How to Export Chat in WhatsApp: The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide 2024

6 Min Read

Written by

Nishtha Singh

Published on

April 18, 2023

Exporting chats in WhatsApp is super handy in lots of situations. Maybe you need to save important conversations for legal reasons, share a chat with someone who wasn’t in the conversation, or just keep a backup of your favorite memories, exporting your WhatsApp chats can help with all of that. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to export chats in WhatsApp in 2024. If you want to learn about how to back up your WhatsApp Chats, read our blog on How to back up your WhatsApp Chat.

We’ll explain why you might want to do it, what happens when you do it, where your exported chats end up, and provide easy, step-by-step instructions for different devices.

Why Export WhatsApp Chats?

There can be several reasons why you might want to export your WhatsApp chats. Some of the most common ones are included here:

1. Legal or Professional Needs

Sometimes, chats contain important information that you need to share with a third party, such as in legal or professional settings.

2. Backup Purposes

Keeping a backup of your chats ensures that you don’t lose important conversations even if you switch phones or reinstall WhatsApp.

3. Sharing Conversations

You might want to share a conversation with someone who wasn’t part of it, such as sending a chat history to a friend or colleague.

4. Archiving Personal Memories

Exporting chats can help you preserve memories from important conversations with friends and family.

What Will Happen if We Export Chat in WhatsApp?

When you export a chat in WhatsApp, the entire conversation, including text messages, images, videos, and other media, is compiled into a file. This file can be saved on your device or sent via email, depending on the option you choose. It’s important to note that while the chat history is preserved, it won’t be interactive—you can read the conversation, but you can’t respond to it within the exported file. This process doesn’t delete the chat from your WhatsApp app; it simply creates a copy that you can store or share.

Where Does This Exported WhatsApp Chat Go?

Once you export a chat in WhatsApp, the chat is saved as a .txt file, and any accompanying media is typically saved in a separate folder. The exact location of these files depends on the method you choose to export. For instance, if you email the chat, it will be attached to the email. If you save it directly to your device, it will be stored in your phone’s internal storage or cloud storage, depending on your settings.

How to Export Chat in WhatsApp?

Exporting a chat in WhatsApp is a straightforward process, but the steps can vary slightly depending on your device. Generally, the process involves opening the chat you want to export, selecting the export option, and choosing how you want to save or share the exported file. Below, we’ll guide you through the specific steps for Android, iPhone, and PC.

How to Export Chat in WhatsApp: A Quick Guide

If you need a quick overview of how to export a chat in WhatsApp, here it is:

1. Open the WhatsApp app on your device.
2. Open the chat you wish to export.
3. Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner (Android) or tap on the contact’s name at the top (iPhone).
4. Select the ‘Export Chat’ option.
5. Choose whether you want to Include media files (images, videos) in the export.
6. Decide where to Save the Exported Chat (e.g., email, cloud storage) or share it directly.

How to Export Chat in WhatsApp on Android

Before you begin exporting a chat on Android, it’s helpful to understand that this process is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Whether you’re switching phones or just want a backup, exporting a chat on Android ensures you have all your important conversations saved.

1. Open WhatsApp

Open the ‘WhatsApp app’, on your Android device.

2. Select the Chat

Go to the chat’ you want to export.

3. Access More Options

Tap on the ‘Three Vertical Dots’ in the top-right corner of the screen.

4. Tap on More

From the drop-down menu, select ‘More’.

5. Export Chat

Choose the ‘Export Chat’ option.

6. Include Media (Optional)

Decide whether you want to ‘Include Media Files’ in the export.

7. Choose Destination

Select where you want to ‘Save the Exported chat’ (e.g., email, Google Drive).

How to Export Chat in WhatsApp on iPhone

Exporting chats on an iPhone is slightly different from Android but equally straightforward. This guide will ensure you can save your important conversations with ease.

1. Open WhatsApp

Start by opening ‘WhatsApp App’ on your iPhone.

2. Select the Chat

Find and ‘Open the Chat’ you wish to export.

3. Access Contact Info

Tap on the ‘Contact’s Name’ at the top of the screen.

4. Scroll Down

Slide down to find the ‘Export Chat’ option.

5. Include Media (Optional)

Decide if you want to ‘Include Media Files’.

6. Select the Destination

Choose how and where you want to ‘Save or Send the Exported Chat’ (e.g., email, iCloud).

How to Export Chat in WhatsApp on PC

Exporting chats from WhatsApp on a PC is useful for those who frequently use WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop. This method is straightforward and allows you to keep a backup of important conversations directly on your computer.

1. Open WhatsApp Web/Desktop

Open WhatsApp Web or the ‘WhatsApp Desktop‘ application on your PC.

2. Go to Backup WhatsApp Chat Extension

In the new tab, search for the ‘Backup Whatsapp Chat’ extension.

3. Add to Chrome

Now, Click on ‘Add to Chrome’ and then ‘Add Extension’ to download the extension.

4. Select the Chat

Now again open your WhatsApp web and ‘Click on the chat’ you wish to export.

5. Go to extension

When you open the chat to export, now ‘Click on the Extension Icon’ and select Backup WhatsApp chat Extension.

6. Open backup extension

When you select The extension, it will ask you to select the date, ‘From When to When’ you want to download and export.

7. Click on download

After selecting a date, Select the below options of media, background, and theme. In the end, ‘Select Download’.

8. Buy a Third-Party App for the Export

When you select download, a ‘New web Page’ will open with a ‘Third-Party App’. Which you need to download to export your chat.

Conclusion

Exporting chats in WhatsApp is a simple yet powerful feature that allows you to keep a record of your conversations. Whether you’re switching devices, saving memories, or meeting professional needs.

This guide has provided you with all the necessary steps to export your WhatsApp chats on various devices. Remember, while exporting is easy, choosing the right method to save or share your exported chats will depend on your specific needs. Keep your chats safe and accessible with this comprehensive guide!

About Author

Nishtha Singh

Nishtha

Content Marketing Strategist at Chatbot.team

Know more about Nishtha

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