Featured
Getting Started with WhatsConvo: From Chat Export to Searchable Archive
An address shared months ago, a photo from a family trip, or the message that explains a document can be difficult to find in a long conversation. WhatsConvo brings exported WhatsApp chats into a local archive where messages and media stay connected.
This walkthrough follows the supported import route: save an export ZIP to Files, open WhatsConvo, and choose that file. WhatsConvo works with the contents of the export you select; it does not connect to your WhatsApp account or retrieve messages and attachments missing from the file.
Start with sample conversations
If you would rather explore before using your own chats, try the bundled sample conversations. They contain synthetic data and pass through the normal preview and import flow, so you can see how the app works before choosing a personal export.
Samples are labelled separately from your own chats and do not use the three free chat slots. The screenshots in this article show sample data.
1. Save a chat export to Files
In WhatsApp, open the conversation you want to archive and use its Export chat option. Include media if you want the available photos, videos, audio, and documents in your archive. Save the resulting ZIP to Files.
Keep the ZIP intact for import. Only import conversations you own or are authorized to access, and keep the original export until you have checked the result. Export options and limits are controlled by WhatsApp; its chat-export guide explains the current process.
2. Open WhatsConvo and review the preview
Open WhatsConvo, tap Import, and select the saved ZIP through the file picker.
Before importing, review the chat name, participants, message and media counts, and date range. Choose the participant who represents you so your messages and activity can be shown appropriately.
If the preview contains no media, check whether you exported with media included. WhatsConvo can import only the files present in that archive. Cancel and create another export if it is not the one you intended to use.
3. Read and search in context
After import, browse the conversation chronologically. Sender names, timestamps, date separators, and attached media help you follow the discussion.
Search is useful when you remember part of a message rather than when it was sent. Search across your archive by message text, sender, chat name, month and year, or media filename. Results include a snippet and identifying details; selecting a result opens the message in its conversation context.
That context matters: a photo or document is often more useful alongside the messages that explain it.
4. Browse media and revisit memories
The media gallery brings imported images, videos, audio, and documents together. Filter by type, open an item, and inspect the associated chat, sender, timestamp, and message context.
Memory Lane offers another way back into older conversations. It selects up to three media memories, prioritizing the same day in earlier years and falling back to older media when there are no matching anniversary items. Open a memory to return to its conversation.
The dashboard also shows archive totals, media storage by type, and space saved through deduplication. These figures describe WhatsConvo’s imported archive. Importing a chat does not delete the original conversation or its media from WhatsApp.
5. Add newer messages later
You can import a newer export of a chat already in your archive. WhatsConvo checks for messages already imported and adds new ones rather than treating every repeat import as a new chat slot.
You still choose when to export and import. This is a local archive workflow, not automatic synchronization with WhatsApp.
Keep control of the archive
Parsing, search, and media handling run on your device. WhatsConvo does not require an app account or send imported chats to its own server, and it includes no analytics, advertising, or tracking. Optional app lock can be enabled in Settings using the authentication supported by your device.
Your device’s ordinary iCloud or computer backups may include app data, depending on your settings. WhatsConvo does not provide its own cloud sync. You can also create a local ZIP export from Settings containing a JSON copy of your data and the available imported media, then choose where to save it.
The free version supports up to three user-imported chats. Unlimited Chats is a permanent one-time purchase that removes that import limit, with no subscription. Search, media browsing, Memory Lane, statistics, and local export do not require the upgrade. Purchase and restoration requests are handled by Apple through StoreKit.
Read more on the WhatsConvo product page, or visit support, the privacy policy, and terms of use.
WhatsConvo is an independent app and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by WhatsApp or Meta. WhatsApp is a trademark of WhatsApp LLC.