Switching from the official WhatsApp to WhatsApp Plus is exciting. You get access to themes, custom privacy controls, larger file sharing, and dozens of features that make the messaging experience far more enjoyable. But before you jump into the new app, there is one important question to answer. What happens to all your existing chats, photos, videos, voice notes, and important documents?
Losing years of conversation history is a real fear, and rightfully so. The good news is that the transfer process is simpler than most users think. With the right steps, you can move everything to WhatsApp Plus and continue exactly where you left off.
This guide walks you through the entire migration process from start to finish, including the backup steps you must take before installing the new app and the small details that often get missed.
Why You Should Never Skip the Backup Step
A backup is your safety net. Even if the transfer process goes perfectly, having a fresh local backup gives you peace of mind. If something unexpected happens during installation, you can always restore your data and start again.
Think of it this way. A backup takes only a few minutes to create, but recovering lost messages is impossible. Always create a backup before making any major change to your messaging app.
Step 1: Create a Local Backup in Official WhatsApp
Open the official WhatsApp on your Android device. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right and choose Settings. Navigate to Chats, then select Chat Backup.
You will see two options:
- Back up to Google Drive: Useful if you want a cloud copy, but optional for this process.
- Back up to local storage: This is the option you need. It creates a folder called Databases inside your internal storage.
Tap the green Back Up button. Wait until the process finishes completely. The screen will show the date and time of the latest backup once it is done. Make a mental note of the file size so you can confirm later that everything transferred correctly.
Step 2: Locate the Backup Files
Open your file manager and go to the internal storage of your phone. Look for the folder named WhatsApp. Inside it, you will see a subfolder called Databases. This is where the encrypted backup file lives. The file name usually includes the date, such as msgstore-2026-07-16.1.db.crypt14.
You do not need to copy this file anywhere. The installation process will detect it automatically. Just make sure the file is there before moving forward.
If you also want to keep your media, scroll up to the Media folder inside the WhatsApp directory. This contains all your photos, videos, voice notes, and documents. Again, you do not need to move it manually, but it helps to know where everything lives.
Step 3: Enable Installation from Unknown Sources
WhatsApp Plus is not available on the Google Play Store. You will need to install it using an APK file. Before your phone allows this, you must turn on the option to install apps from unknown sources.
Go to Settings, then Security or Privacy, depending on your device. Find the option labeled Install Unknown Apps or Unknown Sources. Choose the browser or file manager you plan to use, and toggle the permission on.
Do not worry about security. Once the app is installed, you can turn this setting off again. Just do not forget to do so for safety.
Step 4: Download the Latest WhatsApp Plus APK
Use your phone browser to find the latest version of WhatsApp Plus. Make sure you download from a trusted source to avoid modified files that may contain harmful code. The file is usually small, around fifty megabytes, so it downloads quickly even on slower connections.
Once the download is complete, tap the file in your notification bar or open it from the Downloads folder. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the app. You may see a warning about installing from unknown sources. Confirm and continue.
Step 5: Verify Your Phone Number
Open WhatsApp Plus for the first time. The welcome screen will look familiar because it follows the same structure as the official app. Enter your phone number and tap Next. You will receive a verification code through SMS, just like the original app.
If you have two-step verification enabled, you will be asked to enter your PIN at this stage. Have it ready before you start the process.
Step 6: Restore Your Chat History
This is the moment most users worry about, but it is also the easiest step. As soon as your number is verified, WhatsApp Plus will automatically scan your local storage for backup files. You will see a prompt that says Restore at the bottom of the screen.
Tap the Restore button. The app will find the backup you created earlier and begin loading all your messages, media, and conversation history. The time it takes depends on the size of your backup. A typical user with a few thousand messages completes the process in under two minutes.
Once the restore finishes, you will see all your chats exactly as they were. Group names, contact labels, pinned conversations, archived threads, and even your wallpaper settings will be there.
Step 7: Verify Media and Documents
After restoration, take a few minutes to check that your media is intact. Open a chat that had several images and videos. Tap on a media file to make sure it opens correctly. Check a voice note to confirm it plays without errors. Open a document like a PDF to make sure it downloads normally.
If anything is missing, the most common reason is that the backup did not include media. Return to the official WhatsApp, open Settings, then Chats, and make sure Include Videos is toggled on before creating a new backup.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Sometimes the restore process does not go as smoothly. Here are the most common problems and what to do about them:
- Restore button does not appear: This usually means the backup file is not in the expected folder. Move the file manually to internal storage, WhatsApp, Databases.
- Only some chats appear: Older backups may overwrite newer ones if filenames conflict. Rename the older backup so the app picks the right one.
- Media is missing: Make sure you did not toggle off the Include Videos option in your backup settings.
- App keeps crashing after restore: Clear the app cache from your phone settings, then reopen WhatsApp Plus.
What About iCloud Backups?
If you previously used the official WhatsApp on an iPhone and are now switching to an Android device with WhatsApp Plus, the process is different. Apple stores WhatsApp backups in iCloud, which Android cannot access directly.
In this case, you will need a third party tool to extract the backup from iCloud and convert it into a format Android can read. There are several reliable options available, but they all require a computer. Once the backup is converted, you can follow the same steps above to install WhatsApp Plus and restore the data.
Tips to Make Future Transfers Easier
The first transfer is always the hardest. To make the next one smoother:
- Always keep local backups enabled in WhatsApp Plus settings.
- Set a weekly auto backup schedule so you never lose recent chats.
- Keep your Google account signed in for cloud backups as a secondary layer of protection.
- Save important media files outside the app if they hold real value, like a work document or family video.
Final Thoughts
Migrating from official WhatsApp to WhatsApp Plus does not mean starting from scratch. With a proper backup and a few careful steps, you can carry every conversation, every photo, and every important memory into the new app.
Take your time during the backup stage. Verify your media after the restore. And once everything looks good, explore all the new features that made you switch in the first place. Welcome to a richer, more flexible messaging experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my chats if I skip the backup step? Yes, there is a strong chance you will lose your history. Always create a backup before installing any modified version of WhatsApp.
How long does the transfer process take? For most users, the entire process takes between ten and twenty minutes, including backup creation, app installation, and verification.
Can I keep using the official WhatsApp after installing WhatsApp Plus? No, you can only have one version installed at a time because both use the same phone number for registration.
Do I need a computer to transfer chats? No, the entire process works directly on your Android phone without needing a computer.
Will my contacts know I switched to WhatsApp Plus? No, your profile name, photo, and number stay the same. Your contacts will not receive any notification about the change.