Screenshots are easy to edit and lose context. A WhatsApp chat export keeps every message with its date, time and sender, and can be analysed with the Chat Export Parser.
Android
- Open the chat → tap ⋮ (top right) → More → Export chat.
- Choose Include media if photos and voice notes matter (larger file), or Without media.
- Save the file to Google Drive, or e-mail it to yourself. You receive a
.zip(or.txt) file.
iPhone
- Open the chat → tap the contact or group name at the top.
- Scroll down → Export Chat → Attach Media or Without Media.
- Choose Save to Files or Mail.
Preserve the evidence
- Do not open and re-save the
.txtfile in an editor. - Calculate its SHA-256 hash immediately with the Hash Calculator and record it with the date, time and who exported it.
- Keep the phone. The export does not include messages already deleted, and times are shown in the phone's time zone.
- If you need deleted messages or verified metadata, a forensic extraction of the device by a qualified examiner is required.
Analyse
Drop the file into the Chat Export Parser to see participants, an activity heat-map, deleted-message markers and every phone number, bank account, link and wallet mentioned.