How to export WhatsApp chat on Android — step by step, with or without media.
Google Drive, email, or Files app. Best settings for ThreadRecap. Then upload and get your recap.
Export → upload to ThreadRecapHow to export on Android
1
Open WhatsApp → open the chat you want.
2
Tap ⋮ (menu) → Export chat.
3
Choose “Export without media” or “Include media”. Pick where to save (Drive, Gmail, Files, etc.).
What you need for analysis
What you need for analysis
ThreadRecap uses the .zip from WhatsApp. Android paths can vary by device and app.
"Three Dots > More > Export Chat" Not Showing on Android?
If you are following WhatsApp's help steps and the menu path is missing, the option usually disappeared for a specific reason.
- •First check whether Advanced Chat Privacy is enabled in that chat or group. When it is on, Export Chat can disappear entirely from the three-dots menu.
- •On Samsung, Xiaomi, and other Android skins, the path can also move slightly. Look under the chat name, a shortened “More” menu, or a different overflow menu after updating WhatsApp.
- •If the option is still missing, update WhatsApp, restart your phone, and test another chat. If another chat exports normally, the problem is usually chat-specific privacy settings rather than your device.
Google Drive vs email vs Files app routes
You can send the export to several places.
- •Google Drive — good for backup and then download on another device. Download the .zip and upload to ThreadRecap from your computer or phone.
- •Gmail / email — send to yourself, open the attachment, download the .zip, then upload to ThreadRecap.
- •Files app / Downloads — on many Androids the .zip goes to Downloads or “WhatsApp” folder. Open Files, find the .zip, then upload it to ThreadRecap in the browser.
Why export for ThreadRecap
One export → summaries, action items, meeting minutes
Export without media to stay under size limits
Voice notes supported when you include media
Parsing happens in your browser — we don’t see your raw file until you confirm
Works for 1:1 and groups (focus on 2–5 participants)
Same .zip works for Group Awards and analysis
What you can do after export
Summarize the chat — decisions, action items, open questions
Get meeting-style minutes — agenda, decisions, actions
Transcribe voice notes — include media, get transcript + summary
Generate Group Awards — shareable recap with optional expiry
Frequently asked questions
Privacy and security
Parsing happens in your browser; only necessary data is sent.
We don’t store your raw chat. Signed-in users can optionally save results.
Photos and videos never leave your device when you use “Export without media”.