How to Export Large WhatsApp Chats (Over 40,000 Messages)

Can You Export a WhatsApp Chat with Over 40,000 Messages?

Yes, but the best method depends on what you need to keep. WhatsApp’s built-in Export Chat tool handles one conversation at a time and lets you include or exclude media. Large chats may be truncated or fail to share because export size can vary with media, your WhatsApp version, and the destination app. If your chat contains more than 40,000 messages, try a text-only export first. For an iPhone chat that is too large—or when you need a local copy with attachments - back up WhatsApp to a Windows PC and export the data from that backup.

If the built-in export does not include the full conversation, use the PC method below or see how to export more than 40,000 WhatsApp messages.

WhatsApp Web does not provide the same mobile Export Chat workflow. See how to export chats from WhatsApp Web for the available alternatives.

Export Large and Full WhatsApp Chat Without Limits

For an iPhone chat that is too large for WhatsApp’s sharing workflow, FoneTool can back up WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business to a Windows PC and export chats and attachments from the backup.

The steps below apply to WhatsApp on iPhone and require a Windows PC. Back up the chat before changing or removing data on your phone.

Step 1.  Connect your iPhone to computer via a USB cable, and on FoneTool tap WhatsApp Manager >  Backup WhatsApp>  Get Started.

Step 2. Enable backup encryption if needed, select a storage path, and click Start Backup.

Step 3. When the backup is complete, click View to open and verify the saved data.

Step 4. Select the WhatsApp data you need, click Export to Computer, and choose an available export format and destination on your PC.

How to Export a WhatsApp Chat with WhatsApp’s Built-In Tool

For one conversation, try WhatsApp’s built-in Export Chat tool first. The export size can vary with media, app version, and the sharing app you choose.

Export WhatsApp Chat on iPhone

Step 1. Open WhatsApp > Tap the chat you want to export.

Step 2. Tap the name of the chat > Choose Export Chat > Select Attach Media if you also want to export pictures and videos.

Step 3. Choose Mail > Enter the email address and send it.

Export WhatsApp Chat on Android

Step 1. Open WhatsApp > Go to the chat you want to export.

Step 2. Tap the three-dots icon on the top left corner > Choose Export chat > Select WITHOUT MEDIA or INCLUDE MEDIA as per your needs.

Step 3. Choose the mail app > Enter the address and send it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Words

Use WhatsApp’s built-in Export Chat tool when you need a readable copy of one conversation. Exclude media if the chat is too large to share, or export conversations one at a time.

If an iPhone chat is still incomplete, or you want a local backup with attachments, use FoneTool on a Windows PC to back up WhatsApp and export the data from the backup.