Tutorial & Backup

Download Instagram Chat History and Conversations

Want to keep your best Instagram Direct Messages before closing an account, or simply archive a precious relationship?

The app has no simple « print » button, but Meta offers an official, free way to export your complete Instagram chat history. Follow this step-by-step guide to download your archive properly.

Jump straight to the tutorial:

Export your Instagram messages
Print your Instagram chat as a book

How to export your Instagram messages

To back up your Direct Messages cleanly, request a data file from Meta's Accounts Center. You can do this directly from the Instagram app on your smartphone.

Open the Instagram app. Go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) at the top right to open Settings.

At the top of Settings, tap the Meta Accounts Center.

Under Account settings, select Your information and permissions.

Tap Download your information, then choose Download or transfer information on the next screen.

Select your Instagram account from the profile list (this step only appears if multiple accounts are linked).

Choose « Specific types of information ». Do not pick « All available information » — the file would be too large.

Scroll the list and check only « Messages ». Tap Next, then select Download to device.

Crucial settings: pick your date range. Under Format, you must select JSON (not HTML). Under Media quality, choose Low for faster processing. Finally, tap « Create files ».

Processing time: Meta takes between 10 minutes and 24 hours to generate your archive. You will receive an email when it is ready. Return here and tap Download to save the ZIP file to your device.

Print your Instagram chat as a book

Your Instagram archive is now saved as a .zip on your device. Raw JSON is hard to read — MonLivreSMS rebuilds the conversation visually and turns it into a printed book or PDF.

Go to MonLivreSMS, create an account and click the Instagram icon on the import page.

Click Select a file and upload the ZIP archive from Meta. Do not unzip it.

The platform reads the archive and lists your conversations. Pick the chat you want to print — your preview is generated next.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why choose JSON instead of HTML for the Instagram export?

MonLivreSMS reads Meta archives natively in JSON. HTML is mainly for browsing in a browser, but less reliable for rebuilding chat bubbles with photos and timestamps.

How long does Meta take to prepare my export?

Between 10 minutes and 24 hours depending on volume. Meta emails you when the archive is ready; download it from Accounts Center.

Do I need to unzip the file before importing to MonLivreSMS?

No. Keep the .zip as Meta delivers it and upload it directly. MonLivreSMS extracts and parses it automatically.

Can MonLivreSMS turn this Instagram export into a book?

Absolutely. Upload your archive at app.monlivresms.com: we rebuild the chat visually, count messages and photos, and generate a free book or PDF preview.

MonLivreSMS

Don't let your memories vanish

A bug, accidental deletion or account closure can erase years of DMs. A JSON archive alone is not enough for everyday reading.

MonLivreSMS securely imports your Meta file, rebuilds Instagram bubbles and generates a free book or PDF preview — shared photos included.

01

Export your conversation

WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, iPhone or Android SMS — in minutes from your phone.
02

Customize your book

Cover, bubble colors, highlighted photos — shape the story your way.
03

Receive your book at home

Quality printing, careful delivery. A keepsake that stays on the shelf.

Your Instagram DMs deserve a book

Turn your export into a tangible keepsake

Your jokes, photos and everyday chats. Everything that should not stay trapped in an unreadable ZIP file.

Start my Instagram book