If you have ever wanted to save or share your WhatsApp chat history, you may have wondered how to do it. Fortunately, WhatsApp provides an easy way to export your chat history. Whether you want to keep a backup for your personal records or share important conversations with others, exporting your WhatsApp chat history is a simple process that can be done in a few steps.
When you export your WhatsApp chat history, you will have a copy of all your messages, including text, images, and attachments. This can be helpful if you want to access your chat history on another device or if you want to save important conversations for future reference.
To begin, make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your device. The export feature is available on both Android and iOS devices, so regardless of the operating system you are using, you will be able to export your chat history.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to export your WhatsApp chat history:
- Open WhatsApp on your device and go to the chat you want to export.
- Tap on the contact or group name at the top of the screen to open the chat settings.
- Scroll down and tap on “Export Chat.”
- You will be prompted to choose whether you want to export the chat with or without media. Select your preferred option.
- Choose the sharing method you prefer, such as email, cloud storage, or messaging apps.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the export process.
Once you have completed these steps, your WhatsApp chat history will be exported and saved. You can then access it on another device or share it with others. Remember to choose the appropriate sharing method based on your needs and preferences.
How to Export WhatsApp Chat History
If you are wondering how to export your WhatsApp chat history, you have come to the right place. WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows users to communicate with each other through text messages, voice calls, and video calls. By following a few simple steps, you can easily export your chat history and save it for future reference.
Step 1: Open WhatsApp
First, open the WhatsApp application on your device. This can be done by tapping on the WhatsApp icon on your home screen or app drawer.
Step 2: Select the Chat
Next, select the chat that you want to export. You can do this by tapping on the chat from the list of contacts or groups in your WhatsApp account.
Step 3: Export the Chat
Once you have selected the chat, tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the screen. This will open a dropdown menu.
From the dropdown menu, select the “More” option. This will open a list of additional options.
From the list of options, select the “Export Chat” option. This will prompt you to choose whether you want to export the chat with or without media.
Step 4: Choose Export Method
After selecting whether you want to export the chat with or without media, you will be prompted to choose the export method. You can choose to export the chat via email, WhatsApp web, or any other file-sharing options available on your device. Choose the method that is most convenient for you.
Step 5: Verify Exported Chat
Once the chat is exported, verify that it has been successfully saved. You can do this by checking your email or the chosen file destination on your device.
That’s it! You have successfully learned how to export your WhatsApp chat history. Now you can keep a backup of your conversations and refer to them whenever you need.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open WhatsApp |
| 2 | Select the Chat |
| 3 | Export the Chat |
| 4 | Choose Export Method |
| 5 | Verify Exported Chat |
Step 1: Open WhatsApp
To begin the process of exporting your WhatsApp chat history, you need to open the WhatsApp application on your device. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your phone.
Open WhatsApp by tapping its icon on your home screen or app drawer. If you have an iPhone, you can also use Spotlight search to quickly find and open WhatsApp.
Once you have opened WhatsApp, you will be greeted with the Chats screen. This is where you can see all of your active conversations. To export a specific chat, simply tap on it to open the conversation.
Before moving on to the next step, ensure that you have an active internet connection as WhatsApp requires internet access to export chat histories.
Step 2: Go to Settings
Once you have successfully exported your WhatsApp chat history, you can proceed to the next step to access the settings.
To do this, open WhatsApp on your device and locate the settings icon. The settings icon is typically displayed as three vertical dots in the top right corner of the screen.
Tap on the settings icon to access the settings menu. In the settings menu, you will find a variety of options and features that you can customize to enhance your WhatsApp experience.
Some of the key settings you may want to explore include chat settings, privacy settings, notification settings, and account settings. Exploring these settings will allow you to personalize your WhatsApp usage according to your preferences.
Keep in mind that the specific layout and options of the settings menu may vary depending on the version of WhatsApp you are using. If you are not sure about the version of WhatsApp on your device, you can check by going to the About section in the settings menu. The version number will be displayed there.
Now that you have successfully accessed the settings, you are ready to proceed to the next step in exporting your WhatsApp chat history.
