WhatsApp had to delay its controversial privacy policy update after it faced backlash from its users. Due to this situation, many WhatsApp users are switching to Signal and Telegram. To help ensure a smooth transition, the developers at Telegram have created a new chat import tool that lets you import chats from WhatsApp to Telegram.
Note: While this guide focuses on importing WhatsApp chats to Telegram, you can also use Telegram’s import tool to import chats from other messaging apps like Line and KakaoTalk.
Export WhatsApp Chats to Telegram
Telegram has added the import tool to Apple’s App Store with the latest version 7.4 update. As of this writing, the feature is available for beta users on Android and will go into stable release in the next update. If you are a Telegram beta user, you can immediately follow the steps to import WhatsApp chats. On the other hand, if you are a regular Telegram user on Android, you can follow the method of importing chats and following as soon as the update reaches the stable channel. Having said all that, let’s get started.
Update: This feature is now available on stable channels of the Telegram app on Android.
Transfer Personal Chats from WhatsApp to Telegram
1. To import personal chats to Telegram, open conversation window WhatsApp contact, tap the vertical three dots menuand select More -> Export chat. WhatsApp will now ask if you want to include the media in the export. Tap ‘Include Media’ if you want to have the media too. Select ‘Medialess’ if only suitable for text messages.
2. As soon as you touch one of these options, share page appears. From the share page, choose Telegram. Telegram will now encourage you to choose where to forward messages. You can choose from the list of recent messages or use the search box. find the contact and tap ‘Import’.
3. The app will now start importing your messages. This the process can take from a few seconds to several minutes by message import size. Also, if you choose to import media as well, you’ll have to wait a little longer. you belong keep the app open until the import is complete.
4. As you can see below, Telegram successfully imported messages from one of my WhatsApp contacts. Imported messages have an “Imported” label with the original timestamp of the message. to indicate that the message was imported from another platform.
Transfer Group Chats from WhatsApp to Telegram
When it comes to group chats, this is where the import tool can really help you. It automatically organizes messages and assigns them to people in the Telegram group. If there is a message from a person who is not part of the Telegram group, Telegram will show the message with the contact’s phone number. Here’s how you can import group chats into Telegram.
1. Open the group you want to transfer the messages to and select More -> Export chat from the vertical three-dot menu in the upper-right corner. Just like personal chats, you can choose to import from a group with or without media.
2. Now select Telegram from the sharing page that opens. Now you can choose where you want to transfer the messages and Tap the Import button. Alternatively, you can create a new group for importing messages using the ‘Create a New Group to Import’ option.
3. You will see a confirmation when the import is complete. After that, you can review all messages and media in the WhatsApp group (except WhatsApp stickers and documents) in Telegram.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I move all messages from WhatsApp to Telegram?
Yes, it is possible to migrate all WhatsApp messages to Telegram using Telegram’s new chat import tool. However, you will have to manually export chats from individual personal chats and groups.
2. What types of messages can you move to Telegram?
You can move text messages, emojis, pictures, GIFs, videos, voice notes and location. The chat migration tool does not support importing stickers, animated stickers and documents of WhatsApp. There is partial support for contacts – you can view the phone number, but not directly add it to the contact list.
3. Can you transfer messages to a different person’s chat?
You can technically transfer WhatsApp messages to a different person’s chat in Telegram. However, we do not recommend doing this as it will create unwanted confusion for both you and the buyer.
4. Can I use this tool to import messages from other messaging apps?
Yes you can. Apart from WhatsApp, Telegram has officially confirmed that its migration tool works with Line and KakaoTalk.
Move WhatsApp Chats to Telegram
While Signal is working to expand its infrastructure and bring popular WhatsApp features, Telegram has added this clean import tool to help users have a smooth transition. If you’re thinking of switching to Telegram, you can now do so seamlessly. We’ve also compiled a list of Telegram tips and tricks to help flatten the learning curve.
Support our work ❤️
If you enjoyed this article, consider leaving a tip to help us keep publishing great content.
