Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 7A smartphones often face the need to restore deleted correspondence or transfer an important archive to a new device. Understanding the Android file system in the MIUI shell is key to successfully managing messenger data. Standard ways to backups can vary depending on the version of the operating system, which sometimes leaves users baffled.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the folder structure where WhatsApp stores its databases and media files on the Redmi 7A model. You will learn how to find hidden files, use file managers and correctly interpret the contents of system directories to save important data.
It usually takes a very short time to search if you know the exact algorithm, but it's worth considering that some folder rights may be limited by Android 10 and higher, so full control of files sometimes requires additional steps to expand access rights.
Standard folder structure in smartphone memory
By default, all applications, including instant messengers, create their directories in the internal storage of the device. On Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell, this structure can have its own features that differ from pure Android. The main storage is the internal memory partition, which is often referred to as Internal Storage or Internal Storage.
This is where the main application data folders are located. WhatsApp has a special place where database backups are automatically downloaded. These files are.db.crypt extensions, and they are an encrypted version of your correspondence. Without this file, it will be impossible to restore history on a new device.
Importantly, the path structure has changed with the release of newer versions of the operating system, where the folder was at the root on older versions of Android, it often hides deeper into system directories, and this is done by Google developers to improve the security of user data and prevent unauthorized access to other applications.
⚠️ Warning: Be extremely careful when dealing with system files and databases. Accidental deletion or renaming of a backup file can lead to irretrievable loss of correspondence history.
Current ways to database on different versions of Android
On the Redmi 7A, depending on the firmware version and Android update installed, the path to files may be different, due to changes in the operating system’s security policy. Below are the main location options you need to check first.
For devices running on the latest versions of Android (starting at 11 and up if an update is available for your model), the path has become deeper.
Internal memory. → Android → media → com.whatsapp → WhatsApp → Databases
It stores files with names like msgstore-2023.10.25.1.db.crypt14. The numbers in the title indicate the date the backup was created. If your Redmi 7A runs on an older version of the system, the path may be shorter and located at the root of the internal memory:
Internal memory. → WhatsApp → Databases
- 📂 Databases folder – contains encrypted correspondence history files that are needed to restore.
- 📷 Media folder – here all received and sent images, videos and documents are stored.
- 🔒 Crypt file is a database encryption format, the version number of which depends on the year of release of the file.
The difference in paths is due to the introduction of Scoped Storage, which restricts applications from accessing shared folders. WhatsApp now has to store data in a more secure area of the system. When searching manually, be sure to check both locations.
💡
Use a file search in Explorer by entering “msgstore” to quickly find the current database, no matter what folder it is in.
Using the built-in MIUI conductor to search
To navigate the file system Xiaomi Redmi 7A most convenient to use the standard application "File Manager" (File Manager), which is preinstalled in the shell MIUI. It has a convenient interface and allows you to see hidden folders, which is critical for finding system files messenger.
Launch the app and select file view mode. By default, some system folders can be hidden. To display them, you need to go to the Explorer settings and activate the appropriate switch, which will open access to the full paths, which were discussed in the previous section.
Settings Explorer → Show hidden files → EnableOnce activated, you can go to the Android folder and sequentially open the media and com.whatsapp nested directories. If you can't see the com.whatsapp folder, it's possible the app hasn't backed up yet, or you're using a very old version of the system where the path is different.
| File type | Location. | Appointment |
|---|---|---|
| msgstore.db.crypt | Databases | Current correspondence database |
| msgstore-DATE.db.crypt | Databases | Archival copies from the past days |
| wa.db | Databases | Contact and settings database |
| thumb | Media | Image and video miniatures |
Visual search through MIUI Explorer is often faster than using third-party applications. The interface is adapted for one-handed control, which is convenient for owners of Redmi 7A with a screen diagonal of 5.45 inches. Remember to regularly check for new files in the Databases folder.
☑️ Verification of availability of backup copy
Working with a memory card and external storage
Redmi 7A supports microSD card installation, which allows for more space available, and many users prefer to transfer WhatsApp media to an external medium to avoid clogging the device’s internal memory, but the path to backups may change.
If the messenger settings indicate saving data to the memory card, then you need to search for files along the way. SD-map → WhatsApp → Databases. In this case, the Android folder may not be in the path, because on external media, the structure is often classical.
When you transfer data to a new phone, it's important to keep the folder structure, so if you just copy a database file without creating the appropriate shell folders, the recovery may not be successful, but the system must "see" the file at a specific address.
⚠️ Warning: Formatting a memory card without first copying files will result in the loss of all stored messages and media files. Always double copy important data.
The speed of reading and writing to the memory card affects the speed of the messenger. If you notice delays when opening the gallery in chat rooms, try transferring media files back to the internal memory of Redmi 7A. The built-in drive usually runs faster than cheap memory cards.
Why can’t the phone see the files on the memory card?
Recovery of correspondence from local copy
The process of recovering messages from local copy to Xiaomi requires a certain sequence of actions. Just having a file in a folder is not enough, you need to properly prepare the environment for installing the application, this is especially true when switching from one phone to another or after resetting.
First, you need to remove the current WhatsApp application from your device, then copy the desired backup file (for example, msgstore-2023.10.25.1.db.crypt14) to the Databases folder. It is important to rename this file to msgstore.db.crypt14 (or current encryption number), removing the date from the name.
Once you reinstall the messenger and confirm the phone number, the system will find a local copy and suggest that you restore the history. If this does not happen, check the permissions to access the folders. In some cases, you need to give permission to the application to access all the files in the storage.
- 🔄 Deinstallation – Complete removal of the current WhatsApp app.
- 📂 Rename – Deletion of date from backup file name.
- 📲 Installation – Re-download the app from Google Play or Mi GetApps.
Successful recovery depends on file integrity and matching encryption versions. If you try to restore a copy of crypt12 when using a new version of the application that requires crypt14, the process will end in error. Always use current files.
💡
The key to success is to match the file name (msgstore.db.cryptXX) and find it in the correct Databases folder before installing the application.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Redmi 7A users may experience a situation where the Databases folder is empty or the files in it have a different date than today, which means that automatic backups have failed, most often the problem lies in MIUI power saving settings, which aggressively close the background processes.
You go to the battery settings and select No Limits mode for WhatsApp, which will allow the messenger to back up in the background at 2 a.m. as scheduled by default.
Another common problem is that the Android folder is not accessible on newer versions of the system, in which case third-party file managers may not display the content, the solution is to use the built-in Explorer or provide special permissions through a system request.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use questionable applications for "recovery of deleted messages" that promise miracles. They often contain viruses or steal your personal data. Use only official backup methods.
If files are damaged, recovery may not be possible. Regularly check the integrity of copies, trying to open them (at least partially) or simply controlling the size of the file.