Where is WhatsApp backup stored on Xiaomi: local files and the cloud

WhatsApp automatically backs up chats, but finding them on Xiaomi is not always easy. Backup files are hidden in system folders, and cloud copies are synchronized with Google Drive under special rules. If you lost messages after resetting your phone or changing your device, knowing the exact location of the backups will help you recover data without loss.

On Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, and other models), WhatsApp backups are stored in two places: locally in the device’s memory, and in the cloud on Google Drive, while accessing files depends on the Android version, app settings, and even MIUI firmware. In this article, we will discuss where to look for backups, how to view them and what to do if copies of Suddenly have disappeared.

Local storage of WhatsApp backups on Xiaomi

WhatsApp stores chat backups right on the device by default. On Xiaomi, these files are in the hidden folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. It’s important to understand that the sdcard path doesn’t mean a physical memory card – it’s a virtual partition of the smartphone’s internal memory, even if you don’t have a microSD.

Backup files are formatted msgstore.db.crypt14 (or crypt12, crypt15 The last copy is usually simply called msgstore.db.crypt14, a) older versions are supplemented by a date in the format msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt14. For example, msgstore-2026-05-15.1.db.crypt14.

• 📁 Main folder: /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases/ (alternative path to the same place).
• 🔍 How to find: Use any file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer) with the option to display hidden files enabled.
• ⚠️ Restriction: Without root rights, you can’t copy files directly – only through the ADB orthologies.

⚠️ Note: If you connect Xiaomi to your PC through USB, folder WhatsApp/Databases It may not be displayed due to restrictions MIUI. In this case, use ADB Pull or cloud backup.

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To see hidden folders in Mi File Manager, open the menu (three dots at the top) → Settings → Show hidden files.

Cloud backups of WhatsApp on Google Drive

WhatsApp syncs backups with Google Drive by default, but on Xiaomi this process can work unstable due to MIUI optimizations. Cloud backups are stored in a closed section of Google account, and access to them is only possible through the WhatsApp application itself when you restore.

Key points about cloud copies:

• ☁️ Location: Drive → Backup → WhatsApp (invisible via Google Drive web interface).
• ⏳ Frequency: Daily (if enabled in WhatsApp settings) → chat → Backup).
• 📵 Restriction: a copy is created only when connected to Wi-Fi (on the Internet). MIUI background activity may be blocked).

To check if your copy is in the cloud:

1. Open WhatsApp. → ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup.
2. Check the date of the last backup under the Google Drive label.
3. If there is no date, the synchronization is disabled or interrupted.

Why WhatsApp Backups Cannot Be Created on Xiaomi

Xiaomi users often face a problem when WhatsApp does not backup locally or to the cloud, due to aggressive MIUI optimizations that block background processes.

On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14+ firmware, WhatsApp backups may not be created due to a new mechanism for managing background tasks. To fix this, you need to manually add the application to the list of “Secure Apps” (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Auto Run).

How to Manually Back Up WhatsApp on Xiaomi

If the automatic backup doesn't work, you can start it manually, and that's before you reset your phone, upgrade your MIUI, or replace your device.

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup.
2. Click CREATE a COMPANY (for local backup) or Backup (for Google Drive).
3. Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes on large chats).
4. Check the date of the last backup on the same menu.

For reliability, it is recommended to create both local and cloud copies, and a local backup is useful if access to Google Drive is limited (for example, when changing your Google account).

Connect your phone to charge |Free at least 1GB of storage |Connect to stable Wi-Fi |Connect battery optimization for WhatsApp

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How to Restore WhatsApp Chats from a Backup on Xiaomi

Chat recovery is only possible when you first set up WhatsApp after you install or reset your phone, and if you have already set up the app, you have to delete it and install it again.

1. Remove WhatsApp (if installed).
2. Install the app again from Google Play.
3. When you first start, enter your phone number and confirm it.
4. When a recovery request appears, click Restore (for Google Drive) or wait for the local copy to be automatically detected.
5. After recovery, chats will appear in the application.

If WhatsApp does not find a backup:

• 🔄 Make sure you use the same Google account that the backup is linked to.
• 📱 Check that file. msgstore.db.crypt14 present /WhatsApp/Databases.
• 🔌 Connect your phone to charging – recovery may be interrupted due to battery discharge.

⚠️ Warning: If you restore chats to a new Xiaomi device, make sure your phone number and Google account match those used to create the backup.Otherwise, WhatsApp will not provide access to the backup.

How to Transfer WhatsApp Backup from Xiaomi to Another Phone

Transferring chats between devices is only possible via Google Drive or manually by copying backup files.

1. Create a fresh backup on WhatsApp (locally).
2. Copy /WhatsApp/Databases folder on PC or external drive: adb pull /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases C:\Backup\WhatsApp\
3. Transfer files to the new device to the same folder /WhatsApp/Databases.
4. Install WhatsApp on your new phone and restore chats from your local copy.

For ADB-teams will need to include debugging USB In Settings → The phone. → Assembly number (7 taps) → Developer settings. ADB Unavailable, use a file manager with root rights (e.g., file manager, FX File Explorer).

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Local WhatsApp backups are linked to a phone number, and cloud backups are linked to a Google account, and if you change your number or mail, you lose access to old backups.

Frequent errors when working with WhatsApp backups on Xiaomi

Xiaomi users often encounter common problems when trying to create or restore a backup, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• ❌ "Could not create a backup copy" → Check the vacant space (needs at least 1GB) and turn off WhatsApp Battery Optimization.
• ❌ "Recovery is stuck on 0%" → Delete the folder. /WhatsApp/Databases and create a new copy.
• ❌ "Google Drive is not responding" → Reconnect your Google account in your phone settings or use it VPN.
• ❌ "Backup file damaged" → Download the WhatsApp utility Key/DB Extractor to extract data from a corrupted file.

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Update WhatsApp to the latest version.
2. Clear the app cache (Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Memory → Clear the cache).
3. Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions