Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading Instagram Chats Including Media Files

Navigating through Instagram messages can be challenging, as the app typically displays only 10 to 15 messages at a time. Fortunately, Instagram provides a feature that allows users to download their entire message history, enabling offline access to all conversations, including chats from blocked users, as long as they haven’t been deleted.

How to Download Instagram Chats on Mobile

The process for downloading your Instagram chats on mobile is the same for both iPhone and Android devices. Start by going to your Instagram profile page and tapping the hamburger icon located in the top right corner. Then, select Your Activity, scroll to the bottom, and choose Download your information.

This action will direct you to the Meta Accounts Center. Click on Download or transfer information. On the next screen, select your Instagram account, then tap Next.

Here, specify the information you would like to include. Choose Some of your information, scroll down, and check the Messages box. You also have the option to select Likes and Saves to download your liked or saved posts. Tap Next.

Select Download to device to save a zipped file of your chats to your phone. Specify the date range for the conversation history you wish to download, using the Custom setting for precise dates if necessary, and hit Save.

Make sure the Format is set to HTML, then choose your desired Media Quality.

Finally, click on Create files. Instagram will inform you that the download process is starting and will take a few hours to complete.

After a few hours, return to Your Activity -> Download your information. You should see the downloadable file. Click the Download button, and a zipped file with all your Instagram conversations will be saved to your phone.

If you’re concerned about storage space on your phone, consider uploading the zipped file of your Instagram messages to Google Drive.

How to Download Instagram Chats to Google Drive

Follow the steps outlined above until you reach the “What do you want to do with your information?” screen. This time, select Transfer to destination.

Then, choose Destination -> Google Drive, and tap Save. After that, click Next -> Connect, select your desired Google account, and grant access to Meta.

Set your preferred date range, and tap Start Transfer to initiate the download process. You will be prompted to enter your Instagram password to proceed.

Download Instagram Chats to PC

Log in to your Instagram account on a web browser, and select More in the bottom-left corner. From there, click on Your Activity.

Choose Download your information, then select Continue. Instagram will redirect you to the Meta Account Center, where you will follow a similar process as on mobile.

Click on Download or transfer information, select your Instagram account, and click Next. Choose Some of your information.

Check the Messages box (plus Likes and Saves if desired), hit Next, and select Download to device. Set your date range and media quality for the files (ensure HTML is retained as the format), then click Create files to start the download process.

Once completed, go back to the Meta Accounts Center via More -> Your activity -> Download your information -> Continue. You will find your zipped file ready for download. Click Download.

Extracting Your Downloaded Instagram Messages

Once the zipped file with your Instagram conversations is downloaded, navigate to your Downloads folder, right-click on the file, and select Extract All.

Choose a destination folder and click Extract. The unzipped folder will contain two subfolders: “your_instagram_activity” and “files” . Furthermore, you can open the “start_here.html” file to access all your chats, enabling you to browse through messages, images, and videos easily.

Downloading your Instagram chats not only preserves your conversations but also allows you to revisit previous messages and media without interruption. This method is effective for retrieving chats with contacts who may have blocked you, or vice versa.

Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Samarveer Singh.

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