Exporting chats in WhatsApp Desktop and mobile: a complete guide

Saving our WhatsApp conversations is no longer just for the curious: for many people, Their chats are almost as important as email.Because that's where they store work agreements, family photos, documents, and a whole host of memories. If you also use WhatsApp on your computer, it's natural that you'd want to know how to extract those conversations and files cleanly and securely.

In the following lines you will see, step by step, All the practical ways to export WhatsApp chats (including from desktop)This guide explains the limitations of each method, what you can do with backups, and when it's best to use external tools. The goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of how to choose the system that best suits your needs at any given time.

Exporting chats versus cloud backup

WhatsApp allows you to create automatic backups, but These copies are stored in the cloud and are not directly readable.On Android, backups are stored in Google Drive (and an encrypted local file is also created), and on iOS in iCloud; if you need to manage backups from the cloud, see how to do so. full backups with Google OneThe problem is that you can't open that copy like a normal file and read your messages.

The system backup It's designed so that when you change your phone or reinstall the app, You can restore your chats within WhatsAppNot for viewing on your computer or converting into reports, PDFs, or similar. In other words, it's a "closed" copy that only the application itself understands.

To save conversations so you can manage, share, or Read them with any text editor or browserThe useful option is exporting chats. In this case, WhatsApp "packages" a specific conversation and converts it into readable files (TXT, HTML, ZIP with multimedia, etc.) that you can open outside the app.

This has an important consequence: There is no official button to export all WhatsApp chats at once.The app only allows this conversation by conversation. If you want to back up a large number of people, you need to use third-party software that works with backups; if your goal is to switch devices, see how. transfer chats between mobile phones.

How to export WhatsApp chats on Android

On Android, the app itself includes a native function for export a chat history to a text filewith the option to add or not add media files. It's a simple process, but you need to know where the setting is hidden; also, if you notice the app is slow, it's a good idea to follow some tips for prevent WhatsApp from slowing down Android.

The general process involves going to the application settings and looking for the chat history, where the option to “Export chat” for specific conversationsWhen you use it, WhatsApp generates one or more files that you can send to your email, to a cloud service, or save to your phone's internal memory using the Android share menu.

When exporting, you can decide if you want Include photos, videos, audio, and documents or just the text. If you add multimedia, the result is usually a ZIP file containing the text file and a folder with the attachments. If you choose only text, you'll get a much smaller .txt file; if you're concerned about size, see how to identify Which chats take up the most space.

Once you have the export on your phone, you can transfer it to your computer in several ways: uploading it to Google Drive or another service storage in the cloudconnecting the mobile phone to the PC with a cable USB and copying those files, or even using Bluetooth if you have no other alternative and don't mind that the process is slower.

How to export WhatsApp chats on iPhone (iOS)

On iOS the philosophy is the same, but the path changes slightly: The export is usually done from within the chat itself. and from the conversation information panel. Once you locate that option, you choose whether or not you want to attach media files.

In the iPhoneWhen you export a chat, It is usual for a ZIP file to be generated This includes the text history (usually in .txt format) and, if requested, any photos, videos, documents, and voice notes attached to the conversation. The file size increases significantly if you include multimedia.

To save the export within the Apple ecosystem, you can use “Save to Files” and store it in iCloud Drive or in the device's own storage.If you prefer to work with the Google cloud or other services, you can also send it to applications like Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar from the sharing menu.

Then, from a Mac AirDrop is very convenient for send the ZIP file directly to the computer and open it there, or simply let iCloud sync or your favorite cloud service do its job. Windows o LinuxThe most practical way is usually to use cloud storage that you also have installed on your PC.

Exporting chats vs. backup: when to use each option

Exporting chats and creating backups serve very different purposes, and it's important to understand them clearly. Don't get scared thinking that one thing replaces the other.Automatic backup is your safety net if you lose your phone or delete the app; exporting is a tool for archiving and reading specific conversations outside of WhatsApp.

It is recommended to maintain Automatic backups are always activeWhether it's on Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone), this way, if you change phones or restore the system, you can recover your chats within the app without having to export anything.

Exporting, on the other hand, makes sense at specific times: when you want to save a conversation in plain text (for example, a work group, a chat with a lawyer, or a sentimental conversation you don't want to lose), when you need to extract all the media files from a specific chat at once, or when you plan to delete your account and want to take at least the most important threads; in that case, it can be useful to know how empty your WhatsApp chats in a safe way.

One key limitation must be kept in mind: WhatsApp does not allow you to export all chats at once from the official app.It has to be done one by one, which makes it clear that the function is designed for specific cases, not for massive migrations of your entire history.

Use WhatsApp Web to save files to your computer

When you use WhatsApp in your browser, you can open photos and documents with one click, but that doesn't mean that are automatically saved on your PCTo actually download files to your hard drive, you need to use the WhatsApp Web download options.

The first thing is to make sure you're using a browser compatible with WhatsApp WebIt works correctly in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera, but not in older browsers like Internet Explorer. Once you've confirmed this, simply go to web.whatsapp.com and link your account by scanning the QR code with your mobile device.

