This guide explains how to export a full WhatsApp chat or only selected media on iPhone and Android, and it clarifies what the built-in export can and cannot do.
Part 1: Export WhatsApp Chats from iPhone
Export Entire Chat History
Screenshots are fine for saving a few messages, but they are not practical for a full chat export because they save the conversation as images instead of a searchable text file.
- Open WhatsApp and choose the individual or group chat you want to export. If you need several conversations, repeat these steps one chat at a time.
- Tap on the chat name/heading > Contact Info page > Export Chat.
- Choose whether to export only the text or attach media such as photos and videos. Including media creates a larger export file and usually takes longer to prepare.
- Choose the location you want to keep your chat history.
- WhatsApp creates a ZIP file with a TXT transcript of the chat history. That file is readable outside WhatsApp, but it is not a restoreable in-app chat backup.
- If you attach media, WhatsApp saves the files separately and references them inside the TXT transcript, so the export behaves more like an archive than a live chat thread.
Export Individual Videos or Photos
Sometimes you only need one photo, video, or file instead of the whole chat history. In that case, downloading the specific media is faster than exporting the entire thread and easier to organize later.
- Go to WhatsApp > tap on the individual/group chat > select the media file you want to download from WhatsApp chat.
- Downloaded media file will be stored in your device. You can transfer the media file through other application or email.
- All media files by default is auto-download from WhatsApp settings. Users can choose to turn off or turn on the auto-download or choose to auto-download when connecting to Wi-Fi.
- From WhatsApp app > tap in the individual/group chat you want to export > settings > More > Export Chat.
- You can choose to include media (videos and photos) from the chat. If you want to include them, choose Include Media.
- After WhatsApp finishes preparing the export file, choose where to save it. Larger chats or media-heavy threads usually take longer to generate before the share sheet appears.
- Go to your WhatsApp app > Select the media file you want to export from individual/group chat.
- Selected media file will be highlighted > click the settings button located at right-top of the chat > select Share option.
- You can select different applications or transfer to your email for the selected media file.
- WhatsApp also lets you control media auto-download, so you can limit automatic saves and reduce storage use on the phone. On Android, that setting is in WhatsApp > Settings > Storage and Data > Media auto-download.
Part 2: Export WhatsApp Chats from Android
Export Entire Chat History
Android users can also export chat history from WhatsApp. This is mainly useful when you want a readable copy to save or share outside WhatsApp, not a backup you can restore into the app later.
Export Individual Chats
WhatsApp also lets you share selected media files without exporting the whole chat, which is useful when you only need one item for email, storage, or another app.
Part 3: Export WhatsApp Chat Without Any Limit (iPhone & Android)
If you're seeking an easier and safer method for exporting WhatsApp chats, Mobitrix WhatsApp Transfer stands out.
This all-in-one tool effortlessly backs up your WhatsApp data to your computer and allows you to export chat histories to PDF. What's more, you can easily restore these backups to any device, free from compatibility worries.
Step 1: Download and open Mobitrix WhatsApp Transfer on your computer. Select the Back Up icon on the left-side toolbar.
Mobitrix WhatsApp Transfer Tool - Back Up Function
Step 2: Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 4: Press the Back Up button to initiate the backup process.
Mobitrix WhatsApp Transfer Tool - Click Back Up Button to Start the WhatsApp Backup Process
Step 5: Once the backup is complete, access your WhatsApp data, including images, videos, and documents, by clicking View it. From the displayed list, pick the backup file you wish to check for detailed information.
Mobitrix WhatsApp Transfer Tool - Your WhatsApp Data Has Been Backed Up Successfully
Step 6: Choose a location to store your backup files. After saving, you can view the WhatsApp chats in PDF or HTML format.
The methods discussed offer effective ways to export WhatsApp chat, suitable for both iPhone and Android users. But these methods might seem a bit complex and restrictive compared to using Mobitrix WhatsApp Transfer.
Choosing Mobitrix WhatsApp Transfer makes the export process easier and safer. It enables you to back up and restore your WhatsApp data to your PC efficiently with just a few simple clicks.