Step 3: Click on Chats
Once you have installed and opened WhatsApp on your device, navigate to the home screen and locate the “Chats” tab. This is where all your chat conversations are stored.
Click on the “Chats” tab to access your chat history. Here, you will see a list of all your individual and group conversations.
To export a specific chat, simply tap on the chat you want to export and it will open up in a new window.
If you want to export multiple chats, you can press and hold on a chat, and then select the other chats you want to export. Once you have selected all the chats you want to export, tap on the export icon or option.
By following these steps, you will be able to easily access and export your WhatsApp chat history. Whether you need to save important messages or transfer conversations to a new device, this feature provides a convenient way to preserve and share your chat history.
Step 4: Tap on Chat History
Once you have opened WhatsApp on your device, you will need to tap on the “Settings” tab which is usually located in the bottom right corner of the screen. This will open a new window where you can access various options related to your WhatsApp account.
Within the settings menu, scroll down until you find the “Chat” option and then tap on it. This will take you to a new screen where you can manage different aspects of your chat settings.
Next, you will see the “Chat History” section. Tap on it to proceed. This is where all your WhatsApp conversations and messages are stored.
By tapping on “Chat History”, you will be able to access various options related to exporting and saving your WhatsApp chats. These options include exporting chats to other platforms or devices, backing up your chat history, and deleting your chat history if desired.
Once you have selected the appropriate export option, you can proceed to the next step to complete the process of exporting your WhatsApp chat history.
Step 5: Select Export Chat
After selecting the chat that you want to export, the next step is to choose the option to export the chat history. In order to do this, follow the steps below:
- Open the chat conversation that you want to export.
- Tap on the three-dot menu located at the top-right corner of the screen.
- From the drop-down menu, select the “More” option.
- In the “More” menu, tap on the “Export Chat” option.
- Choose whether you want to export the chat with or without media (photos, videos, etc.).
- Select the desired export method, such as using email or a file-sharing app.
- Confirm your selection and wait for the chat to be exported.
By following these steps, your WhatsApp chat will be exported and saved in the chosen format or application. This allows you to easily access and share the exported chat history whenever you need it.
Step 6: Choose the Chat
Once you have connected your iPhone or Android device to your computer and launched the WhatsApp Transfer tool, you will need to choose the chat that you want to export. This step is crucial as it determines which chat history will be exported.
Within the WhatsApp Transfer tool, you will be presented with a list of all your chats. The chats will be organized by name and date, making it easy for you to locate the specific chat you want to export. Simply click on the chat that you wish to export, and it will be selected.
Multiple chats
If you want to export multiple chats, you can simply select each chat one by one. The selected chats will be highlighted to indicate that they have been chosen for export.
One at a time
If you only want to export one chat at a time, you can just select the desired chat and proceed with the export process. This option is useful if you want to focus on a specific chat without exporting unnecessary data.
Once you have chosen the chat or chats that you want to export, you can proceed to the next step, where you will select the destination for the exported chat history.
Step 7: Select Attach Media
When exporting your WhatsApp chat history, you have the option to include any media files that are attached to the chat. This step allows you to choose whether you want to include those attachments or not.
If you select the “Attach Media” option, your exported chat will include any photos, videos, audio files, documents, or other media that were shared in the WhatsApp chat. This can be helpful if you want to preserve the full conversation, including all the media content.
However, be aware that exporting media files can make the exported chat file larger in size. If you’re short on storage space or are only interested in the text conversation, you can deselect this option and export only the chat messages without the media attachments.
To include media attachments in your exported WhatsApp chat, simply check the box next to the “Attach Media” option before proceeding with the export process.
Step 8: Choose Export Method
Once you have selected the WhatsApp chat history you want to export, it’s time to choose the export method. WhatsApp provides different methods to export your chat history, allowing you to choose the one that suits you best.
Email: One of the easiest ways to export your chat history is by emailing it to yourself. WhatsApp can generate a text file with all the chat messages, which can be attached to an email and sent to your desired email address. This method is simple and convenient, but keep in mind that if you have a large chat history, the text file might be too big to email.
