Export chat saves the messages of one chat as a text file (and, if you like, its photos and files) that you can email, save to Drive or keep on a computer. It is useful as a record of a business deal, a complaint or a dear one's messages.
Export vs backup
- Export makes a readable copy of one chat for you or someone else. It cannot be put back into WhatsApp.
- Backup saves all chats so you can restore them on a new phone. For that, read backup on Android or backup on iPhone.
On Android
- Open the person or group chat.
- Tap ⋮ (top right) › More › Export chat.
- Choose Include media (adds recent photos, videos and files) or Without media (just the text, much smaller).
- Pick where to send it: Gmail, Google Drive, Files or another app.
On iPhone
- Open the chat and tap the contact or group name at the top.
- Scroll down and tap Export chat.
- Choose Attach media or Without media.
- Choose Mail, Files, or another app to save or send it.
What you get
- A .txt file named like "WhatsApp Chat with ...", which opens on any phone or computer. Each line shows the date, time, name and message.
- With media, the photos and files come along as separate files (often in a .zip).
- Very long chats with media may be cut short because email has size limits. Without media, far more messages fit.
- View once messages and disappearing messages are not included.
If it doesn't work
- No Export chat option: in some countries or on managed work phones it may be hidden. Update WhatsApp first.
- Email too large: export Without media, or save to Drive/Files instead of email.
- Can't open the file: open it with a notes or text app; on a computer use Notepad.
- Want the chat back in WhatsApp: that needs a backup, not an export.
Safety tip
An export contains everyone's messages and numbers in that chat. Keep it private, don't post it publicly, and delete copies you no longer need. If you are collecting proof of fraud or harassment, export the chat and also take screenshots before blocking, then share them only with the police or cyber crime portal (cybercrime.gov.in or helpline 1930 in India).
This is GroupChatOn’s own easy guide. We are not WhatsApp and are not linked with WhatsApp or Meta. WhatsApp sometimes changes its menus: if a button looks different on your phone, update WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store.
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