How to export a WhatsApp chat
It takes about 30 seconds. Here's exactly where to tap on iPhone and on Android, plus fixes for the most common problems.
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📱 Export a WhatsApp chat on iPhone
- Open WhatsApp and the chat you want to export.
- Tap the contact or group name at the top.
- Scroll down and tap Export Chat.
- Choose Without Media (smaller file, all the text).
- Save it to Files, or share it to yourself.
🤖 Export a WhatsApp chat on Android
- Open WhatsApp and the chat you want to export.
- Tap ⋮ (three dots) in the top-right corner.
- Tap More → Export chat.
- Choose Without media.
- Save it to your phone or send it to yourself by email.
With or without media?
Choose Without media. The text is all you need for stats and posters, and the file stays small. With media, WhatsApp includes only recent photos and the file can be huge.
Export is missing or greyed out?
Update WhatsApp first. Some business or work phones disable exporting. Very large chats can take a minute: keep WhatsApp open until the share sheet appears.
What does the file look like?
iPhone creates a .zip containing _chat.txt. Android creates a .txt named "WhatsApp Chat with …". ChatWrapper accepts both, so there's no need to unzip anything.
Designs to choose from
Questions
Does exporting notify the other person?
No. Exporting a chat is private and nobody in the chat is notified.
Can I export a chat on WhatsApp Web or Desktop?
Not directly. Chat export is only available in the phone app.
Is there a limit on how much is exported?
WhatsApp may cap very long exports at the most recent messages. Exporting Without media includes the most history.
Ready when you are
Free to start. Your chat never leaves your phone.
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