Google Drive or iCloud: If you want to save and access your exported chat history on the cloud, you can choose to export it to Google Drive (for Android users) or iCloud (for iOS users). This method allows you to easily access your chat history from any device connected to your Google Drive or iCloud account. It is a great option if you frequently switch devices or want to keep a backup of your chat history.
Third-Party Apps: There are also third-party apps available that can help you export your WhatsApp chat history. These apps usually offer additional features and customization options, allowing you to export your chat history in various formats (such as CSV or PDF) and organize it in a way that suits your needs. However, it’s important to download apps from trusted sources to ensure the security of your data.
After selecting your preferred export method, follow the instructions provided by WhatsApp or the third-party app to complete the export process. Once completed, your WhatsApp chat history will be exported and ready to be accessed or shared.
Step 9: Enter Email Address
Once you have finished selecting the chat you want to export, the next step is to enter your email address. This is where the exported chat history will be sent to.
To enter your email address, follow these steps:
- Tap on the field labeled “Email Address” on the export screen.
- A keyboard will appear, allowing you to type in your email address.
- Make sure to double-check that you have entered your email address correctly.
- Once you are sure the email address is correct, tap on the “Export” button.
By entering your email address, you will ensure that the exported chat history is sent to the correct destination. This is important as it allows you to access the chat history on your desired device or email account.
Important Note:
Make sure you have a stable internet connection when entering your email address and exporting the chat history. This is necessary to ensure that the export process completes successfully.
Verifying your Email Address:
After entering your email address, you may receive a verification email. This is a security measure to confirm that the email address provided is valid and belongs to you. Follow the instructions in the verification email to complete the process.
Once you have entered your email address and completed the verification process (if required), you can proceed to the final step of exporting your WhatsApp chat history.
Step 10: Send WhatsApp Chat
Once you have successfully exported your WhatsApp chat history, you can easily send it to another person or store it as a backup. Here’s how to send your exported chat:
Using WhatsApp
- Open WhatsApp on your device.
- Find the contact or group chat you want to send the exported chat to.
- Tap on the chat to open it.
- Tap on the three-dot menu icon at the top right corner of the screen.
- Select the “More” option from the menu.
- Tap on “Export chat” from the options.
- Choose whether you want to include media files or not.
- Share the exported chat via your desired method (email, messaging apps, etc.).
Using Other Messaging Apps or Email
If you prefer to send the exported chat via another messaging app or email, you can follow these steps:
- Open the app or email client you want to use.
- Create a new message or compose a new email.
- Enter the recipient’s contact information.
- Type a subject for the message or email (optional).
- Attach the exported chat file to the message or email.
- Send the message or email.
That’s it! Your exported WhatsApp chat history is now sent to the recipient or stored as a backup. It’s always a good idea to keep a backup of your chat history for future reference or in case you switch to a new device.
Step 11: Check Email Inbox
After you have completed the export process in WhatsApp, you will receive an email in your inbox with the exported chat history. It may take a few minutes for the email to arrive, so be patient.
Open your email inbox and look for the email from WhatsApp with the subject line “Chat History Export”. It should contain the chat history file you exported.
If you do not see the email in your inbox, make sure to check your spam or junk folder as sometimes the email might be filtered there.
Once you have located the email, open it and find the attachment. The attachment should be a .txt file named “WhatsApp Chat with [contact name].txt” where [contact name] is the name of the person or group you exported the chat from.
Depending on the email client you are using, you may need to click on the attachment to download it or it may already be visible in the email itself.
Tip: If you are unable to find the email, make sure you have entered the correct email address in WhatsApp for the export process.
Remember: It is important to check your email inbox for the exported chat history so that you can access and save it for future reference.
Step 12: Open Email
Once you have successfully exported your WhatsApp chat history, you can open your email service provider to access the file. Depending on the method you used to export the chat history, you may have received an email with the exported file as an attachment.
If you used the “Email Chat” feature within WhatsApp, you will find the exported chat history file attached to the email. You can simply click on the attachment to open the file.
