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.
For more tips on managing WhatsApp features, check out How to Save Photos from WhatsApp to Gallery in 2024 (Android and iPhone).
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. For more ways to personalize your experience, see our guide on How to Change WhatsApp Keyboard Theme: Android and iPhone.
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. If you’re unfamiliar with WhatsApp Web, check out How to Connect WhatsApp to Laptop or PC: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2024. 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. For other WhatsApp customization tips, don’t miss How to Enable Dark Mode in WhatsApp: A Complete Guide 2024.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
WhatsApp does not support login using only a phone number on a laptop. To connect, you need to open WhatsApp Web or the desktop app, scan the QR code on your phone, and choose Keep me signed in for easier access.
To use WhatsApp without your phone, install WhatsApp Desktop and link your phone once using the QR code. After the initial setup, WhatsApp will stay connected as long as your account remains active. However, you need your phone for the first connection.
For Windows 10, download WhatsApp Desktop from the Microsoft Store or go to web.whatsapp.com in a browser. Open WhatsApp on your phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices, and scan the QR code displayed on your laptop.
To connect, open web.whatsapp.com on your laptop. On your phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices, select Link a Device, and scan the QR code displayed on your laptop screen. Your phone and laptop will now be connected.
To connect with a QR code, open web.whatsapp.com on your laptop or the WhatsApp Desktop app. On your phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices, tap Link a Device, and scan the QR code on your laptop screen.
You can use WhatsApp on a laptop without actively having your phone nearby if you set it up once using Linked Devices and select Keep me signed in. However, an initial connection with your phone is required.
To link, open web.whatsapp.com or the WhatsApp Desktop app on your computer. On your phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices, select Link a Device, and scan the QR code on your computer screen to complete the link.