WhatsApp had to delay its controversial privacy policy update after facing backlash from its users. Due to this situation, several WhatsApp users switched to Signal and Telegram. To ensure a seamless transition, Telegram developers have created a new chat import tool that allows you to import chats from WhatsApp to Telegram.
To note: Although this guide focuses on importing WhatsApp chats to Telegram, you can also use the Telegram Import Tool to import chats from other messaging apps like Line and KakaoTalk.
Import WhatsApp chats to Telegram
Telegram has added its import tool with the latest version 7.4 update on the Apple App Store. As of this writing, the feature is available on Android for beta users and should make it to a 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 user of Telegram on Android, you can follow the method to import chats and follow it as soon as the update hits the stable channel. That said, let’s get started.
Update: The feature is now available in the stable channels of the Telegram app on Android.
Import personal chats from WhatsApp to Telegram
1. To import personal chats in Telegram, open chat window from a WhatsApp contact, tap the three-dot vertical menu, and Choose More -> Export Chat. WhatsApp will now ask you if you want to include media in the export. If you also want to have media, tap on “Include media”. Choose “No Media” if you’re ok with just text messages.
2. As soon as you press one of these options, the the share sheet appears. From the sharing sheet, choose Telegram. Telegram will now prompt you to choose where to import the messages. You can either choose from the list of recent messages or use the search field to find the contact and press “Import”.
3. The app will now start importing your messages. the the process can take between a few seconds and a few minutes depending on the import size of the message. Also, you will have to wait a bit longer if you choose to import media as well. You should keep the app open until the import process is complete.
4. As you can see below, Telegram successfully imported messages from one of my WhatsApp contacts. Imported messages have an “Imported” tag with the original timestamp of the message to indicate that the message was imported from another platform.
Import group chats from WhatsApp to Telegram
When it comes to group chats, that’s where the import tool can really help. It automatically organizes and assigns messages to contacts who are already in the Telegram group. If there is a message from someone who is not in the Telegram group, Telegram will display the message with the person’s phone number. Here is how to import group chats into Telegram.
1. Open the group you want to import messages from and Choose More -> Export Chat in the three-dot vertical menu in the upper right corner. Just like personal chats, you can choose to import with or without group media.
2. Choose Telegram from the share sheet that is now displayed. You can now choose where you want to import the messages and press the Import button. You can also create a new group to import messages using the “Create a new group to import” option.
3. Once the import process is complete, you will see a confirmation. After that, you can browse all WhatsApp group messages and media (except WhatsApp stickers and documents) on Telegram.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I move all messages from WhatsApp to Telegram?
Yes, it is possible to move all WhatsApp messages to Telegram using the new Telegram chat import tool. You will, however, need to manually export chats from individual personal chats and groups.
2. What type 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 from WhatsApp. There is partial contact support – you can view the phone number, but you cannot add it directly to the contact list.
3. Can you import messages into another person’s chat?
You can technically import WhatsApp messages into another person’s Telegram chat. However, we will not recommend doing so as it will create unwanted confusion for you and the recipient.
4. Can I use this tool to import messages from other messaging apps?
Yes you can. Besides WhatsApp, Telegram has officially confirmed that the migration tool works with Line and KakaoTalk.
Move WhatsApp chats to Telegram
As Signal worked to expand its infrastructure and bring popular WhatsApp features, Telegram added this neat import tool to help users make a smooth transition. If you’re considering switching to Telegram, you can now do so seamlessly. We’ve also prepared a list of Telegram tips and tricks to help flatten the learning curve.
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