How to Download Chat Messages

Facebook Messenger Messages

Open the Facebook app or website.

Go to Settings. Tap on the bottom right corner menu and scroll to 'Settings & Privacy'. Then tap on 'Settings.'

Download your Information. Scroll down to the 'Your Facebook Information' section. Tap on 'Download your Information'.

Select Messages. Here 'Deselect All' and select only 'Messages.' This will speed up the download process as you won't be downloading all of your Facebook data.

Wait for the download to be ready. It may take up to 48 hours to prepare your file. You'll get a notification on your account and an email with a link.

Download your messages. Once you click the link it will take you to a website where you can download your messaging data to your device.

View your messages. Your messages will come in a JSON file. This is a raw file format that may be hard to read. Search for Deary App if you want an app to help you read your messages.

Instagram Direct Messages

Open the Instagram app or website.

Go to Settings. Tap on the top right corner menu and tap on 'Settings'. Then tap on 'Security.'

Download your Information. Scroll down to the 'Data and History' section. Tap on 'Download data'. Finally, confirm your email and Request Download.

Wait for the download to be ready. It may take up to 48 hours to prepare your file. You'll get an email with a link.

Download your messages. Download your messaging data to your device. If you have more than one file (or parts), download only the first one as that one is the one that contains your messaging data.

View your messages. Your messages will come in a JSON file. This is a raw file format that may be hard to read.

WhatsApp Messages

Open the WhatsApp app.

Select the conversation. Tap on the conversation you want to download.

Tap on 'Settings' or on the Profile at the top of the chat. This may differ depending on your OS and device, but you are trying to get to that chat's setting & information page.

Export Chat. Scroll to the bottom of the page. Click on 'Export Chat'.

Attach Media. Click on 'Attach Media' to include the photos, videos and voice notes sent.

View your messages. Your messages will come in a JSON file. This is a raw file format that may be hard to read.