WHATSAPP’S recent privacy policy update has left some people questioning whether they should switch to use a different messaging app.
It is possible to delete your WhatsApp account but still download your chat history so you don’t lose any memories and we’ve rounded up how below.
2
How to download WhatsApp chat history
The WhatsApp website states: “If you uninstall WhatsApp from your phone, but don’t want to lose any of your messages, be sure to manually back up your chats before uninstalling.”
To do this go to WhatsApp and open Settings and then click “Chats”, “Chat Backup” and then “Backup Now”.
Then to export a copy of a chat history from either a single or group chat you first need to click on the chat of choice.
Then click the name of the chat and when the menu comes up scroll down to “Export Chat”.
2
You’ll have to choose between exporting a chat with or without any media files.
The chat will then be turned into a document file and you can either email this to yourself or send it to a friend.
Your most recent media will be added as attachments.
WhatsApp explains: “When exporting with media, you can send up to 10,000 latest messages.
“Without media, you can send 40,000 messages. These constraints are due to maximum email sizes.”
How to delete your WhatsApp account
Before you take these steps please bear in mind that deleting your WhatsApp account is an irreversible process and you’ll have to start from scratch if you decide you want WhatsApp back.
Open WhatsApp and click “Settings”, “Account” and then “Delete my account”.
You’ll be asked to enter your phone number and then you’ll need to click the delete button again.
The final stage is giving a reason for deleting your account and then clicking delete for a final time.
Not only will this delete your account but you’ll be removed from any groups you were in and your Google Drive backup and message history will be deleted.
WhatsApp – a quick history
Here’s what you need to know…
- WhatsApp was created in 2009 by computer programmers Brian Acton and Jan Koum – former employees of Yahoo
- It’s one of the most popular messaging services in the world
- Koum came up with the name WhatsApp because it sounded like “what’s up”
- After a number of tweaks the app was released with a messaging component in June 2009, with 250,000 active users
- It was originally free but switched to a paid service to avoid growing too fast. Then in 2016, it became free again for all users
- Facebook bought WhatsApp Inc in February 2014 for $19.3billion (£14.64bn)
- The app is particularly popular because all messages are encrypted during transit, shutting out snoopers
- As of 2020, WhatsApp has over 2billion users globally
Huge WhatsApp update finally lets you have different wallpapers for every chat
ZOOM OUT
Genius Zoom app lets you fake a bad connection to avoid boring work calls
ROLL UP
New ‘LG Rollable’ phone has screen that GROWS like magic – turning it into a tablet
HIGH SPEED
Virgin Media launches WiFi pods to boost web speeds in household blackspots
MINI ME
Cheap new ‘small’ iPhone ‘coming in APRIL’ for under £400, insiders claim
IN FRAME
‘Glasses of the future’ change strength based on what wearer is using them for
OFFLINE
People desert WhatsApp over fears personal data will now be shared with Facebook
In other news, OnePlus has revealed its first fitness tracker and it’s packed with interesting features.
A WhatsApp bug could let total strangers join your group chats and steal your phone number.
And, Donald Trump has banned eight major Chinese apps from operating in the United States as part of efforts to protect national security.
Are you a fan of WhatsApp? Let us know in the comments…
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]
This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
