Export a WhatsApp chat on your computer
Your phone holds more of your chat than a computer, so use your phone if you can. If you only need recent messages, here are the steps for Mac and Windows.
On a Mac
Use the WhatsApp app for Mac. You get a ZIP file with only what's on your Mac, so older messages, voice notes and photos can be missing.
- 1
Open the chat and click the name at the top
It can be a chat with one person or a group.
- 2
Click Export chat
Scroll down the panel that opens if you can't see it.
- 3
Choose With all media
A ZIP file goes to your Downloads folder. Drop it on this page.
On Windows
Use WhatsApp Web in your browser, since the Windows app has no export. You get a ZIP file with your messages, without voice notes or photos. WhatsApp Web also holds less of your history than the Mac app.
- 1
Go to web.whatsapp.com and open the chat
Link your phone if WhatsApp asks you to.
- 2
Click the three dots, then Export chat
The three dots are at the top right of the chat.
- 3
Select All messages
Or choose Custom date range to export part of the chat.
- 4
Click Export
A ZIP file goes to your Downloads folder. Drop it on this page.
What you get from each
iPhone and Android
The fullest export, with messages, voice notes and photos.
WhatsApp for Mac
Only what's on your Mac. Older messages, voice notes and photos can be missing.
WhatsApp Web
Messages only, and less of your history than the Mac app. You can choose a date range, and it works on a Mac too.
WhatsApp for Windows
No export. WhatsApp's help page says it isn't available there.
Your phone holds more of your chat, so export on your phone and send the ZIP file to your computer.
Open your file here
Drop it here to read the whole chat on your device. It's free, and nothing is uploaded unless you order a PDF.