How to Export Telegram Chat History (Complete Guide)

Telegram lets you export your entire chat history, including messages, photos, videos, and files. This feature is available through Telegram Desktop.

Exporting via Telegram Desktop

Download and install Telegram Desktop (desktop.telegram.org).
Log in and open the chat you want to export.
Click the three-dot menu and select "Export chat history".
Configure what to include: text messages, photos, videos, voice messages, files, etc.
Choose the export format: HTML (human-readable) or JSON (machine-readable).
Set a date range if you only want a specific period.
Click "Export" and wait for the process to complete.

Full Account Export

To export all your data (not just one chat):

Go to Settings and then Advanced and then Export Telegram Data.
Select what to include (contacts, chats, media, etc.).
Choose format and file size limits.
Wait for the export to complete (large accounts may take hours).

GDPR Data Export

EU users can request all their data via Telegram Settings, or through the in-app GDPR request process. This includes everything Telegram stores about you.

Export Tips

Exports can be very large. Set file size limits and exclude media if you only need text.
JSON format is best for programmatic analysis or importing into other tools.
HTML format creates a browsable archive that works offline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I export chats from the mobile app?

No. Chat export is only available in Telegram Desktop. You need to log into the desktop app and use the export feature from there. The mobile apps do not have this functionality.

Can I export chats from groups where I am no longer a member?

No. You can only export chats that are currently in your chat list. If you have left a group, its history is no longer accessible for export.

Is the export feature available for channels?

Yes. You can export channel content from Telegram Desktop the same way as regular chats. Open the channel, click the menu, and select Export chat history.