How to use & FAQ

How to use WhatsApp Rewind

Export a conversation from WhatsApp, then open its ZIP here. Your chats are processed in your browser, not uploaded to a server.

1. Export a chat from WhatsApp

  1. Open the conversation you want to revisit.
  2. On Android, open the three-dot menu > More > Export chat. On iPhone, tap the contact or group name > Export Chat.
  3. Choose Include Media if you want photos, videos, audio, and documents in the archive.
  4. Save the exported ZIP to your device.

2. Import the ZIP

Return to the chat viewer and click Import chat. Choose your ZIP or drag it into the import area. You can track progress and cancel the import.

Open chat viewer

3. Read and explore

Select a chat in the sidebar to read it. Use search, date navigation, and the Media, Docs, Links, and Stickers galleries. In Contact info, select your name to place your messages on the right.

Frequently asked questions

Are my chats uploaded to a server?

No. The ZIP is processed on your device and the archive is stored in this browser. An internet connection may still be needed to load the website itself.

What files can I import?

Use a ZIP created by WhatsApp Export chat with the chat text inside. Importing a standalone .txt file is not supported yet.

Why are photos or videos missing?

Choose Include Media when exporting. If a file is not in the ZIP, the viewer cannot recover it.

Why does a large ZIP fail to import?

The app sets no fixed ZIP size limit, but import still depends on your device memory and browser storage. Free up space or try a device with more memory.

Will my archives still be there when I return?

Yes, in the same browser and profile. Clearing site data or switching browsers or devices will not carry them over. Keep your original ZIP as a backup.

Can I open more than one chat?

Yes. Import a ZIP for each conversation; they will appear in your chat list.

Why are my messages on the wrong side?

Open Contact info and select your name from the export participants. Your messages will appear on the right.

Can I reply to or edit messages?

No. WhatsApp Rewind is a read-only archive viewer; it cannot send or change WhatsApp messages.

Why are reactions, quoted replies, or check marks missing?

Standard WhatsApp exports do not always include that data. The viewer does not invent information absent from your export.

What about profile photos?

Profile photos are usually not part of the export ZIP. You can add one in Contact info; it stays in your browser.

How do I delete an imported chat?

Open Contact info and choose Delete chat from this browser. Clearing site data also removes all locally saved archives.

What happens if I cancel an import?

Import stops and incomplete archive data is cleaned up. Your original ZIP remains untouched.