What Does Export Chat Mean on WhatsApp? How to Use It?
The "Export Chat" feature of WhatsApp stands out as a practical tool for preserving important chats and conversations. Whether you want to save important messages, move chats to another device, or keep a record of conversations, this feature can be invaluable. But what does "Export Chat" mean on WhatsApp, and how can you use it? This article will explain everything you need to know about exporting chats on WhatsApp.

Part 1. What Does Export Chat Mean in WhatsApp?
The "Export Chat" feature in WhatsApp allows users to save a complete conversation thread to an external file. This file can be shared via email, cloud storage, or other platforms, ensuring the messages are preserved outside the app. The exported file is typically saved in a .txt format, which is a simple text document that can be opened on almost any device.
The exported chat can also include media files, such as photos, videos, and voice messages, depending on the options selected during the export process. This is especially useful if you need a comprehensive backup of the conversation, including its multimedia content. The number of messages that you can export is up to your choice. When you tap Expot Chat, you are presented with two options: Attach Media or Without Media.
| Option | What it Includes | The Limit | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Without Media | Text and Emojis only. | ~40,000 Messages | Text files are small, so you can export a longer history. |
| Attach Media | Text, Photos, Videos, Voice Notes. | ~10,000 Messages | Media files are heavy. Email attachments have size limits (usually 25MB). |
Part 2. Why Would You Use Export Chat?
There are several scenarios where the "Export Chat" feature might come in handy:
- Preserving Important Conversations
Some chats contain valuable information, such as business discussions, legal agreements, or sentimental messages from loved ones. Exporting these chats ensures they are saved for future reference.
- Transferring Chats to a New Device
If you're moving to a new phone or switching platforms, such as from Android to iOS, exporting chats allows you to manually transfer selected conversations.
- Freeing Up Space
Media files in chats can take up a significant amount of storage on your device. Exporting chats with media lets you delete the chat from WhatsApp without losing the data permanently.
- Sharing Conversations
You might need to share a conversation with someone else, such as a legal advisor or a colleague. Exporting the chat makes it easy to send the entire thread in a readable format.
Part 3. How to Export a Chat on WhatsApp via Email
Exporting a chat on WhatsApp is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:
For Android Users:
Step 1. Open WhatsApp and select the chat you want to export.
Step 2. Tap on the three-dot button in the top-right corner of the chat screen.
Step 3. Select More and then choose Export Chat.
Step 4. A pop-up will appear asking if you want to export the chat With Media or Without Media.
Step 5. Choosing "With Media" includes photos, videos, and other files in the export. Choosing "Without Media" only includes the text messages.
Step 6. Once you select your preferred option, choose the app or location where you want to save or share the exported chat (e.g., email, Google Drive, or a file manager).

For iPhone Users:
Step 1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you want to export.
Step 2. Tap on the contact's name or group name at the top of the chat screen.
Step 3. Scroll down and select Export Chat.
Step 4. You'll be asked whether to include media files or not.
Step 5. After choosing your option, select the method to save or share the exported chat (e.g., email, iCloud Drive, or AirDrop).

Part 4. How to Export WhatsApp Chat by TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer
If you don't know how to export WhatsApp chat on the program directly, you can try using a third-party tool like TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer. TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer is a powerful WhatsApp data transferring tool that allows users to transfer, backup, export, and restore WhatsApp data on iOS devices. With the intuitive user interface of TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer, users can easily mange their WhatsApp data without encountering any hassle.
Key Features of TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer
Export WhatsApp data in simple steps. Supports various types of WhatsApp messages and data. Easy to operate with a clear and straightforward interface.
You can follow the below steps on how to export WhatsApp data by using TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer.
Step 1 Select the Export feature
Download and install TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer on your computer. When the program is installed on your computer. Connect your device to the computer and select the Export feature. If you have a backup files before, you can export it to your computer directly. If not, you should use the backup file to back up your WhatsApp data to the computer first.

Step 2 Export chat
After choosing the Export feature, click on the Export to Computer button and select the files that you want to export to your computer, and then hit the Export button to export your WhatsApp data to the computer.

Part 5. FAQs about WhatsApp Export Chat
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1. Can I export a WhatsApp chat to PDF directly?
No, WhatsApp only exports as a .txt file. To get a PDF, you must email the text file to yourself, open it in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, and then "Save as PDF."
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2. Why is the "Export Chat" button missing?
If you are in Germany or certain other European regions, the "Export Chat" feature may be disabled due to local data laws. Alternatively, if the chat is empty, the button may be greyed out.
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3. Does exporting a chat delete it from WhatsApp?
No. Exporting creates a copy. The original messages remain on your phone until you manually delete them.
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4. Can I export all my chats at once?
It is up to the method you use. The native WhatsApp feature only allows you to export one chat at a time. To export all chats simultaneously, you must use a tool like TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer.
Part 6. Conclusion
The Export Chat feature on WhatsApp is a powerful tool for preserving and sharing conversations. Whether you're looking to back up important chats, move data to a new device, or share a conversation for professional purposes, the Export feature provides a simple and effective solution. If you are finding a simple and easy-to-use way, you can download and try using TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer to export your WhatsApp data to the computer.