Archived a conversation in ChatGPT and can’t find it? Archived chats disappear from your regular chat list, but they aren’t deleted. You can find them under Data controls in ChatGPT Settings or search for the conversation directly.
This guide shows how to find and view archived chats in ChatGPT on desktop, iPhone, and Android, as well as how to unarchive or permanently delete them.
How to Find Archived Chats in ChatGPT
ChatGPT lets you access archived conversations from both the website and mobile app. Follow the steps for your device below.
On Desktop
To see archived chats in ChatGPT on a computer:
- Open ChatGPT in your web browser and sign in to your account.
- Click your profile icon and select Settings.
- Open Data controls.
- Click Manage next to Archived Chats.
You’ll now see your archived ChatGPT conversations in one place. You can open and read an archived chat without unarchiving it.
On iPhone
To access archived chats in the ChatGPT app on iPhone or iPad:
- Open the ChatGPT app.
- Tap the Menu icon in the top-left corner or swipe right.
- Tap the gear icon to open Settings.
- Under App settings, tap Data controls.
- Under Chat history, select Archived chats.
All your archived conversations will appear here. You can open, unarchive, or delete a conversation.
On Android
To find archived chats in the ChatGPT app on Android:
- Open the ChatGPT app on your Android phone.
- Tap the Menu icon in the top-left corner.
- Tap your profile icon to open Settings.
- Open Data controls.
- Under Chat history, tap View archived chats.
You can now view all archived ChatGPT conversations linked to your account.
How to Search for an Archived Chat in ChatGPT
If you’re looking for a particular archived conversation, you don’t have to browse through the Archived Chats section.
Use the Search option in the ChatGPT sidebar and enter keywords or phrases you remember from the conversation. Archived chats can appear in search results even though they’re hidden from your regular chat list.
On desktop, you can also press Ctrl + K on Windows or Command + K on Mac to open chat search.
On iPhone or Android, open the sidebar and use the Search bar to find a past conversation.
How to Unarchive Chats in ChatGPT
To restore an archived conversation to your regular chat history:
- Open Archived Chats from ChatGPT Settings.
- Find the conversation you want to restore.
- Tap or click Unarchive.
The conversation will return to your regular chat history.
How to Delete an Archived Chat in ChatGPT
You can also permanently delete a conversation directly from Archived Chats.
- Open Archived Chats from ChatGPT Settings.
- Find the conversation you want to remove.
- Tap or click Delete and confirm the deletion.
Warning: Deleted chats cannot be recovered. They disappear from your account immediately and are scheduled for permanent deletion from OpenAI’s systems within 30 days, subject to limited exceptions.
How to Archive a Chat in ChatGPT
If you want to hide a conversation from your regular chat list without deleting it, you can archive the chat instead.
On desktop, find the conversation in your chat history, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select Archive.
On the ChatGPT mobile app, touch and hold (long-press) the conversation in the Recents list, select Archive, then confirm.
Archived chats remain saved in your account and can be accessed again from Settings > Data controls.
Related: How to Delete Saved Memories in ChatGPT
