File Extension Database

Open CRYPT File

A CRYPT extension file is an encrypted file created by the WhatsApp messaging service, the well-known smartphone messaging application.

The CRYPT file contains a backup of messages from the WhatsApp application in encrypted form. They are encrypted database files that store information on the profile of each user, from their messages, images and audios. They are synchronized with the Google profile and create backups at intervals of time, usually configured by the same user.

The CRYPT file is usually found as msgstore.db.crypt and is saved in the following directory: /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/

CRYPT files are not designed to be opened manually, however they can be restored by uninstalling the WhatsApp program, then renaming the file you want to restore to msgstore.db.crypt, and finally, you must reinstall WhatsApp and select Restore when prompted.

Since CRYPT files are saved in an encrypted format, they must be decrypted before opening or restoring.

Since the CRYPT files are saved in an encrypted format, they must be decrypted before opening or restoring them, therefore, due to security regulations, WhatsApp can decrypt the saved CRYPT files, only, if you are logged in with the same Google account that you used to create the backup.

Alternatively, WhatsApp may request a "key file" saved on the device to decrypt the file, however, this method is not very common.

How Can I Open CRYPT File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open CRYPT file is to find a CRYPT file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CRYPT file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open CRYPT file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as CRYPT file opener then try to search online for "CRYPT viewer", "application to open CRYPT file" or "open CRYPT file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open CRYPT file

How Can I Open CRYPT File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a CRYPT file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CRYPT file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with CRYPT file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as CRYPT file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open CRYPT file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open CRYPT file then try to search for "CRYPT viewer", "application to open CRYPT file" or "read CRYPT file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read CRYPT file

How Can I Open CRYPT File on Android

If you downloaded a CRYPT file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded CRYPT file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "CRYPT".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "CRYPT viewer", "CRYPT file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open CRYPT File on iPhone or iPad

To open CRYPT File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the CRYPT file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "CRYPT". This way you can find apps which can open CRYPT files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "CRYPT viewer" or "CRYPT file" online in your favorite search engine.