← Back to all guidesUpdated Sep 28, 2026
WhatsApp's two export paths produce very different things. Export Chat gives you one conversation at a time (with or without media), while Request Account Info is an account-level snapshot that does not include message content but takes up to 30 days. This guide covers both paths.
Written by Charles
Export at a glance
Request method
Multiple paths available
Delivery time
Hours to days
Archive format
TXT, ZIP, MediaFiles
Sensitivity
High: health, biometric, financial, precise location
Primary use
Backup: preserve a copy for yourself
Archive file map
Top-level structure of the export. Each entry is a file or directory with its format badge and what it contains.
WhatsApp Chat/<chat-name>.txtTXTOne text file per exported conversation with timestamps and message text
WhatsApp Chat/Media/MediaFilesPhotos, videos, voice notes, documents shared in the chat. Only included when "Include media" is selected
account_info/profile.jsonJSONAccount-level metadata from the Request Account Info path. No message content
account_info/contacts.jsonJSONWhatsApp contacts synced to your account
account_info/devices.jsonJSONDevices that have paired with your WhatsApp account
What WhatsApp knows about you
- Individual chat transcripts
- Shared photos, videos, voice notes, and documents
- Group chat history
- Call history
- Account info and device metadata
Two ways to export: chat export vs account info request
There are two main ways to get WhatsApp data. The chat export is fastest for individual threads. The account info request is broader but slower.
- Export chat: best for one conversation or a few important threads
- Request account info: best for account-level records and profile details
- Media can make exports very large: decide whether to include it
How to export a chat
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Open the chat you want to save.
- Tap the chat name or the menu button.
- Choose Export Chat.
- Select whether to include media.
- Choose where to send the file: email, Drive, or Files.
How to request account info
- Open WhatsApp Settings.
- Go to Account.
- Tap Request account info.
- Wait for the report to be prepared.
- Download the ZIP when the notification arrives.
What to expect
- Exports may not include messages deleted before the export
- Media-heavy chats can create huge archive files
- Group chats only contain your side of the conversation
- The account info report is not a replacement for full chat export
Aftercare
- Store the export in a clearly labeled folder
- Keep a second copy in encrypted cloud storage if the conversation is sensitive
- Delete the archive from your phone once confirmed backed up
Quick version
If you want the short checklist instead of the full guide, use the service page.
FAQ
Does WhatsApp export include everything?
No. It is useful for chat history, but the export may omit deleted messages.
Should I include media?
Only if you need photos, voice notes, or videos. Excluding media keeps the file much smaller.
How long does the account info report take?
It can take days or longer depending on the size of your account.
Can I export someone else's messages in a group chat?
No. You can only export your own side of the conversation.
Last verified: Sep 3, 2026. Steps checked against faq.whatsapp.com. Report an outdated step →