How to Export WhatsApp Chats to a PC - 2 Proven Ways
WhatsApp Web cannot export a complete conversation. Learn how to save iPhone chats to a PC by exporting from a FoneTool backup or using WhatsApp's Export Chat feature.
Can WhatsApp Web export a complete chat?
Can WhatsApp Web export a complete chat with its media in a readable format, or do I need to export it from my phone?
- Questions from a WhatsApp user
Can You Export a Complete Chat from WhatsApp Web?
No. WhatsApp Web does not provide a built-in command to export a complete conversation with its chat history and media. You can save individual media or documents, but for a full conversation you need to use Export Chat on the phone or export data from a compatible backup tool.
From WhatsApp Web, save individual media or documents when available. On the iPhone, use Export Chat to share one conversation with or without media. For a local backup workflow, use a compatible tool that can view and export data from its own WhatsApp backup.
2 Ways to Export WhatsApp Chats from iPhone to PC
These methods do not export from WhatsApp Web itself. FoneTool works from a WhatsApp backup created on the Windows PC; Export Chat works from the WhatsApp app on the iPhone.
Way 1. Export Chats from a FoneTool WhatsApp Backup
FoneTool WhatsApp backup and export can create a local WhatsApp backup on a Windows PC, open the completed backup, and export selected chats or attachments. This is useful when you need more than the one-conversation-at-a-time Export Chat workflow.
Best WhatsApp Backup & Transfer
- Simple WhatsApp Backup Process: No technical skills required
- Complete Chat History Export: Includes all messages and attachments
- Multiple Format Options: Export to HTML, CSV/XSL, PDF formats
- Local Data Security: All processing occurs on your computer
100% Secure
Step 1. Install FoneTool > Connect iPhone via USB cable.
Step 2. Choose WhatsApp Manager > Backup WhatsApp > Get Started.
Step 3. Enable backup encryption > Choose storage location > Start Backup.
Step 4. Access Backup History > Locate WhatsApp backup > Click Restore.
Step 5. Preview conversations > Select chats to export to PC as HTML file.
Way 2. Use WhatsApp's Export Chat Feature
Use Export Chat when you need a readable archive of one conversation. In WhatsApp on the iPhone, open the chat, tap the contact or group name, choose Export Chat, then choose whether to include media. Select a share destination that you can access on the PC. The exported result is for reading or sharing; it is not a WhatsApp backup that can be restored.
Step 1. Open WhatsApp on the iPhone and open the conversation you want to export.
Step 2. Tap the contact or group name, then choose Export Chat.
Step 3. Choose whether to include media, then select a share destination that you can access on the PC.
Step 4. Open the selected destination on your PC and save the exported conversation and any included media.
⚠️ Export Limitations:
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Export Chat handles one conversation at a time. Including media increases the export size, and the available share destinations or attachment limits can affect delivery. Very large chats may require exporting without media or choosing a different share destination.
FAQs on WhatsApp Chat Export
Conclusion
WhatsApp Web does not include a complete chat-export tool. For one conversation, use Export Chat on the iPhone and save the shared file to a service you can open on the PC. To work with a local WhatsApp backup and select chats or attachments for export, use FoneTool after confirming the output formats supported by the current version.
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Kelsey is an English editor at FoneTool, passionate about helping users solve tech issues. She specializes in iPhone data management, backup, and recovery. In her free time, she enjoys learning IT skills and spending time with loved ones.
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