Export WhatsApp from Desktop
WhatsApp Web, Windows & Mac apps
Important: WhatsApp Web and the WhatsApp Desktop apps (Windows & Mac) do not support direct chat export. The export feature is only available on the mobile app. This guide shows you how to export from your phone and easily transfer the files to your computer.
Why Can't I Export from Desktop?
Understanding WhatsApp's export limitations on desktop platforms.
WhatsApp Web and Desktop are 'companion' apps that mirror your phone
Your chat history is stored on your phone, not on WhatsApp's servers
The export feature requires direct access to your phone's WhatsApp database
This is actually a privacy feature — it prevents someone with brief access to your computer from exporting all your chats
Pro Tip
The good news: once you export from your phone, you can convert to PDF on any desktop browser using PrintChat.
Step 1: Export from Your Phone
First, export the chat from WhatsApp on your iPhone or Android phone.
Open WhatsApp on your phone (not desktop)
Navigate to the chat you want to export
iPhone: Tap contact name → scroll down → Export Chat
Android: Tap ⋮ menu → More → Export chat
Choose 'Include/Attach Media' if you want photos and videos
Save the .zip file — you'll transfer it to your computer next
Step 2a: Transfer to Windows PC
Get your exported .zip file from your phone to your Windows computer.
Email method: Send the .zip file to yourself, then download from email on your PC
OneDrive: Save to OneDrive on your phone, access from OneDrive on Windows
Google Drive: Upload to Drive, then download from drive.google.com
USB Cable (Android): Connect phone via USB, enable File Transfer mode, copy the .zip file
USB Cable (iPhone): Use iTunes or the Windows Photos app to access files
Quick Share (Samsung to Windows): Install Quick Share on Windows for wireless transfer
Pro Tip
For frequent transfers, set up OneDrive or Google Drive to sync automatically. Your exports will appear on your PC within seconds.
Step 2b: Transfer to Mac
Get your exported .zip file from your phone to your Mac.
AirDrop (iPhone): Select AirDrop when exporting — instant transfer to your Mac
iCloud Drive (iPhone): Save to Files → iCloud Drive, access from Finder on Mac
Email method: Send the .zip to yourself, download on Mac
Google Drive: Upload to Drive, download from drive.google.com
USB Cable (Android): Connect phone, use Android File Transfer app on Mac
Finder (iPhone): Connect via USB, select phone in Finder sidebar, access Files
Pro Tip
AirDrop is by far the fastest method for iPhone to Mac transfers. Just make sure both devices have Bluetooth and WiFi enabled.
Step 3: Convert to PDF with PrintChat
Once your .zip file is on your computer, convert it to a professional PDF.
Open PrintChat in your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
Drag and drop the .zip file directly onto the page
PrintChat will scan your chat and show a preview
Choose your format: Legal Transcript or WhatsApp Bubbles
Click Generate PDF — the entire process happens locally on your computer
Save your PDF — your chat never left your device
Pro Tip
You don't need to unzip the file! PrintChat handles the .zip archive directly.
Troubleshooting
AirDrop isn't showing my Mac as an option
On your Mac, make sure AirDrop is set to receive from 'Everyone' or 'Contacts Only' (if your phone contact is linked). Both devices need Bluetooth and WiFi on.
USB transfer shows 'Device not recognized' on Windows
Install the latest USB drivers for your phone. For iPhones, install iTunes. For Android, try a different USB cable — cheap cables often only support charging, not data.
Exported file is too large to email
Most email providers limit attachments to 25MB. Use Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox for larger files. Upload to the cloud and share the link instead.
Android File Transfer not working on Mac
Android File Transfer is unreliable on newer macOS versions. Try OpenMTP (free alternative) or just use Google Drive/email for transfers.
Can I use WhatsApp Web to at least view my chats?
Yes, you can view and search your chats on WhatsApp Web. You just can't export from there. Keep Web open for reference while you export from your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Convert Your Chat?
Drag your exported .zip file directly into PrintChat — no unzipping required.
Open PrintChat ToolAbout This Guide
How to export WhatsApp chats when using WhatsApp Web or the desktop app. Workaround guide for Windows and Mac users. Once exported, you can use PrintChat to convert your chat into a beautifully formatted, court-ready PDF document — all processed locally on your device for complete privacy. Our GDPR-compliant engine processes your chats entirely in your browser — your data never leaves your device.