How to archive chats on WhatsApp

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

Archiving chats on WhatsApp allows users to hide conversations from the main chat list without deleting them. This feature is useful for decluttering the chat interface while retaining access to important messages.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before archiving chats on WhatsApp, ensure you meet the following requirements:
  • •WhatsApp version 2.21 or later for Android and iOS.
  • •An active internet connection for syncing changes.
  • •Sufficient storage space on your device to accommodate the app's data.
  • •Access to the chat you wish to archive.

Method 1: Archiving Chats on Mobile (iOS & Android)

This method is the primary way to archive chats directly from the mobile application, suitable for most users.
  • •Step 1: Open the WhatsApp application on your mobile device.
  • •Step 2: Locate the chat you want to archive in the Chats tab.
  • •Step 3: For iOS, swipe left on the chat and tap 'Archive'. For Android, long-press the chat and tap the archive icon (a box with a downward arrow) at the top of the screen.
  • •Step 4: To verify, scroll to the bottom of the chat list; the archived chats will be listed under 'Archived Chats'.
  • •Step 5: If the chat does not archive, ensure that you are not trying to archive a group chat that you are not an admin of.

For iOS

iOS-specific steps for archiving chats.
  • •Open WhatsApp and go to the Chats tab.
  • •Swipe left on the chat you want to archive.
  • •Tap 'Archive' to move the chat to the archived section.

For Android

Android-specific steps for archiving chats.
  • •Open WhatsApp and navigate to the Chats tab.
  • •Long-press the chat you wish to archive.
  • •Tap the archive icon (a box with a downward arrow) in the top menu.

Method 2: Archiving Chats on WhatsApp Web

This method is useful for users who prefer managing their chats from a desktop environment.
  • •Step 1: Open your web browser and go to web.whatsapp.com.
  • •Step 2: Scan the QR code using your mobile WhatsApp to log in.
  • •Step 3: Hover over the chat you want to archive, and click on the downward arrow that appears next to the chat name.
  • •Step 4: Select 'Archive chat' from the dropdown menu.
  • •Step 5: To verify, click on the 'Archived' section in the left sidebar to see your archived chats.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are solutions for common problems encountered while archiving chats.
  • •Error: 'Chat not archived' - Solution: Ensure you are not trying to archive a group chat where you are not an admin.
  • •Issue: 'Archived chats not visible' - Fix: Scroll to the bottom of the chat list; archived chats are listed there.
  • •Problem: 'Unable to archive due to app crash' - Workaround: Restart the app and try again. If the issue persists, reinstall WhatsApp.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your WhatsApp experience with these power user tips.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + A (Windows) - Archive selected chat on WhatsApp Web.
  • •Command line: Not applicable for WhatsApp as it is a mobile and web application.
  • •Hidden feature: Use the search bar to quickly find archived chats by typing the chat name.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

To maintain an organized chat list, regularly archive chats that are no longer active but may contain important information.