WhatsApp’s backup and restore feature is very limited. It doesn’t even work between Android and iPhone without a third-party tool. But Telegram has an import feature that lets you transfer conversations from other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Line, and KaKaoTalk on a per-chat basis. While this sounds tedious, it gets the job done. In this guide, we will be focussing on WhatsApp.
Once the chat is imported, the messages will show up for both parties. The imported messages will be added to the bottom of the chat, but they will carry their original timestamp.
All you have to do is export the chat from WhatsApp and import it into Telegram. Here’s how it works on Android and iPhone.
Import WhatsApp Chat History in Telegram for Android
Open the WhatsApp app and go to the conversation you want to export to Telegram.
Here, tap the three-dot menu icon found in the top-right corner.
Now, select the “More” button.
From here, choose the “Export Chat” option.
WhatsApp will now ask you if you want to export the chat with or without media. The export with media can be a couple of hundred MBs, depending on your chat. If you want to keep it lightweight, go with the “Without Media” option.
From the share sheet, tap the “Telegram” app shortcut.
You’ll now see all your conversations in the Telegram app. Here, choose the conversation where you want to import the messages.
From the pop-up message, tap the “Import” button.
The Telegram app will start importing your chat. Once it’s done, you’ll see the completion prompt. Here, tap the “Done” button.
The Telegram conversation will be updated with all the WhatsApp data. It will show you the original timestamps from WhatsApp as well.
Import WhatsApp Chat History in Telegram for iPhone
The steps are slightly different when it comes to the iPhone. Open the WhatsApp app on your iPhone and navigate to the chat you want to export to Telegram.
Here, tap the contact’s profile name found at the top of the screen.
Scroll down and tap the “Export Chat” option.
WhatsApp will ask you if you want to export the chat with or without media. To keep the export light, choose the “Without Media” option.
From the share sheet, choose the “Telegram” app.
Search and choose the contact that you want to import the chat into.
From the pop-up message, confirm the action by selecting the “Import” option.
Telegram will now import the chat. Once the process is complete, tap the “Done” button.
You will find the WhatsApp messages in the Telegram chat, with their old timestamps.
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