this post was submitted on 05 Oct 2026
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WhatsApp local backup without Google account (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 weeks ago by mazzilius_marsti@lemmy.world to c/android@lemmy.world
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Yes, 90% of my contacts use Whatsapp. I am therefore trying to remove my main Google account from my GrapheneOS daily profile. I also plan to move over to Proton too, so there is no need for Google Drive.

To clarify, I'm fine keeping sandboxed Google Play with a dummy Google account for downloads/updates. I just don't want my main Google credentials signed into Android at the system/profile level.

WhatsApp backup is one of the last blockers. On a new phone, restoring a large Google backup can take ages, and in my experience WhatsApp wouldn't become properly usable until a significant part of the restore had completed. During that time I couldn't reliably receive WhatsApp calls/messages, which makes migration pretty painful. If your internet drops during that time? Start over !

Has anyone successfully relied on WhatsApp's local backup instead? Can I periodically copy it to Proton Drive/Linux and later restore it onto a fresh Android/GrapheneOS install if needed?

Especially interested in anyone who has actually tested a full restore from a manually preserved local backup.

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[–] AcornTickler@sh.itjust.works 5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

I have managed to ditch WhatsApp (thankfully) and it has been years since I last had to migrate to a new device. The process was quite simple, at least as far as I can remember.

First, navigate to the backup menu (in WhatsApp) where you are supposed to choose a Google account and backup frequency. I think there should be a button named "backup now" or something. This will create a local backup located at Android/data_or_media/whatever_whatsapps_app_id_is. Browse the directory and you should see your backup in a nested folder.

Then, migrate this folder to the new device and put it in the same location before installing WhatsApp. After you install and open WhatsApp, it should prompt you to import your old messages from the backup.