- Downloading and saving a backup on Telegram requires the Desktop version from the official website.
- Export messages, files, groups, channels, and media in HTML or JSON.
- Backup is essential in the event of crashes, device changes, or loss of access.
make a Backup your Telegram chats It's a critical step to protect all the important information stored on this messaging app. Whether you're planning to change your device, reset your phone to factory settings, anticipate a possible platform crash in your country, or simply want to be prepared for any eventuality, backing up your data is the only way to avoid losing messages, files, images, and videos from your personal and group conversations.
In this article we explain How to download and save a full backup of your Telegram chats, media files, and other data on your computer, as well as informing you about the current situation regarding possible application crashes and the implications of this measure for users. All of this comes with detailed step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure your information is always protected.
Why is it so important to back up your Telegram account?
The need to back up your data in Telegram becomes even more relevant in situations such as the application blocking in certain regionsFor example, in Spain, there have been recent court rulings that could affect the service's availability. Various media outlets, such as Mediaset, Antena 3, and Movistar, have filed complaints for copyright infringement, leading the National Court to consider temporarily suspending access to Telegram.
In these scenarios, not only could it be impossible to send or receive messages, but also regain access to your chat history and all shared files. Still, Telegram uses a system of cloud storage, which means that by default, your data is synced across devices. However, in the event of a lock, account deletion, or access policy changes, Having your own support is essential so as not to be left unprotected.
Additionally, the backup allows you to:
- Migrate your information If you change platforms, devices, or decide to temporarily stop using Telegram.
- Save images, videos, documents and files attachments to conversations that may have personal, professional or legal value.
- Check your offline chats if you lose access to your account or if the app is no longer available in your country.
How does a possible Telegram block affect Spain?
Recently, the National Court has considered the Partial or total blocking of Telegram in Spain as a precautionary measure for alleged intellectual property violations. Although these actions are temporary and subject to review, access to the platform may be interrupted suddenly.
In case of blockage, Your contacts and message history will not be automatically deleted.However, you may find yourself unable to send or receive messages, and remote access to your data may be difficult, especially if you try to log in on a new device. Therefore, planning ahead and making a backup is the best strategy to avoid permanent loss.
For advanced users, there are solutions such as create your own cloud storage completely free or the use of the secret chat feature in Telegram, which may offer greater privacy. However, Local backup of your chats ensures that your information is always available, even if you temporarily or permanently lose access to the service..
How to make a full backup of your Telegram chats, groups, and files
La The only official and effective way to export all your information from Telegram is using the desktop version of the application, Telegram DesktopThis process cannot be performed from the mobile version or from the app obtained through the official Windows or macOS stores; only from the app downloaded directly from the official Telegram website.
Below, we explain the step-by-step process for save a backup of all your chats, groups, channels, and media files:
- Download Telegram Desktop: Visit the Telegram Desktop official page and download the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Install the app and log in with your phone number.
- Open the settings menu: Click on the menu in the top left corner (three horizontal lines icon).
- Access the Advanced section: From the side menu, select “Settings,” and then look for the “Advanced” tab.
- Choose Export Telegram DataScroll down the advanced options menu until you find “Export Telegram data.” Click this option.
- Select the data to exportA new window will appear with all the possible options to include in the export. You can choose:
- Account Information
- Contact List
- story archives
- Types of chats (private, groups, channels)
- Media file types (photos, videos, documents, music, GIFs, stickers, etc.)
- Maximum size of files to export
- Content of deleted messages, if desired
- Recommended optionsFor the most complete backup possible, check all the boxes. Keep in mind that the more you check, the larger the final backup size will be and the longer the export will take.
- export format: Select the option «Human readable HTMLThis way, you can easily view your chats using any web browser. You can also export them in JSON format for automation or advanced analytics.
- Start exporting: Click the “Export” button to start the process.
- Authentication and waitingFor security reasons, Telegram requires you to confirm the export via a message sent to all your connected devices. Additionally, there is a 24-hour waiting period before you can download the data, as a safeguard against unauthorized access.
- Download your backupAfter the waiting period, return to Telegram Desktop and download the generated file. By default, it will be saved in the “Downloads\Telegram Desktop” folder on your computer.
- View and organize exported files: The main HTML file will be called “export_results.html” and will serve as an index for navigating through your chats, groups, and files.
Additional tips and tricks for your Telegram backups
Customize your backup By adjusting the filters offered by Telegram before exporting, you can reduce the final size by selecting only the chats, files, or content types you absolutely need. If you have a history spanning years, the export can take several hours and take up a lot of disk space.
Remember that the file names of exported chats are typically numerical, not the contact name. Use the "export_results.html" file as an index to easily navigate through the information.
Additionally, you can use your exported copy to migrate data or perform analysis with text processing tools if you choose the JSON format. If you run into problems, you can always generate a new export to keep your backup up to date.
To enhance your privacy, store the backup file in a secure folder on your PC, on a USB flash drive, or even on trusted cloud storage systems, always with password-protected access.
Don't forget that if you intend to disable notifications from specific contacts Before backing up, you can do so from the settings of each chat, which will help you clean up the export of irrelevant information.
Maintaining a Telegram backup is the most important way to protect your memories, important data, and personal or professional information stored on the platform. The process is simple but requires planning, especially if you have a long history of messages and attachments. Once completed, you'll be able to access your chats even when offline, and all your information will be safe in case of any eventuality, whether it's a change of device, loss of access, or a possible temporary or indefinite blocking of the app in your country.