How to Export Your WhatsApp Chat: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Why Export Your WhatsApp Chat?

Exporting your chats lets you save memories, back up important conversations, or better yet: uncover the hidden statistics behind your relationship. When you export a chat, WhatsApp generates a .txt file containing your full text history — perfect for analysis tools like WspWrapped.

Step by Step on Android

1. Open the individual or group chat you want to export in WhatsApp.
2. Tap the menu button (the three vertical dots in the top-right corner).
3. Select More, then Export chat.
4. WhatsApp will ask if you want to include media files. For a quick text-based statistical analysis, choose Without media.
5. A file will be generated. You can email it to yourself, save it to Google Drive, or send it to your computer.

Step by Step on iPhone (iOS)

1. Open the WhatsApp chat you want to export.
2. Tap the contact or group name at the top to open the chat info.
3. Scroll all the way down and select Export Chat.
4. Choose Without Media (recommended for statistical analysis) or "Attach Media" if you want to keep the photos.
5. Save the generated .zip file to your Files app or share it via AirDrop/Mail.

.txt or .zip? The Differences

On Android, you'll usually get a .txt file directly if you choose "Without media." On iPhone, you'll always get a .zip file that contains the main text file plus any attachments (if you selected them). Advanced tools like WspWrapped can read both formats seamlessly: either the .txt directly or by extracting the .txt from your .zip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exporting

Does the other person find out if I export the chat?

No, exporting a chat is a 100% one-sided, local action on your device. WhatsApp does not send any notification to the other person.

Will the messages be deleted from my phone?

No. Exporting simply creates a copy of the history up to that point. Your chats on your phone will remain completely intact.