WhatsApp stickers have become immensely popular since their introduction in 2018. These colorful and expressive images allow users to easily convey emotions and reactions during chats. However, WhatsApp applies certain restrictions regarding the use of its stickers. One common question that arises is whether users can copy or download WhatsApp stickers and reuse them in other apps or share them with friends. In this guide, we will provide a quick overview explaining if and how WhatsApp stickers can be copied.
Can You Download and Copy WhatsApp Stickers?
The short answer is yes, WhatsApp stickers can be copied and downloaded through some workarounds. However, there are certain limitations to be aware of:
- WhatsApp does not provide an official option to download or export stickers. The app is designed to prevent sticker piracy and abuse.
- It is possible to take screenshots of stickers and crop them for reuse. But the image quality is often low.
- On Android, some sticker apps allow importing WhatsApp stickers if you already have them saved to your device storage.
- The most reliable method involves using specialized apps and tools to extract sticker files from WhatsApp and convert them to image formats.
So in summary, while WhatsApp tries to restrict sticker reuse, users do have some unofficial workarounds to copy and share stickers, involving tools and third-party apps.
Methods to Copy and Reuse WhatsApp Stickers
Here are the most popular techniques people use to download and back up WhatsApp stickers:
Screenshot Method
The simplest approach is to take a screenshot of the sticker you want to copy by pressing the Volume Down + Power buttons together on Android, or Volume Up + Power on iPhones. You can then crop the image as needed.
However, this method has significant quality loss, especially when the copied stickers are enlarged or shared multiple times. The original resolution is lost.
File Explorer Method (Android Only)
This method involves directly accessing the WhatsApp sticker files stored locally on your Android device:
- Install a file explorer or manager app like ES File Explorer, Solid Explorer, etc.
- Open the app and go to the WhatsApp folder location: Internal Storage > Android > media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp Stickers.
- Here you will see all your downloaded sticker packs as individual files. Long press and copy the files you want.
- Paste these sticker files to any other app or location on your phone. You can now reuse them.
This provides good quality copies. But it only works on Android as iPhones restrict access to app folders.
Using Third-Party Apps
Specialized tools and apps are available that can directly extract sticker files from WhatsApp and convert them to reusable formats:
- Sticker Maker: This popular Android app has a WhatsApp sticker extractor feature. It can save stickers as PNG images.
- WAStickerApps: Online tool that converts WA stickers to ZIP files for reusing in compatible apps.
- Dumpor: Advanced tool that can rip sticker packs from WhatsApp and make them compatible with Telegram.
These provide the most convenient way to copy and convert WhatsApp stickers while maintaining good image quality.
Apps That Allow Importing WhatsApp Stickers
Here are some popular apps that let you directly import and use WhatsApp stickers if you already have them saved on your Android device:
| App | Features |
|---|---|
| Sticker Maker | Supports WhatsApp sticker packs |
| Stickerly | Lets you add WhatsApp stickers |
| Go Stickers | Imports WhatsApp stickers |
| PicsArt | Allows WhatsApp stickers as import option |
These apps cannot directly copy from WhatsApp but provide an easy way to find and reuse your existing sticker collection.
Limitations of Copying WhatsApp Stickers
While it is possible to copy and convert WhatsApp stickers through unofficial means, there are some limitations to consider:
- Low quality if just taking screenshots of stickers.
- Android-only methods. Cannot directly access files on iPhone.
- Requires third-party apps for batch saving sticker files.
- Sticker animation and audio are lost when converting to static PNG/JPG images.
- Reusing official sticker artwork may raise copyright issues.
Due to these restrictions, there is no perfect method to replicate WhatsApp stickers. The best workaround depends on your specific needs.
Why WhatsApp Restricts Sticker Saving
WhatsApp deliberately makes it hard to copy stickers in order to:
- Prevent abuse and overuse of sticker artwork that is copyrighted.
- Encourage creators by limiting piracy of official sticker packs.
- Promote exclusivity and retain users by making stickers platform-locked.
- Increase uptake of new sticker packs released on its platform.
Allowing easy extraction of sticker art can lead to spam, intellectual property violations, and reduced incentive for artists. Thus, WhatsApp tries to maintain tight control even if unofficial copying workarounds exist.
Ethical Reuse of Copied Stickers
If you do copy WhatsApp stickers through apps and tools, make sure to do so ethically by:
- Using minimal sticker art required for personal conversation.
- Not extracting full sticker packs or mass copying artwork.
- Giving credit to the original artist wherever possible.
- Purchasing official sticker packs to support their creators.
- Avoiding use of copied stickers for commercial purposes.
WhatsApp stickers are designed for enriching conversations and spreading joy. Be responsible when copying them outside the platform and respect the artists’ copyrights.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp does not officially support copying stickers, it is possible through certain unofficial workarounds. You can take screenshots, use file explorer apps on Android, or specialized third-party tools to save WhatsApp stickers as images or files for reuse in other messaging apps. However, this may involve quality loss and platform restrictions. Also, ethical reuse of copied artwork is important to avoid copyright issues. In general, WhatsApp sticker copying is meant only for personal conversation needs, and excessive extraction can violate the platform’s rules.