Where Does GB WhatsApp Store Backup Files?
If you want to reinstall GB WhatsApp, switch to another version, or move your chats to a new phone, one of the first things you may need is the backup folder.
The confusing part is that GB WhatsApp backup files may not be stored in the same location on every Android phone. The folder can also change depending on your Android version and the GB WhatsApp package name.
Here is where to look.
Where Is the GB WhatsApp Backup Folder?
On many newer Android phones, GB WhatsApp files can be found under the Android media directory:
Internal Storage → Android → media → com.gbwhatsapp
Inside this folder, you may see directories such as:
- Databases — local chat backup files
- Media — photos, videos, voice notes, documents, and other WhatsApp media
- Backups — additional backup files on some versions
The exact folder name can vary because different GB WhatsApp builds may use different package names.
If you do not see com.gbwhatsapp, do not assume that your backup has disappeared. Your particular version may use another folder name.
What Are the Files in the Databases Folder?
The Databases folder is the important one if you are looking for local chat backups.
You may see files with names similar to:
msgstore.db.crypt14
or other msgstore files with a different crypt number.
These are local WhatsApp database files. The encryption format can vary between versions, so do not rename or modify the files unless you know exactly what the version you are using expects.
You may also find multiple backup files with dates in their names. This can happen when several local backups have been created.
If your goal is to keep your chats before uninstalling or changing versions, it is a good idea to copy the relevant backup folder to another location first.
Why Can’t I Find the GB WhatsApp Folder?
There are several possible reasons.
1. Android Is Hiding the Folder
Recent Android versions restrict access to some folders under Android/data and Android/obb, and file managers can also handle protected directories differently.
If you cannot see the folder in your normal file manager, try a file manager that can browse the Android media directory.
2. Your GB WhatsApp Uses a Different Package Name
Not every GB WhatsApp build uses exactly the same package name.
You might see a folder associated with a different GB WhatsApp package instead of com.gbwhatsapp.
Look for folders containing names related to GB WhatsApp, WhatsApp, or the package name used by your particular build.
3. You Have Not Created a Local Backup Yet
If you installed GB WhatsApp recently and have not created a local backup, the Databases folder may not contain the file you are looking for.
Open GB WhatsApp’s chat settings and check the backup option. Create a local backup first, then check the storage again.
Where Are GB WhatsApp Photos and Videos Stored?
Your chats and your media are not necessarily in the same folder.
If you want to keep photos, videos, voice messages, documents, and stickers, check the Media folder as well.
You may find subfolders such as:
- WhatsApp Images
- WhatsApp Video
- WhatsApp Audio
- WhatsApp Documents
- WhatsApp Stickers
- WhatsApp Voice Notes
The names can vary between versions.
This is important if you are changing GB WhatsApp versions. Copying only the database may preserve chat information without preserving all of your media files.
What Should I Copy Before Uninstalling GB WhatsApp?
If you are preparing to uninstall or replace your current GB WhatsApp installation, do not rely on a single file.
Ideally, keep a copy of both:
Databases → for local chat backups
Media → for photos, videos, documents, voice messages, and other files
Copy them to another safe location such as another folder on your phone, a computer, or external storage.
Do this before uninstalling the app. Once the original app and its files are removed, recovering local data can become much more difficult.
If you are updating GB WhatsApp rather than completely replacing it, you may also want to check our guide on how to update GBWhatsApp without losing data, which covers the update process and the steps to take before installing a newer version.
What If GB WhatsApp Says “No Backup Found”?
If you copied a backup but GB WhatsApp does not detect it, first check the folder structure.
Make sure the database file is inside the expected Databases folder rather than sitting directly in the main GB WhatsApp folder.
Also check that:
- The backup file is actually present.
- You are using the correct GB WhatsApp version.
- The folder belongs to the version you installed.
- You did not accidentally move only the media files.
- The file name and extension have not been changed.
If you moved the backup from another phone, Android may also have placed the files in a different directory.
Before Changing Your GB WhatsApp Version
Finding the backup folder is especially useful if you are switching between versions.
Before making the change, create a fresh local backup and manually copy the Databases and Media folders somewhere else.
This gives you an additional copy instead of relying only on the backup remaining inside the app’s storage.
The exact location can vary between GB WhatsApp builds and Android versions, so if you do not see Android/media/com.gbwhatsapp, check the other GB WhatsApp-related folders on your device rather than assuming that the backup does not exist.
The important folders to remember are Databases for your local chat backups and Media for your photos, videos, voice notes, and documents.
