AndroidiOS

Where Are Threema Backups Stored?

Threema creates local ID exports and data backups as password protected files. Full chat history moves only within the same mobile operating system.

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Threema stores messages and the private identity only on the device. There is no account password that restores chats from a server. Moving to a new phone requires a backup file or an encrypted device transfer.

Android supports user placed data backup files and ID exports. iOS relies on encrypted Finder or iTunes backup plus an ID export. Threema Safe backs up identity, contacts, and groups to a server but excludes message history and media.

Where Threema stores this, by platform

Android
/storage/emulated/0/Download/Threema/Backups/<backup-file>.zip

Example location for an Android data backup. The actual folder is chosen in Threema under Backups, Data Backup, and Backup path. Replace <backup-file> with the generated backup name. The file is password protected and must be copied to internal storage on the new phone. SD card storage is not supported for restore.

Android
/storage/emulated/0/Download/<id-backup-file>.txt

Example location for an exported Threema ID. Created under Backups and ID Backup. Replace <id-backup-file> with the file name chosen at export. It restores identity without chats. Store the password separately because recovery is impossible without it.

iOS
iOS encrypted device backup plus in-app ID export

iOS location is not a visible backup file. Create an ID export in Profile, Backups, and enable inclusion in the phone backup. Then transfer with Quick Start or an encrypted computer backup. Threema data is excluded from unencrypted backups.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Threema Safe and a data backup?

Threema Safe stores identity, contacts, groups, and selected settings on a server for cross platform moves. A data backup stores chats, media, and identity as a local file and works only within the same operating system.

Why does Threema restore ask for a password?

Data backups and ID exports are encrypted with a user set password. The password is never sent to Threema. Without it the backup cannot be decrypted.

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