How can I export my WhatsApp contacts to my computer

 

Introduction: 

WhatsApp is a popular messaging application that millions use worldwide. While primarily designed for communication, you may want to export your WhatsApp contacts to your computer for various reasons, such as backup, organization, or transferring them to another device. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of exporting your WhatsApp contacts to a computer, ensuring that your valuable contacts are safe and easily accessible.

Step 1: 

Preparing Your Android or iPhone Device Before exporting your WhatsApp contacts, ensure that you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your Android or iPhone device. You should also have a stable internet connection and sufficient storage space on your device and computer.

Step 2:

 Backing Up Your WhatsApp Contacts To export your WhatsApp contacts, you need to create a backup of your chat history, as the references are included in the backup file. Here's how to do it:

• Launch WhatsApp on your device.
• Navigate to the Settings menu (usually represented by three dots in the top-right corner).
• Tap on "Chats" or "Chat Settings" and then select the "Chat Backup" or "Backup" option.
• Choose your desired backup settings, including or excluding videos, and select the backup frequency (e.g., daily or weekly).
• Initiate the backup process by tapping "Back Up" or "Backup Now."

Step 3: 

Transferring the WhatsApp Backup to Your Computer Once you have created a backup of your WhatsApp contacts, you need to transfer the backup file from your device to your computer. Follow these steps to transfer the backup:

For Android users:

• Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
• On your Android device, navigate to the WhatsApp folder using a file manager app (e.g., Google Files).
• Locate the "Databases" folder within the WhatsApp folder and copy the backup file ending with ".db.crypt" or ".crypt12".
• Paste the backup file into your computer's desired location, such as the desktop or a specific folder.

For iPhone users:

• Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
• Launch iTunes (for Windows) or Finder (for Mac) on your computer.
• Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
• In the left sidebar, click "File Sharing" or "File Sharing Apps."
• Scroll down and select WhatsApp from the list of apps.
• Select the backup file ending with ".db.crypt" or ".crypt12" in the right pane.
• Click "Save to" and choose the desired location on your computer to save the backup file.

Step 4: 

Extracting and Viewing WhatsApp Contacts on Your Computer Now that you have transferred the WhatsApp backup file to your computer, you can extract and view the contacts using specialized software or online tools. Here are two standard methods:

Using WhatsApp Contacts Extractor Software:

• Install reliable WhatsApp contact extractor software on your computer (e.g., iMobie AnyTrans, Jihosoft WhatsMate).
• Launch the software and follow the on-screen instructions to import the WhatsApp backup file you transferred earlier.
• Once the extraction process is complete, the software will display your WhatsApp contacts on the computer screen.
• You can save the contacts as a CSV or vCard file for further use or organization.

Using Online Tools (Continued):

•  Follow the instructions the online tool provides to upload the WhatsApp backup file from your computer.
• Once the file is uploaded, the online tool will process it and extract the contacts.
• After the extraction, the online tool will display your WhatsApp contacts on the website.
• Depending on the device, you can save the contacts as a CSV or vCard file or directly download them to your computer.

Step 5: 

Saving and Organizing WhatsApp Contacts on Your Computer Once you have successfully extracted your WhatsApp contacts, saving and organizing them properly is essential. Here are some suggestions:

• Save the contacts as a CSV (comma-separated values) or vCard file for compatibility with other applications and devices.
• Create a specific folder on your computer and store the exported contacts file for easy access.
• Consider creating subfolders or categories within the contacts folder to organize your contacts based on groups, relationships, or other relevant criteria.

Step 6: 

Backing Up Your WhatsApp Contacts on the Computer To ensure the safety and accessibility of your WhatsApp contacts, backing them up on your computer is essential. Here's how you can do it:

• Regularly create backups of the contacts folder containing your exported WhatsApp contacts.
• Use external storage devices (e.g., USB drives, external hard drives) or cloud storage services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) to store the backup files securely.
• Consider implementing an automated backup system to save time and effort by manually backing up your contacts.

Conclusion:

Exporting your WhatsApp contacts to a computer provides a secure and convenient way to back up and manage your valuable contacts. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you can quickly transfer your WhatsApp contacts to your computer and ensure their accessibility whenever needed. Remember to regularly back up your contacts and keep them organized for efficient use.