Yes, it is possible to restore WhatsApp chat backups without Google Drive. WhatsApp offers a few different ways to back up chats that don’t rely on Google Drive storage. The main options are:
Back Up to Local Storage
WhatsApp allows you to back up your chat history to local storage on an Android device or iPhone. On Android, backups are saved to internal device storage. On iPhone, they are saved to iCloud. This allows you to restore chats without needing a Google Drive account.
Back Up to External SD Card
On Android devices that support external SD cards, you can tell WhatsApp to back up your chats to the SD card. Just go into WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and select “Back Up to SD Card.” Then you can insert the SD card into a new device to restore the chats.
Transfer Chats via WhatsApp Itself
When setting up WhatsApp on a new device, there is an option to transfer your chat history from an old device via WhatsApp directly. As long as you still have the old device, this allows you to migrate chats without Google Drive.
Back Up to Desktop App
The WhatsApp desktop application lets you back up chats to your computer. You can then copy the backup files over to a new phone to restore the chats.
Detailed Comparison of Backup Options
Here is a more detailed overview of the pros and cons of each WhatsApp chat backup method that doesn’t require Google Drive:
Back Up to Local Storage
Pros:
- Easy to set up – built into WhatsApp app
- Encrypted backup for privacy
- Automated backups so chat history is always saved
Cons:
- Backup limited to size of internal storage
- Manual transfer of backups required across devices
Back Up to External SD Card
Pros:
- Provides more storage space for backups
- Makes transferring backups easier
Cons:
- Not all devices support SD cards
- Possible performance lag if slow SD card
- Extra step to enable SD card backup
Transfer Chats via WhatsApp
Pros:
- Easy chat transfer during WhatsApp setup
- No backup files to manage manually
Cons:
- Need access to old device to transfer
- Only works when initially setting up WhatsApp
- Media not transferred, only chats
Back Up to Desktop App
Pros:
- Backups safely stored on computer
- Easy to transfer backup files to new device
Cons:
- Need a computer for backups
- No automated backups
- Extra steps to manually back up and transfer
Step-by-Step Guide for Each Backup Method
Here are detailed steps to use each WhatsApp chat backup option without Google Drive:
Back Up to Local Storage
On Android:
- Open WhatsApp and tap the 3-dot Menu button
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup
- Tap “Backup” to manually back up now or “Back Up Automatically” to enable scheduled backups
- Chats will save to device internal storage. Location varies by device.
On iPhone:
- Open WhatsApp and tap Settings
- Tap Chats > Chat Backup
- Tap “Back Up Now” to manually back up or turn on auto backup
- Chats will backup to iCloud storage
To restore, simply install WhatsApp on new device and verify your phone number. WhatsApp will find the backup and restore chats automatically.
Back Up to External SD Card
- Insert external SD card into device
- Open WhatsApp and tap Menu > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup
- Tap “Backup to SD Card”
- Tap “Back Up” to manually back up now or enable scheduled backups
To restore:
- Insert SD card into new device
- Install WhatsApp and verify number
- WhatsApp will find backup on SD card and restore chats
Transfer Chats via WhatsApp
On old device:
- Open WhatsApp > Menu > WhatsApp Web/Desktop > Link Device
- Scan the QR code with new device to link them
On new device:
- Install and open WhatsApp
- Tap “Import Chats” during setup
- Scan QR code displayed on old device
- Confirm to transfer chat history
Back Up to Desktop App
- Install WhatsApp Desktop app on computer
- Link WhatsApp on phone to WhatsApp desktop by scanning QR code
- On desktop app, go to Settings > Chats > Back Up Chats
- Manually back up chats. This will save backup files on computer.
To restore:
- Copy backup files from computer to new phone storage
- On WhatsApp phone app, tap Menu > Settings > Chats > Restore
- Tap “Restore” and select backup files to restore chats
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my chat backup still encrypted if not using Google Drive?
Yes, WhatsApp chat backups are always encrypted and secured with a unique encryption key, even if not backing up to Google Drive. Local and SD card backups remain encrypted.
How often does WhatsApp auto backup chats?
WhatsApp automatically backs up chats daily if you have enabled auto backup. But you can also manually back up anytime by going into WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and tapping “Back Up.”
Can I restore chats without overwriting existing ones?
Unfortunately, when you restore from a backup on WhatsApp, it will always overwrite your existing chats and messages. There is no option to merge or selectively restore chats.
Will my media get restored as well?
When transferring chats directly via WhatsApp or the desktop app method, only your chat history gets transferred. Media like photos and videos will not transfer over. To retain media, you need to use a full local or SD card backup approach.
What gets backed up by WhatsApp?
WhatsApp backups include your chat history, messages, contacts, call history and settings. Media such as photos and videos are only included in local, SD card and desktop backups.
Conclusion
While Google Drive integration offers convenient WhatsApp chat backups, there are several ways to safely back up and restore your chat history without relying on Google Drive. The best options are local device storage, external SD card, desktop app backups, or direct WhatsApp chat transfers. Just be sure to regularly back up chats however fits your needs.