Once you're logged in, you'll see all your conversations in the browser and You'll be able to use almost all of WhatsApp's features. From your computer. To download specific files from a chat, enter that conversation, click on the contact or group name, and choose the "Files, links, and documents" section in the right sidebar.

There you will find three tabs: one with all the photos and videos, another with the documents sent or received, and a third with the shared links. Hovering your mouse over each element will allow you to select it. And, when you've selected several, you'll see a download icon (down arrow) in the top right corner.

Clicking on that icon opens WhatsApp Web Download the selected files to your computer.If you have chosen more than one, they will usually be grouped into a ZIP file, which you can then unzip and distribute among the folders you want on your system.

WhatsApp desktop app for Windows and Mac

Beyond the browser, WhatsApp offers a desktop application for Windows and MacIn recent times, especially on Windows, this app has gone from being practically a clone of the web version to becoming a native application, available in the Microsoft Store.

The desktop app works as an extension of your mobile account: Sync all messages between your phone and computerSo, what you see on one device, you'll see on the other. The difference is that, once the devices are linked using the classic QR code, you no longer need your phone to be turned on or connected to the same network to continue using WhatsApp on your PC.

Among other details, the application includes dark theme and keyboard shortcuts specific to open the emoji panel, manage GIFs, modify the playback speed of audios and a good handful of actions that make daily use much more convenient.

If you're interested in saving files from this version, you have two options with images: Right-click on the image and select “Save as…” To choose a folder and format, or left-click to expand it and use the options in the upper right menu, where "Save as" or "Open in another application" also appears.

This system allows centralize all photos and documents that interest you without having to send them to yourself by email or upload them to the cloud from your mobile phone, something especially convenient if you work many hours in front of the PC.

Create a chat with yourself to transfer files between mobile and PC

A very practical solution for moving files between devices is to have a private chat with yourself on WhatsAppThis way you can send notes, photos, PDFs or any document from your mobile to your computer (or vice versa) simply by dragging or attaching them to the chat, and then open them in WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.

The most common way to do this is to create a new group, temporarily add another person (a family member, for example), Give the group a name and ask them to leave the conversationThis way you stay in that group and can use it as a "personal mailbox" for your files.

Another option is to save your own phone number as a contact in your mobile phone's address book, and then... Force a contact list update in WhatsAppWhen you appear on the list, simply start a conversation with yourself and that's it, you now have a permanent thread to send yourself any content.

The advantage of this trick is that everything is centralized: You can clear the chat periodically to avoid accumulating junk, delete files when you no longer need them, and at the same time, you'll always have a place to leave quick things without bothering anyone.

Export chats from your mobile device to view them on your computer

Beyond using WhatsApp on desktop, the classic option for having a readable copy of your conversations on your PC is to use the chat export function included in the phone appAs we have already seen, it is available on both Android and iOS, with slight differences.

On Android, you'll need to go to the chat history in settings and use the "Export chat" command, while on iOS it's done from within the chat information itself. In both cases, data is generated. text files optionally accompanied by multimedia files included in the conversation.

Please note that messages sent with the "one-time view" option (photos and videos that can only be viewed once) They are not exported in this processThese contents are specifically designed not to leave a reusable history.

Once the chat has been exported, you can email it to yourself, upload it to the cloud, transfer it via Bluetooth, or copy it to your computer using a USB cable. When you open the TXT or HTML file on your PC, you will see the content of the conversation. in a readable format, with a timestamp and, usually, the name of the contact or group.

Connect your mobile phone to your PC via cable to copy WhatsApp files

In addition to the methods above, you always have the direct route: Connect the phone to the computer using a USB cable. and access the internal folders where WhatsApp files are stored. This system is especially useful when you want to make a bulk copy of photos, videos, or voice notes.

On many Android phones, when you connect the cable you'll have to choose the connection mode. The safest option is to use the MTP protocol (Media Transfer Protocol)This causes the phone to be mounted as a multimedia device and only display content folders (photos, videos, music, etc.), hiding sensitive parts of the system.

Once you're in your PC's file explorer, you should locate the WhatsApp folder and, within it, the "Media" folder. There you'll find subfolders like Images, Video, Audio, Voice Notes, Documents, Animated Gifs, Profile Photos or Stickerseach with the files corresponding to what has been sent and received.

Knowing this, you can copy directly the folders that interest you most to your computer: for example, all voice notes, all profile pictures, or all sent videos. It's not the most convenient method if you only want a couple of specific files, but for mass data recovery it's quite effective.

If the PC does not recognize the mobile phone, it is advisable to check several things: check the cable and try other ports, Make sure you have selected file transfer mode on your phonerestart both devices, update the drivers USB from the device administrator from Windows or, as a last resort, use the system's own troubleshooter.

Cloud backups: Google Drive, Google Photos and their limitations

One of the most common misunderstandings is thinking that if you do WhatsApp backups on Google DriveYou can access them from your PC's browser and download them as if they were just another folder. However, these copies are hidden and cannot be managed manually.

When you log into Google Drive with your account, you won't see the WhatsApp backup listed among your documents. The copy exists, is stored, and does not take up space. in your quota (through an agreement between Google and WhatsApp), but it can only be used to restore chats within the app on a compatible mobile device.

