How to Open and View an Exported WhatsApp Chat
You exported a chat from WhatsApp — and got a plain _chat.txt file or a .zip that’s awkward to read. Here’s how to open it and see the whole conversation the way it actually looked: bubbles on both sides, your photos, replies, reactions and read ticks. Free, private, and right in your browser.
First, export the chat from WhatsApp
If you haven’t exported yet:
- Android: open the chat → tap ⋮ → More → Export chat → Include media.
- iPhone: open the chat → tap the contact name at the top → scroll down → Export Chat → Attach Media.
WhatsApp then gives you a _chat.txt file, or a .zip that contains the text plus your media. Save it to your phone or email it to yourself.
Then, view it in Chat Tree
- Open Chat TreeGo to chattreeapp.fun and choose Upload a chat.
- Drop in the fileSelect the
.zip(best — it keeps your media) or the_chat.txt. - Relive the conversationChat Tree rebuilds the real WhatsApp look — messages on both sides, photos and videos, replies, reactions, dates and blue ticks — so you can scroll through it like the original.
- Keep itFrom here you can export the chat as an image or PDF, or turn it into a keepsake book.
FAQ
Why is my exported chat just a .txt file?
WhatsApp exports the conversation as plain text plus a .zip of your media. It’s readable but unformatted — a viewer like Chat Tree rebuilds the original look.
Will my photos show up?
Yes, if you exported with “Include media”. Upload the .zip and the photos and videos appear in the chat just as they did in WhatsApp.
Does it work with large chats?
Yes — it handles long chats with thousands of messages and hundreds of photos.
Is Chat Tree affiliated with WhatsApp?
No. It’s an independent tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by WhatsApp or Meta.
Bring your chat back to life.
Open Chat Tree — it’s freeNot affiliated with WhatsApp or Meta.