How to Export Telegram Chat History

Telegram lets you export your complete chat history including messages, media, and files. Whether you need a backup, want to switch platforms, or need records for legal/business purposes, here is how to do it.

Method 1: Telegram Desktop Export (Recommended)

The most comprehensive export method uses Telegram Desktop:

1. Download and install Telegram Desktop
2. Log in and wait for chats to sync
3. Go to Settings → Advanced → Export Telegram data
4. Select what to export:

• Personal chats, groups, channels (select specific ones)
• Photos, videos, voice messages, stickers
• Files and documents
• Contact list

5. Choose format: HTML (human-readable) or JSON (machine-readable)
6. Set a download path and file size limit
7. Click "Export" and wait for completion

Method 2: Export a Single Chat

1. Open the chat you want to export in Telegram Desktop
2. Click the three-dot menu (top right)
3. Select "Export chat history"
4. Choose what to include (messages, photos, files, etc.)
5. Set date range if you only need a specific period
6. Click Export

Method 3: GDPR Data Request

For a complete account data dump:

1. Go to my.telegram.org
2. Log in with your phone number
3. Navigate to Privacy & Security settings
4. Request a data export

This can take up to 24 hours and includes all account data.

Export Format Details

HTML Format

• Opens in any web browser
• Nicely formatted with sender names and timestamps
• Media files linked and organized in folders
• Best for reading and archiving

JSON Format

• Machine-readable structured data
• Easy to process with scripts
• Includes metadata (message IDs, timestamps, forward info)
• Best for data analysis or migration

What Gets Exported

• All text messages with timestamps
• Sender information (name, ID)
• Reply chains and forwarded messages
• Photos, videos, documents (if selected)
• Stickers and GIF references
• Polls, contacts, and locations

Limitations

• Secret Chat messages cannot be exported (they are device-only)
• Export is only available on Telegram Desktop (not mobile or web)
• Large exports with media can take hours and significant disk space
• Channel posts you did not create may have copyright considerations

Know your Telegram User ID for identifying messages in exports — get it from @userid_checkbot.

Frequently Asked Questions