with the apps as he mentioned you can try rom tool box or any apps like that and for message contacts etc you can use kies for Samsung or softwares like that google
For contacts and email I have them on my Google account so they will automatically sync to the new device. For texts I use SMS Backup & Restore and back them up to my SD card. I keep pictures and music on my SD card so I just move the card over to the new device. But many devices don't have SD cards these days so you could just plug both phones into a computer and copy/paste files from the old phone over to the new one.
For app data you'll have to be rooted and I use Titanium backup. It can either backup to the SD card or sync to a cloud account.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 4

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