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Extract key/msgstore.db from /data/data/com.whatsapp in Android v4.0+ without root.

• About the Project
  • Built With
• Getting Started
  • Prerequisites
  • Installation
  • Standalone Operations
  • Features & ToDo
  • Demo
  • Troubleshooting
• Roadmap
• Limitations
• Contributing
• License
• Agreement
• Contact

This project is inspired byEliteAndroidApps/WhatsApp-Key-DB-Extractor. Since Android v4.0+ Google has removed adb backup and apps no longer supported being backed up by "adb backup -f myApp.ab -apk com.foobar.app". However there is one catch in this scenario and that is some old version of many apps including WhatsApp support that to this day, and that's the idea...

The idea is to install "Legacy Version" of WhatsApp on you device via adb and use "adb backup" to fetch files from "/data/data/com.whatsapp" folder which includes both the "key" and "msgstore.db" (non encrypted) file and after that restore current WhatsApp.

• Python
• Bash (for Linux and OS X)

Depends on

• Java (To extract backup)

1) Before doing anything take a backup of your chats and turn off your phone's internet so you don't lose any new messages.For that go to "WhatsApp Settings → Chat Settings → Chat Backup" here take a local backup.

2) If you see a folder "Android/media/com.whatsapp" copy it somewhere safe before running the script, new versions of WhatsApp are saving data here (including images and videos), I try to keep it intact during the process but you never know when code messes up.

Hope for best, prepare for Worst.

Afterinstallation follow on screen instructions.

• O/S: Any Windows/Mac/Linux. Do not have access to any of these? TryTermux Edition.
• Python 3.x
• Java
• USB Debugging must be enabled on the target device. Settings → Developer Options → USB debugging.
  • If you cannot find Developer Options then go to: Settings → About phone/device and tap the Build number multiple times until you're finally declared a developer.
• Android device with Android 4.0 or higher. i.e. Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, Pie, Q.

1. Clone the repo

git clone https://github.com/YuvrajRaghuvanshiS/WhatsApp-Key-Database-Extractor.git&&cd WhatsApp-Key-Database-Extractor

2. Install dependencies (for linux and OSX only): skipsudo for mac.

sudo ./bin/linux_dependencies.sh

If you're getting any error while running above command you need to install the following manually for your linux distro.:adbtaropenjdk117zipscrcpy

3. Runwa_kdbe.py by double clicking the file on Windows or by

python3wa_kdbe.py

Command Line Flags

Note that TCP mode and USB mode are mutually exclusive. Either use with TCP mode or USB mode. When Android is plugged with USB don't use TCP flags.

These operations are standalone implementation of their defined task. One should run these when specifically needed. For ex: Process finished but WhatsApp was not reinstalled on device.

1. Runpython3 view_extract.py to unpack whatsapp.ab to whatsapp.tar and extract files. For this to work there should be "whatsapp.ab" file either in "extracted/<username>" folder or in "tmp" folder. Where "username" is name of user you entered earlier.

2. Runpython3 protect.py to compress/decompress user folder with(out) password for safekeeping. For this to work there should either be "username" folder or "username.7z" file in "extracted" folder.

3. Runpython3 restore_whatsapp.py to reinstall WhatsApp on device.

• ✔️ Extracts msgstore.db from /data/data/com.whatsapp. (duh)
• ✔️ Works wireless-ly without USB cable using "ADB over TCP" with--tcp-ip IP --tcp-port PORT flags.
• ✔️ See and control your android phone with your computer usingScrCpy using--scrcpy flag.
• ✔️ Works with any android device v4.0+ so far.
• ✔️ Works with any android device no matter where it is in universe as long as it is running ADB over TCP.
• ✔️ Moves msgstore.db to your phone.
• ✔️ Creates password protected 7z file so keep your extraction safe.
• ✔️ Continues without JAVA installed and make "whatsapp.tar" out of "whatsapp.ab" once java is installed by runningpython3 view_extract.py.
• ✔️ Command line arguments
• ✔️ ADB Devices menu.
• ✔️ Implement datetime.
• ✔️ Extracts backup created over TCP{ #24 bin\tar.exe: Unexpected EOF on archive file in Windows.}.
• ✔️ Finally logging in "log/wa_kdbe.log". Log excludes passwords, if you see any password in log file then do let know.
• ❌ Works with WhatsApp Business.

Following gif shows the output ofpython3 wa_kdbe.py -ar -s -to

• If runningpython3 wa_kdbe.py or any other file is throwing error like "python3 is recognized as internal or external command." AND python3 is "already added to path (in case of windows)" try running files withpy wa_kdbe.py instead.Read more.

• If list is empty close terminal, remove and re-plug the device, and re-run the script.Read more.

• If you have never used USB Debugging before, you may also need to verify the fingerprint by ticking the checkbox and tapping "allow" on device popup.

• If you have set a default backup password in your Android settings, then this MUST be the backup password that you PROVIDE when prompted to backup your data. Else it WILL fail!

• If you get an error saying "AES encryption not allowed" then you need to update your Oracle Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) to Unlimited Strength Jurisdiction Policy Files.

• WhatsApp crashing? Runpython3 restore_whatsapp.py. Or "clear data/storage" / uninstall and reinstall from Play Store.

• In MIUI, "Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_USER_RESTRICTED: Install canceled by user]" occurs during installation of LegacyWhatsapp.apk, fix it byallowing install via adb

• If "[INSTALL_FAILED_VERSION_DOWNGRADE]" run with--allow-reboot flag.

  python3 wa_kdbe.py --allow-reboot

• If "[INSTALL_PARSE_FAILED_NOT_APK]" delete helpers/LegacyWhatsApp.apk and re-run.

• If "adb: error: cannot create 'tmp/WhatsAppbackup.apk': Permission denied" on macOS run script withsudo.

  sudo python3 wa_kdbe.py

See theopen issues for a list of proposed features (and known issues).

There always are limitations on how much we can make it work and this is what allows us to keep going. Well no matter what I do sometimes this tool just won't work on some devices and if that's your case you can trythis fork of MarcoG3's WhatsDump byAlessandro Maggio.

Contributions are what make the open source community such an amazing place to be learn, inspire, and create. Any contributions you make aregreatly appreciated.

1. Fork the Project
2. Create your Feature Branch (git checkout -b feature/AmazingFeature)
3. Commit your Changes (git commit -m 'Add some AmazingFeature')
4. Push to the Branch (git push origin feature/AmazingFeature)
5. "Draft" a pull request and mark it "Ready for review" once work is done.

Other ways to contribute is to buy me a coffee but let's just say it is to test out new features of the project.No new features to test.

Distributed under the MIT License. SeeLICENSE for more information.

I made this project because it was hard for me to kill time and the other one was very old.This tool is provided "as-is" and hence you will be responsible however you use it. Cheers☕

Yuvraj Raghuvanshi -@Yuvraj_R_S -Send me a mail

Project Link:https://github.com/yuvrajraghuvanshis/WhatsApp-Key-Database-Extractor