Export WhatsApp on iPhone & iPad
Complete guide for all iOS devices
This guide covers exporting WhatsApp chats from all iPhone and iPad models running iOS 14 or later. The process is identical across all Apple devices — the only differences are where you save your files and how you transfer them to your computer.
How to Export a WhatsApp Chat
Follow these steps to export any individual or group chat from WhatsApp on your iPhone or iPad.
Works with:
iPhone 16 Pro Max • iPhone 16 Pro • iPhone 16 • iPhone 16 Plus • iPhone 15 series • iPhone 14 series • iPhone 13 series • iPhone 12 series • iPhone 11 series • iPhone SE • All iPad models
Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat you want to export
Tap the contact or group name at the top of the screen
Scroll down and tap 'Export Chat'
Choose 'Attach Media' to include photos, videos, and voice messages
Select where to save: Files app, iCloud Drive, AirDrop, or email to yourself
Pro Tip
Save to iCloud Drive for seamless access across all your Apple devices. You can then open PrintChat on your Mac or iPad and drag the file directly in.
Transferring Your Export to a Computer
Once you've exported your chat, here are the best ways to get it to your desktop or laptop for PDF conversion.
AirDrop (Mac only): Select AirDrop when exporting and choose your Mac — instant transfer
iCloud Drive: Save to Files > iCloud Drive, then access from any device signed into your Apple ID
Email: Send the .zip file to yourself and download on any computer
USB Cable: Connect to your computer and use Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) to access Files
Pro Tip
AirDrop is the fastest method if you're using a Mac. For Windows users, iCloud Drive or email works best.
Understanding Media Exports
What gets included when you select 'Attach Media' during export.
Photos: All images shared in the chat are included as separate files
Videos: Video files are included (may significantly increase file size)
Voice Messages: Audio files (.opus format) are included
Documents: PDFs, documents, and other files shared in the chat
The .zip file contains a _chat.txt file plus a folder with all media
Warning
Large group chats with years of media can create very large export files (1GB+). Consider exporting without media first to test, then with media if needed.
Troubleshooting
Export option is grayed out or missing
Make sure you're running the latest version of WhatsApp from the App Store. The export feature requires WhatsApp 2.19 or later.
Export fails or freezes with large chats
For very large chats (10+ years), try exporting without media first. If that works, the media export may need more time — keep WhatsApp open and don't lock your phone.
Can't find the exported file
Check the Files app under 'On My iPhone' or 'iCloud Drive' depending on where you saved. You can also search for '.zip' in the Files app.
Media files are missing from export
You may have selected 'Without Media'. Re-export and choose 'Attach Media'. Note that media deleted from the chat won't be included.
Voice messages won't play after export
WhatsApp exports voice messages as .opus files. PrintChat handles these automatically and creates clickable links in your PDF that play in your default media player.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Convert Your Chat?
Drag your exported .zip file directly into PrintChat — no unzipping required.
Open PrintChat ToolAbout This Guide
Step-by-step guide to export WhatsApp chats from any iPhone or iPad. Works with iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, SE, and all iPad models. Convert to PDF with PrintChat. 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.