To access your WhatsApp photos from your PC via the cloud, a much more useful trick is to use Google Photos. First, you'll need to configure WhatsApp so that Automatically download the photos and files you want (Ideally, only via WiFi to avoid using up your mobile data).

Next, you will need to activate the following on your mobile device: Google Photos backup and syncmaking sure that copies are also made of the “WhatsApp Images” album or similar. From that point on, images downloaded from WhatsApp will be appearing in Google Photos and you will be able to view and download them from your computer's browser.

In the web version of Google Photos you can download individual photos or Download complete albums in a single ZIP fileThis is very practical if you want to have a local folder on your PC with all the images you have received through the messaging app.

Save entire conversations using email

Another classic and very simple way to take a chat outside of WhatsApp is use the “Send chat by email” functionWhatsApp itself generates a text file with the conversation history and attaches it to an email ready to send to any address you want.

The process involves opening the conversation you're interested in, going to the chat options menu, selecting "More," and then "Email chat" or "Export chat." There you will be able to decide whether to also attach the multimedia files (photos, videos, etc.) or just the text.

If you choose to include media, WhatsApp will attach the most recent files and you'll be able to Export approximately the last 10.000 messages of that conversation. If you prefer to do without attachments, the limit rises to around 40.000 exportable chat messages, all due to email provider size restrictions.

The final result is usually a .txt file with the entire exported history and, in some cases, a compressed file with the attachments. Once you receive the email in your inbox, simply... download those files to your computer to have a readable copy of the chat.

Export all WhatsApp chats at once using external programs

Since the official WhatsApp app doesn't allow you to export all chats at once, if you want Extract the complete conversation history to your PC practically all at once, you need to resort to third-party tools capable of working directly with backups.

One of the best-known solutions is iTransor for WhatsApp, a program compatible with Android and iPhone that allows Create specific WhatsApp backups on your computer and then export them in different formats (HTML, CSV, etc.). This way you can import all your conversations at once instead of going chat by chat.

The usual workflow with this type of software is: install the program on the PC, connect the mobile phone via USB, Create a backup of WhatsApp on your computer Then, go to the "Restore / Export backup" section to select the most recent backup and extract the data.

Before saving the chats, you can choose the export format: HTML to view conversations with an appearance very similar to that of a mobile deviceYou can also export to CSV/XLS if you prefer working with spreadsheets and creating filters, statistics, or analyses. There are also options to export to plain text (.txt) or even JSON.

Another very popular tool on Android is WhatsApp Viewer, a program designed for Read and export the contents of msgstore.db files, what are the databases where WhatsApp stores its local backups. With it, you can view messages and export them in HTML, TXT, or JSON format.

However, to use WhatsApp Viewer you need to obtain the database file and encryption key from the device, something that requires following somewhat more technical procedures And in many cases, reading specialized documentation (such as certain threads on developer forums). It's not the most user-friendly option for everyone, but it offers a lot of flexibility.

In any case, it is worth remembering that these types of tools are not official. They should only be downloaded from trusted sites.Read other users' opinions carefully and be aware that you are accessing very sensitive data, so it is advisable to exercise extreme caution and avoid suspicious "free WhatsApp export" programs that lack solid references.

Use other applications and protocols to transfer files

Beyond the specific solutions for WhatsApp, there are generic tools for moving files between mobile and computer which also help you extract content from the app without much hassle.

On one hand, there are programs like MobileTrans and similar ones, designed to manage backups, migrations between mobile devices, and data transfer between appsIn these cases, you usually install the program, connect the phone via USB, and choose the copy or transfer option of WhatsApp and let the software handle the rest. Most of these tools are paid, so it's a matter of assessing whether you really need them; if you're looking to switch applications, there's also the option of Import chats to Telegram.

On the other hand, many file management apps include a small FTP server. When activated, the phone displays an address like this: ftp://192.168.XX:XXXXwhich you can open from the browser or an FTP client on the computer to access the phone's internal storage as if it were a shared network folder.

With FTP you can navigate to WhatsApp folders (photos, videos, voice notes, documents, etc.) and Copy what you need without using cablesAs long as your phone and PC are on the same Wi-Fi network. It's a slightly more "geeky" method, but very convenient if you're already used to using these types of protocols.

How to manage and protect your backups and exports

Once you start extracting your conversations and files from WhatsApp, it's easy to end up with dozens of ZIP, TXT and loose folders scattered about via computer. It's worth taking a few minutes to organize it properly so you don't go crazy in a few months.

The most practical thing is to create a simple structure, for example, folders by year and within them subfolders by content type or by contact/groupRenaming the ZIP files with something more descriptive than the date also helps a lot (for example, “FamilyGroup_2019-2022.zip”).

Remember that, although WhatsApp cloud backups don't take up space and are encrypted, The exported files that you save on your PC may contain very sensitive information.It is advisable to protect them with strong usernames and passwords, disk encryption, or at least avoid leaving them in uncontrolled shared folders.

With a little organization, you can have a very complete historical archive of your WhatsApp chats accessible from the desktop, without sacrificing the security of official backups and combining the methods that best suit your way of working.