As we know that the reason why we could not backup App data is “permission”. Take Naver LINE latest version 5.10.1 for example, the allowBackup permission is false so Android abd backup could not get the database file – naver_line.
You guys could take a look at my blog to see how it works
http//
Of course we got other options to deal with this situation. I’ve introduced you guys how to flash Recovery ROM and Root to get full control. Now let’s focus on how to backup App data without rooting the phone.
The secret is “Install older version of that App” so that we could use Android backup to get the DB files of that App. How it works? Let me show you
“Adb install –r “ means reinstall the App and keeps data. That’s it. Now you got my point,right?
After installing the older version of LINE, remembert not to run LINE on the phone…Now we could got the .ab file and convert .ab into .tar file. Finally we could see the content of naver_line and know suspects chat messages.
How about the phone? Just use adb install -r to install latest version of LINE.
FYI, this does not work with Android 6 anymore, it doesn't let you install an older version! But for now it does the job.
Thanks for SanBrown's comment. Fortunately this trick works on Android 6.0 Marshmallow too. You guys could take a look at my blog again as below
http//
Now I test this trick on my phone which OS version is Android 6.0 Marshmallow and put more detail steps screenshots so you could know it really works.
P We had used this solution for our case for a long time.
When I try to install the old version of WhatsApp I get this message
It's a Nexus 5 with Android 6.0.1.
Still not convinced that this works with Android 6.
Extracting WhatsApp database and the cipher key from a non-rooted Android device
http//
I did it on Naver LINE~ Of course it may be not working on WhatsApp or WeChat ..whatever. Sorry I have no time for those tests.
What I'm trying to do is to give those manufacturers a hint. That means we still have alternative ways to extract evidence we want.