How to Move WhatsApp and Telegram Chats From One Android Phone to Another Without Losing Media

Buying a new phone is exciting, but the biggest worry for most people is: “Will my chats and photos move safely?” Whether it’s WhatsApp or Telegram, you don’t have to lose your messages, photos, videos, or documents during the switch. With the right steps, everything can be transferred securely.

Below is a simple guide that anyone can follow.

Part 1: Moving WhatsApp Chats on Android

1. Transfer Using Google Drive (Best and Easiest Method)

WhatsApp’s official cloud backup is the simplest way to shift your chats to a new phone.

How to back up on your old phone:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup.
3. Tap Back up to Google Drive.
4. Pick your Google account and press Back Up Now.
   • Use Wi-Fi so the upload is faster and stable.

On your new phone:

1. Install WhatsApp from the Play Store.
2. Sign in using the same phone number.
3. WhatsApp will detect the Google Drive backup.
4. Tap Restore.

This brings back everything—messages, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents.

2. Transfer Through Local Backup (Works Offline)

If you prefer not using the internet, you can move your WhatsApp data manually.

On your old phone:

1. Open your File Manager.
2. Go to WhatsApp → Databases.
3. You’ll find files like msgstore.db.crypt14.
4. Copy the entire WhatsApp folder, including the Media folder.
5. Send it to your new phone using a cable, SD card, or apps like ShareIt or Files by Google.

On your new phone:

1. Install WhatsApp but don’t open it yet.
2. Paste the copied WhatsApp folder into:
   /Internal Storage/WhatsApp/
3. Now open WhatsApp → Verify your number → Tap Restore.

Your chats and media will load instantly without using Google Drive.

3. Use WhatsApp’s QR Transfer (For Android 12 and Above)

Newer versions of WhatsApp include a quick transfer option that works with a QR code.

How to use it:

1. Install WhatsApp on your new phone.
2. Choose Transfer Chats. A QR code will appear.
3. On your old phone, open:
   Settings → Chats → Transfer Chats
4. Scan the QR code.

Your chats and media move through Wi-Fi Direct, which is fast, secure, and doesn’t need internet.

Part 2: Moving Telegram Chats on Android

Telegram makes this process even simpler because everything is stored in the cloud.

1. Log In With Your Existing Number

Just install Telegram on your new phone and sign in with your usual number.
All chats, groups, photos, and videos will appear automatically—no manual backup required.

2. Turn On “Save to Gallery”

If you want Telegram media to show up inside your phone’s gallery:

1. Open Telegram.
2. Go to Settings → Chat Settings.
3. Enable Save to Gallery.

This saves photos and videos directly to your device storage.

3. (Optional) Export Telegram Chats on PC

If you want an offline copy of your Telegram data:

1. Open Telegram Desktop.
2. Go to Settings → Advanced → Export Telegram Data.
3. Select what you want to download—chats, images, videos, etc.

Telegram will create an easy-to-view HTML backup on your computer.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Use the same Google account for WhatsApp Drive backups.
• Keep both phones connected to Wi-Fi and a charger for large transfers.
• Update WhatsApp before creating a backup.
• For big files, avoid mobile data to prevent interruptions.

Also read: How to Reset Your Instagram Feed – A Clean & Easy Guide

Final Thoughts

Switching to a new Android phone doesn’t mean losing your memories. With WhatsApp backups and Telegram’s cloud syncing, your chats and media can move smoothly to your new device. Spend a few minutes following the steps above, and your new phone will feel just like your old one—complete with all your conversations and important files.