WhatsApp enables users to download and view the data they collect. The service introduced this feature before the European data privacy regulations that came into effect on May 25, 2018.
It allows you to request and export reports of your WhatsApp account settings and information, including your contacts, profile photos, and group names.
How to request your WhatsApp data report
To download your data report:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings.
- Go to Account.
- Go to Request Account Info.
- Tap Request report.
- The screen will update to Request sent.
How to download your WhatsApp data report
You cannot see the downloaded report in WhatsApp itself. You must use an external application in the shared tray to export the report.
For example, you can email a copy of the report to yourself. The report will be in a zip file containing an easy-to-view HTML file.
- Go to WhatsApp Settings.
- Go to Account.
- Go to Request Account Info.
- Go to Download report.
- A ZIP file will be downloaded to your phone.
- Once the file is downloaded to your phone, select Export report.
When can you view your WhatsApp data report?
Your report will be available approximately three days after the requested date. You can mention the “Ready by” date while waiting.
When the report is available, you will receive the following notification on your phone: Your account information The report is available for download.
The request account information screen in the app will tell you how long it will take (only a few weeks) to delete it from WhatsApp’s servers.