WhatsApp Chat History Export 2026: Safe Guide & Steps

For both personal memory keeping and business compliance, performing a WhatsApp Chat History Export is a crucial skill. Whether you are archiving legal evidence or simply saving important conversation logs, WhatsApp provides a native way to back up your data.

In this guide, we will walk you through the standard process. This official method is the only 100% safe way to save your history without risking account security or violating WhatsApp's terms of service.

How to Export WhatsApp Chat to Txt Format (Official Method)

The native feature allows you to export a copy of the chat history from an individual or group chat. The result is a .txt file attached to an email, which makes it universally readable on any computer.

Exporting Steps for Android Users:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you want to save.
2. Tap More options (the three vertical dots) > More > Export chat.
3. Choose whether to Include Media or proceed Without Media.
4. Select your email app (like Gmail) and send the file to yourself to complete the WhatsApp chat export.

Exporting Steps for iOS Users:

1. Open the chat you wish to export.
2. Tap the contact's name or group subject at the top.
3. Scroll down and tap Export Chat.
4. Select Attach Media or Without Media.
5. Share the file via Mail to receive the .txt log.

Understanding WhatsApp Chat History Export Android to iPhone

A common misconception is that the email export function can be used to transfer data between devices. Many users search for WhatsApp chat history export Android to iPhone hoping to restore these chats into the app on their new device.

It is important to note the difference:

• For Reading (Email Export): The method described in this blog creates a static file for reading only. You can view the messages on your new iPhone, but they cannot be imported back into the WhatsApp app interface.
• For Restoring (App Transfer): If you need to migrate chat history so it appears inside the WhatsApp app on a new iPhone, you must use the "Move to iOS" app during the initial phone setup, not the email export feature.

Important Limitations & Safety Tips of Chat Exporting

When performing a WhatsApp Chat Export, it is important to understand the technical limitations set by WhatsApp to ensure smooth delivery.

• Email Size Limits: Due to maximum email size restrictions, you can only send up to 10,000 messages if you attach media, or 40,000 messages if you export text only.
• Security Warning: Always stick to this official method. Third-party tools that claim to "scrape" or "bulk export" chat histories often violate WhatsApp's API policies. Using such unauthorized tools carries a high risk of permanent account banning.

Conclusion

Mastering the WhatsApp Chat History Export feature ensures your data is safe and accessible outside the app. By learning how to export WhatsApp chat to txt format, you ensure that your digital memories and important records are preserved securely without compromising the safety of your WhatsApp account.