If you used a third-party app or software to export the chat history, make sure to check your email for any notifications or download links provided by the app or software. Open the email and follow the instructions provided to access the exported file.
Once you have opened the email and located the exported file, you can proceed to download it onto your device. Make sure to save it in a location where you can easily find it later.
With the exported WhatsApp chat history file downloaded and saved on your device, you can now proceed to view and use it as needed.
Step 13: Download Chat History
Once you have exported your WhatsApp chat history, you are now ready to download it to your device. Follow the steps below to complete the process:
| 1. | Open the WhatsApp application on your device. |
| 2. | Go to the “Settings” menu by tapping on the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen. |
| 3. | Select the “Chats” option from the settings menu. |
| 4. | Tap on the “Chat backup” option. |
| 5. | You will see the recently exported chat history listed under the “Backups” section. |
| 6. | Tap on the exported chat history to download it to your device. |
Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded your exported WhatsApp chat history to your device. Now you can access it whenever you want.
Step 14: Save Chat History
Once you have exported your WhatsApp chat history, you will need to save it in a secure location. This ensures that you have a backup of your conversations and can easily access them in the future.
It is recommended to save the exported chat history in a separate folder on your device or computer. You can name the folder something related to the WhatsApp chat, such as “WhatsApp Chat Export”. This will help you easily locate the file in the future.
Additionally, it is a good practice to include the date of the chat history export in the file name. This will help you keep track of when the backup was made and which conversations it contains. For example, you can name the file “WhatsApp_Chat_History_Export_2022-01-15.txt”.
Remember to periodically save updated versions of your chat history to ensure you have the most recent backups. You can also consider using cloud storage services, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, to save your chat history files. This provides an extra layer of security and allows you to access your backups from any device with an internet connection.
Step 15: Open File Manager
Once your WhatsApp chat history is successfully exported, you will need to access the file manager on your device to locate the exported file. The file manager is a built-in application on your device that allows you to browse and organize the files stored on your device.
To open the file manager, follow these steps:
- Go to your device’s home screen.
- Locate and tap on the “File Manager” app. The app icon usually looks like a folder or a file.
- Wait for the file manager to open.
Once you have opened the file manager, you will be able to navigate through your device’s storage and locate the exported WhatsApp chat history file. The file will typically have a .txt extension and may be named something like “WhatsApp-Exported-Chat-History-Ver1.txt”.
Make sure to remember the location of the exported file as you will need it in the next steps of the process.
Step 16: Locate Chat History File
After exporting your WhatsApp chat history, it is important to know where the file is saved on your device. To locate the chat history file, follow these steps:
| Operating System | File Location |
|---|---|
| Android | Go to your device’s file manager and navigate to the internal storage or SD card (depending on where WhatsApp is saved). Open the “WhatsApp” folder, and then the “Databases” folder. Here you will find the chat history file with a .db.crypt12 extension. |
| iOS | Open the “Files” app on your device. Go to “On My iPhone” or “On My iPad” (depending on your device), then open the “WhatsApp” folder. Next, navigate to the “Databases” folder. The chat history file will have a .crypt12 extension. |
| Windows Phone | Connect your Windows Phone to your computer using a USB cable. Open File Explorer and navigate to the “Phone” folder. Open the “Internal storage” or “SD card” folder, then “WhatsApp” and finally “Databases”. The chat history file will have a .crypt12 extension. |
Once you have located the chat history file, you can easily transfer it to another device or keep it as a backup for future reference.
Step 17: Move Chat History File
Once you have exported your WhatsApp chat history file, it’s time to move it to a secure location for backup or transfer purposes. Follow these steps to complete the process:
- Connect your device to your computer via USB cable.
- Open the file explorer on your computer and navigate to your device’s storage.
- Locate the folder named “WhatsApp” and open it.
- Inside the “WhatsApp” folder, you will find another folder called “Databases”. Open it.
- In the “Databases” folder, you should see the exported chat history file. It will have a .crypt12 extension.
- Copy the chat history file and paste it in a secure location on your computer or an external storage device.
Note: It is crucial to keep the chat history file in a safe place to ensure that it is not accidentally deleted or lost.
