WhatSyncHow to export a WhatsApp chat, and what to do with the file
Export any WhatsApp chat or group on iPhone or Android, with or without photos. Why Export chat can be missing, the message limits, and how to read, analyze or save the file as a PDF.
· 5 min read
The quick answer
You need a copy of a WhatsApp chat. For a dispute, a record, or just to keep it.
It takes 30 seconds:
- iPhone: open the chat, tap the name at the top, scroll down, tap Export Chat.
- Android: open the chat, tap the three dots, then More, then Export chat.
- Then: choose with or without media and save the file.
Export a chat on iPhone
- Open the chat or group.
- Tap the contact or group name at the top.
- Scroll down and tap Export Chat.
- Choose Attach Media to include photos, videos and voice notes, or Without Media for text only.
- Save the .zip to Files, email it to yourself, or send it to your computer.
Export a chat on Android
- Open the chat or group.
- Tap the three dots at the top right.
- Tap More, then Export chat.
- Choose Include media or Without media.
- Pick where to send it: Google Drive, email, or your files.
On a computer?
WhatsApp Web and the desktop app cannot export chats. Export on your phone, then send the file to your computer.
Why Export chat is missing
- Advanced Chat Privacy is on. When anyone turns it on for a chat or group, nobody in it can export it. Tap the chat name to see if it is on.
- Your WhatsApp is out of date. Update it from the App Store or Google Play.
- You are on WhatsApp Web or desktop. Use your phone.
How much a chat export holds
Exports have a limit. Reports put it at about 40,000 messages without media and 10,000 with media, keeping the newest. Very long chats lose their oldest messages.
Without media is smaller and holds more messages. Export with media only when you need the photos or voice notes.
What to do with the file
The .txt file is hard to read raw. These free tools open it in your browser, without uploading anything:
- Read it like WhatsApp, search it and filter by person: chat viewer.
- See the stats: who sends the most, who replies fastest, busiest hours: chat analyzer.
- Save it as a dated PDF, with photos, for a record or a lawyer: chat to PDF.
- Turn the voice notes into text: voice note to text.
- Summarize it with AI: upload it to ChatGPT or Claude. Our guide shows how to summarize a group chat.
Tired of exporting the same chat every week?
An export is a snapshot. The moment a new message arrives, it is out of date.
WhatSync links your WhatsApp to Claude, ChatGPT or any AI agent, for the chats and groups you choose. Ask what was agreed, or find a message, without exporting anything. It reads messages saved after you link, not your history from before.
Questions
- How do I export a WhatsApp chat?
- On iPhone, open the chat, tap the name at the top, then Export Chat. On Android, tap the three dots, More, then Export chat. Choose with or without media and save the file.
- Why can't I export a WhatsApp chat?
- Usually someone turned on Advanced Chat Privacy for that chat or group, which blocks exports. It can also be an old app version, or trying from WhatsApp Web, which cannot export.
- Can I export a WhatsApp chat on my computer?
- No. WhatsApp Web and desktop cannot export. Export on your phone and send the file to your computer.
- How many messages can I export?
- Reports put the limit at about 40,000 messages without media and 10,000 with media. Longer chats lose their oldest messages.
- How do I open a WhatsApp chat export?
- Unzip it and open the .txt file in any text editor, or drop the file into our free chat viewer to read it like WhatsApp, with photos and search.
- Does the other person know I exported the chat?
- No. WhatsApp does not tell anyone when a chat is exported.
Sources
WhatsApp features were checked on October 23, 2026. The export limit is not on an official help page, so we link the coverage.
- WhatsApp Help Center: export your chat history: How to export a chat on iPhone and Android.
- Electronics For You: exporting large WhatsApp chats: The 40,000 message limit without media and 10,000 with media.
- WhatsApp blog: Advanced Chat Privacy: When it is on, nobody in the chat can export it or auto-download its media. April 2025.
- WhatSync WhatsApp MCP server: Setup for each AI app and the full tool list.
Keep reading
Ask your AI about your WhatsApp
Add WhatSync to Claude, ChatGPT or any AI agent, link your WhatsApp, and pick the chats and groups it can read. Then just ask.