How to export WhatsApp chat on iPhone — step by step, with or without media.
Best settings for analysis. Where the .zip goes, how to find the _chat.txt. Then upload to ThreadRecap and get your recap.
Export → upload to ThreadRecapHow to export on iPhone
1
Open WhatsApp → open the chat you want.
2
Tap the chat name (top) → Export Chat.
3
Choose “Export without media” or “Include media”. Tap Export → save to Files or share.
What you need for analysis
What you need for analysis
ThreadRecap uses the .zip from WhatsApp. Here’s how to get it right.
Best settings for analysis: export without media
For summaries and action items, you often don’t need media.
- •Export without media — smaller file, faster upload, stays under WhatsApp’s 40k-message limit. Use this when you only need text + (optionally) voice notes via a separate flow.
- •Include media — use when you want voice notes transcribed. Larger file; WhatsApp limit is 10k messages with media. Good for 1:1 or short threads.
Where the .zip goes, how to find the _chat.txt
After export, WhatsApp creates a .zip. On iPhone it’s usually in Files or shown in the share sheet.
- •Files app — if you picked “Save to Files”, look in On My iPhone → WhatsApp or in iCloud Drive.
- •Share sheet — if you chose “AirDrop” or “Save to Files”, the .zip is the file you shared. Open it to see “WhatsApp Chat - Contact.txt” or _chat.txt inside.
- •Upload that .zip to ThreadRecap. We parse it in the browser and show you the chat preview before analysis.
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”.