Remember to regularly back up your chat history to avoid any data loss.
Step 18: Connect Phone to PC
Once you have successfully exported your WhatsApp chat history, it’s time to connect your phone to your PC. This step is crucial as it allows you to transfer the exported file to your computer.
Before connecting your phone to your PC, make sure you have a compatible USB cable that can connect your phone to your computer. Once you have the cable ready, follow these steps:
- Unlock your phone and navigate to the home screen.
- Connect one end of the USB cable to your phone and the other end to an available USB port on your PC.
- Wait for your PC to recognize your phone. This may take a few moments, and you may need to follow any on-screen instructions that appear.
- Once your phone is connected to your PC, you should see a notification on your phone confirming the USB connection.
- On your PC, open the File Explorer and locate your phone’s storage. This typically appears as a new drive under “This PC” or “My Computer”.
- Double-click on the drive to open it and navigate to the folder where the exported WhatsApp chat history file is saved.
- Select the exported file and copy it to a desired location on your PC, such as your desktop or a specific folder.
Troubleshooting
If your phone is not recognized by your PC, try the following solutions:
- Ensure that the USB cable is properly connected to both your phone and your PC.
- Restart your phone and your PC, then reconnect the USB cable.
- Try using a different USB cable or USB port on your computer.
- Install the necessary drivers for your phone on your PC. You can typically find these on the manufacturer’s website.
Conclusion
By connecting your phone to your PC, you’ve completed the necessary step to transfer your exported WhatsApp chat history file. With the file now on your computer, you can easily access and view your WhatsApp conversations whenever you want.
| Previous Step: | Step 17: Export WhatsApp Chat History |
| Next Step: | Step 19: View Exported WhatsApp Chat History |
Step 19: Transfer Chat History
Once your WhatsApp chat history has been successfully exported, you can transfer it to a new device or simply keep it as a backup on your computer. Follow these steps to transfer your chat history:
- Connect your new device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open the folder where you exported your WhatsApp chat history.
- Copy the exported chat history folder.
- Navigate to your new device’s internal storage or external SD card.
- Paste the copied folder into the appropriate location on your new device.
- Disconnect your new device from the computer.
- Install WhatsApp on your new device if you haven’t already.
- Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your chat history.
- Once the restore process is complete, you will be able to access your exported chat history on your new device.
By following these steps, you can easily transfer your WhatsApp chat history to a new device and continue your conversations seamlessly.
Step 20: Safely Remove Phone
Once you have successfully exported your WhatsApp chat history, it is important to safely disconnect your phone from your computer. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth exit:
1. Close the WhatsApp application on your phone. Double check that there are no active chats or ongoing processes.
2. Disconnect your phone from the computer. Safely remove the USB cable or unplug the device from the computer’s port.
3. Wait for the confirmation. Give it a few seconds to ensure that the disconnection has been successfully made.
4. Verify the backup. Before leaving, make sure to check the exported chat history on your computer. Open the file and scroll through the conversation to ensure that all the necessary data has been properly saved.
By following these steps, you can safely disconnect your phone and have peace of mind knowing that your WhatsApp chat history has been securely exported.
Step 21: Disconnect Phone
Once you have successfully backed up and exported your WhatsApp chat history, it is important to disconnect your phone from your computer or any other device you used during the process.
This step is crucial to ensure the security of your data and prevent any unauthorized access to your WhatsApp account.
Unplugging your phone from the computer or device will also signal the end of the export process, giving you peace of mind that your chat history has been securely saved.
Step 22: Open PC Backup Folder
After you have exported your WhatsApp chat history, it is time to open the PC backup folder to access the exported file.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Navigate to the location on your PC where you saved the exported WhatsApp chat backup file.
- Double-click on the folder to open it.
- Inside the folder, you should see the exported file with a .txt extension.
- You can now open the file using any text editor or word processing software to view the contents of your WhatsApp chat history.
Make sure to keep the exported file in a safe place in order to preserve your chat history for future reference.
Step 23: Locate Chat History File
Once you have completed the export process in WhatsApp, you will need to locate the saved chat history file. This file contains all of your exported conversations and media files.
