# Transfer WhatsApp by copying the internal app files

As of 2025, the default method of WhatsApp to [Backup and Restore](https://faq.whatsapp.com/481135090640375/?cms_platform=android) requires a Google Account and [Chat data transfer using local Wifi](https://faq.whatsapp.com/209942271778103/?cms_platform=android) requires Android features that are not available on Sailfish OS.

You will need to have the developer access enabled (access via SSH) and system administration experience is of good value.

#### We start on the old phone:

- Turn off Android: As a first step, open the *Settings* App, go to *System*, and select *Android™ AppSupport*. Tap the *Stop* button and wait until he action is completed.
- Open Terminal or Login using SSH
- Enter `devel-su`
- Run `tar -czf /home/nemo/whatsapp.tgz /home/.android/data/data/com.whatsapp/`
- Transfer the resulting file to the new phone

#### Then, continue on the new phone:

- Start WhatsApp once and stop it again
- Open the *Settings* App, go to *Apps*, select *WhatsApp* and *delete the data and clear the cache.*
- The, still in the settings switch to *System*, and select *Android™ AppSupport*. Tap the *Stop* button and wait until he action is completed.
- Open the terminal and enter `devel-su`
- Run `ls -ld /home/.android/data/data/com.whatsapp/` and remember the owner and group ids. They both are the same and likely look like 100XX.
- Delete the existing directory `rm -r /home/.android/data/data/com.whatsapp/`
- Run `cd  / && tar -xzf /home/nemo/whatsapp.tgz`
- Reset the permissions as read before: `chown -R 100XX:100XX /home/.android/data/data/com.whatsapp/`

Now start WhatsApp and enjoy!