Fix: “Something went wrong with your chat history” on WhatsApp

The “Something went wrong with your chat history” error appears when WhatsApp cannot restore your chat history due to issues with the msgstore.db file (the local database storing all your messages and metadata). When WhatsApp fails to access, read, or write this file, it triggers permanent data loss and blocks message restoration. This commonly happens during initial chat restoration or when transferring chats between devices.

Common Causes of This Error:

• Database corruption – Often occurs when backup or restore processes get interrupted
• Synchronization failures – Problems connecting with Google Drive or iCloud
• System inconsistencies – Conflicts between WhatsApp and your device’s operating system
• Outdated application – Running an older version of WhatsApp
• Permission mismatches – WhatsApp lacking necessary access rights

Quick Troubleshooting Steps:

Before diving into detailed solutions, perform these preliminary checks:

• Restart your device to clear temporary glitches
• Check internet stability – Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data if needed
• Verify storage space on both your device and Google Drive
• Review app permissions in your device settings
• Try manual backup instead of automatic backup

1. Update WhatsApp (if available)

Since backup and restore processes depend on precise protocols and encryption behaviors, updating the app fixes glitches that prevent it from correctly reading, decrypting, and writing database files and cloud backups.

1. Open the Play Store/Apple Store on your mobile phone.
2. In the search bar, type “WhatsApp” and press OK.
3. If an update is available, download and install it.

2. Restart Your App

Force-stopping WhatsApp and restarting it clears temporary glitches that may be causing the error. Sometimes the app becomes stuck in a faulty state due to memory leaks or background process interruptions. Restarting refreshes internal processes and network connections, often resolving the problem immediately.

1. Close WhatsApp and open Settings on your device.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Find WhatsApp in the list and open it.
4. Tap “Force stop”.
5. Reopen the app.

3. Clear App Cache

Over time, cache files can become corrupted or overloaded, disrupting WhatsApp’s ability to properly sync or restore chat history. Clearing the cache removes these problematic temporary files without deleting your personal data, allowing the app to rebuild fresh cache files and restore normal functionality.

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Navigate to Apps.
3. Find WhatsApp in the list and open it.
4. Tap on Storage.
5. Tap “Clear cache”.

4. Use VPN

A VPN helps bypass regional network restrictions or ISP throttling that may block WhatsApp’s connection to Google Drive servers. It establishes a secure and stable pathway to cloud backup services, reducing errors during backup or restore operations. Keeping a VPN enabled while performing these operations maintains uninterrupted communication with cloud servers, ensuring your data transfers complete successfully.

1. Open Play Store/App Store and download a trusted VPN app (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or another reliable provider).
2. Open the VPN app and connect to a VPN server (choose a nearby location for faster speed and stability).
3. Keep the VPN active in the background and open WhatsApp.
4. Check if the issue is resolved.

5. Reinstall WhatsApp

Reinstalling WhatsApp replaces corrupted app files and resets the app’s internal states, including permissions, background services, and temporary caches. This process allows WhatsApp to recreate a clean working environment from scratch. By eliminating any read/write errors or corrupted components that trigger this error, a fresh installation often resolves persistent chat history restoration problems.

1. Open Settings on your device and select Apps.
2. From the list, find WhatsApp and tap on it.
3. Now tap Uninstall.
4. Open the Play Store/App Store and redownload WhatsApp.