How to export a WhatsApp chat, on iPhone and Android

WhatsApp can export any chat as a text file: every message with its date, time and sender. It takes about a minute, from the phone. Here is every tap, and what to do when the option isn't there.

On iPhone On Android

On iPhone

Step 1
Open the group in WhatsApp
Yes, that one. The one with 4,000 unread.
Step 2
Tap the group name, scroll down, tap Export Chat
It hides at the very bottom. Like the Ghost.
Step 3
Choose Without Media
Finch does not need 400 photos of the same sunset.
Step 4
Tap Save to Files, then come back here
Then choose the file below. It is in Files, under Recents.

On Android

Step 1
Open the group in WhatsApp
Yes, that one. The one with 4,000 unread.
Step 2
Tap ⋮ at the top, then More, then Export chat
Three dots, top corner. You have got this.
Step 3
Choose Without media
Finch does not need 400 photos of the same sunset.
Step 4
Save it to your phone, then come back here
Files, Drive or Downloads all work. Then choose it below.

Why choose Without media

The messages are what count. Without media the export is a small file that's quick to save and quick to read; photos and videos would only make it heavier. WhatsApp marks photos, voice notes and stickers in the text, so nothing is lost for the count.

Which file you get

iPhone gives a .zip file (with the chat inside as _chat.txt). Android gives a .txt file. Either works: there is no need to unzip anything.

When something gets in the way

There is no Export chat option: Someone in the group has turned on Advanced chat privacy, which blocks exports for everyone. Ask the group: anyone can switch it off in the group info.
I can't find the file afterwards: On iPhone, open the Files app and look under Recents (or On My iPhone). On Android, look in Downloads, or wherever you sent it: Drive, Files or a chat with yourself.
Can I export from WhatsApp on my computer?: No: WhatsApp's desktop and web apps can't export chats. Do it on your phone. On a computer, open chatumentary.com and scan the code to carry on on your phone.
Our chat is huge: That's fine. A text export of even a very long group is a few megabytes at most, and Professor Finch reads it on your phone.

Then hand it to Professor Finch.

Choose the file on chatumentary.com and Finch turns the chat into a nature documentary, with receipts from your own messages. Your phone reads it, and the file is never uploaded.