To find the chat history file, follow these steps:
For Android:
- Open the file manager app on your Android device.
- Navigate to the “WhatsApp” folder.
- Look for a folder named “Databases”.
- Inside the “Databases” folder, you will find a file with a name like “msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12”. The “whatsapp” stands for the name of your WhatsApp account, and “YYYY-MM-DD” represents the date of the chat history file you exported.
For iPhone:
- Open the Files app on your iPhone.
- Tap on “Browse” at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “On My iPhone” or “This iPhone”.
- Look for a folder named “WhatsApp”.
- Inside the “WhatsApp” folder, you will find a file with a name like ” ChatExport.txt”. This is the exported chat history file.
Once you have located the chat history file, you can copy it to your computer or any other desired location for safekeeping or further analysis.
Now that you have successfully exported and located your WhatsApp chat history, you can easily access and review your conversations at any time.
Step 24: Share Chat History
To share the WhatsApp chat history that you have exported, follow these steps:
- Locate the exported chat history file on your device.
- Tap and hold on the file to select it.
- Tap on the share button, which looks like an arrow pointing upwards.
- Choose the method you want to use to share the chat history. You can either share it using another messaging app, email it to yourself, or save it to a cloud storage service.
- If you choose to share it using another messaging app, select the app from the list that appears.
- If you choose to email it to yourself, enter your email address and tap on the send button.
- If you choose to save it to a cloud storage service, select the service from the list and follow the on-screen instructions.
Note: Make sure that the recipient of the shared chat history has a compatible app or software to open and view the exported file.
By following these steps, you can easily share your exported WhatsApp chat history with others.
Step 25: Enjoy WhatsApp Chat History!
Now that you have successfully exported your WhatsApp chat history, you can enjoy the convenience of having your conversations saved in a separate file. Whether you need to reference an important message or simply want to reminisce on old conversations, having your WhatsApp chats exported gives you the ability to access them anytime you want.
To view your exported WhatsApp chat history, you can open the file using any text editor or word processing software. You can search for specific keywords, scroll through the messages, or even copy and paste parts of the conversation if needed.
Verifying the Exported Chat History
It is always a good idea to verify the exported chat history to ensure that all the messages are intact. Open the exported file and carefully review the conversations to ensure everything is as expected. Make sure that the timestamps, sender names, and message contents are all accurate.
If you find any discrepancies or errors, you can try exporting your WhatsApp chat history again to ensure that you have the most up-to-date and accurate version.
Sharing Your Exported WhatsApp Chat History
Once you are satisfied with the exported WhatsApp chat history, you can share it with others if desired. You can send the file via email, upload it to a cloud storage service, or transfer it to another device using a USB cable. This way, you can easily share important conversations or keep a backup copy for future reference.
Remember to respect the privacy and confidentiality of others when sharing your exported WhatsApp chat history. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions from all parties involved before sharing any sensitive or private conversations.
Congratulations! You have completed the step-by-step guide to exporting your WhatsApp chat history. By following this guide, you have successfully backed up your chats and gained the ability to access them whenever you want. Enjoy your WhatsApp chat history!
Question-answer:
Can I export my WhatsApp chat history?
Yes, you can export your WhatsApp chat history. Follow these steps to do so.
What is the purpose of exporting WhatsApp chat history?
Exporting WhatsApp chat history allows you to create a backup of your conversations or transfer them to another device.
How do I export my WhatsApp chat history on iOS?
To export your WhatsApp chat history on iOS, open the chat you want to export, tap on the contact’s name, scroll down and select “Export Chat”. Choose whether you want to export with or without media, and select the desired method of sharing.
Can I export WhatsApp chat history on Android?
Yes, you can. On Android, open the chat, tap on the three dots in the top-right corner, select “More”, and then choose “Export Chat”. Choose whether to include media or not, and select your preferred method of sharing.
Can I export WhatsApp chat history to my computer?
Yes, you can export WhatsApp chat history to your computer. Follow the steps for exporting the chat history on your device, and then transfer the exported file to your computer using cloud storage or a USB cable.