Where Are KakaoTalk Chats Stored?
Local KakaoTalk chat databases and media locations on Android and Windows.
Last updated
KakaoTalk stores chats in an encrypted database in private app storage on Android and in per chat EDB files on Windows. Media files are cached separately from message text.
Android private paths require root for direct file access. Windows EDB files also require device specific keys and user ID for decryption.
Where KakaoTalk stores this, by platform
/data/user/0/com.kakao.talk/databases/KakaoTalk.db
Main internal database (also seen as /data/data/com.kakao.talk/databases/KakaoTalk.db, path varies by Android version and multi user profile). Also includes KakaoTalk2.db and related files. Requires root. Message and attachment fields are encrypted. Official backup uses in app chat backup to cloud or local backup file, not direct copy of this database.
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.kakao.talk/contents
Shared storage cache for sent and received pictures and files, stored under numeric subfolders. Files may lack extensions but are often JPEG or MP4 data. Server retention is limited, so older expired files may not re download. Access to Android/data is restricted on Android 11 and later, use USB from PC if the folder appears empty in on device managers.
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Kakao\KakaoTalk\users\[userDir]\chat_data\chatLogs_[chatId].edb
Windows chat database, one file per chat room. [userDir] is a per account directory name and [chatId] identifies the chat room. TalkUserDB.edb and ActionLogDB.edb in the parent account folder hold contact and account metadata. Decryption needs device values and user ID, so copy alone does not give readable text. [username] is the Windows account name.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need root to see KakaoTalk.db on Android?
Yes for the internal /data/data or /data/user path. Without root, use the official KakaoTalk chat backup or PC USB access to /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.kakao.talk/contents for media only.
Where is my KakaoTalk user ID for Windows decryption?
It can be found in the decrypted ActionLogDB.edb Common table, in login_list.dat under the users folder, or from the linked mobile account contact database. The user folder name itself is a directory identifier and is not always the numeric user ID used as a key input.
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