Abdul Basit
Elcomsoft Explorer for WhatsApp (EXWA) was a focused utility to access, read, and export WhatsApp data from backups. It’s now a legacy product.
If you still land on EXWA from search, this guide explains the current workflow and the exact tools you should use instead—so you can keep working without disruption.
Elcomsoft Explorer for WhatsApp: Status & Best Alternatives (2025)
EXWA is no longer sold or updated. Elcomsoft has folded its WhatsApp capabilities into a toolchain that’s actively maintained:
- Acquire backups from Apple iCloud/iCloud Drive (including third-party app data like WhatsApp backups) with Elcomsoft Phone Breaker.
- View, analyze, and export WhatsApp data with Elcomsoft Phone Viewer.
- Advanced iOS extractions / keychain needs? Use iOS Forensic Toolkit (where lawful and supported).
This split mirrors real-world workflows: collection (EPB), analysis/reporting (EPV), and optional deep iOS acquisition (EIFT).
EXWA vs. Current Workflow
| Task | EXWA (Legacy) | Current approach |
|---|---|---|
| Acquire WhatsApp backups (cloud/credentials/token) | Built-in, legacy | Elcomsoft Phone Breaker |
| Decrypt/handle iOS artifacts & keychain | Limited | iOS Forensic Toolkit (when needed) |
| Review chats, media, contacts, export reports | Built-in viewer | Elcomsoft Phone Viewer |
Quick Migration Guide (3 Steps)
- Sign in & acquire Open Elcomsoft Phone Breaker, authenticate to Apple iCloud/iCloud Drive, and acquire WhatsApp backups where legally permitted.
- Open & review Load the acquired data in Elcomsoft Phone Viewer. Browse conversations, attachments, contacts, and make targeted exports for case files.
- Go deeper for iOS (optional) If your workflow requires device-level artifacts, protected records, or keychain items, use iOS Forensic Toolkit alongside EPB.
Editions & Picking the Right License
Elcomsoft Phone Breaker and Elcomsoft Phone Viewer are each available in Standard and Forensic editions (Windows/macOS).
- Standard: Core acquisition (EPB) and review/export (EPV) for routine needs.
- Forensic: Adds professional features for investigators and labs (expanded formats, automation/advanced reporting, and pro-grade workflows).
If you handle evidence regularly or need formal reporting, choose Forensic for both EPB and EPV.
Use Cases We See in Pakistan
- SMEs & IT teams: Internal incident checks (lost device, account compromise, HR/legal holds).
- Investigators & auditors: Evidence-grade exports, chain-of-custody friendly workflows.
- Compliance & risk teams: Limited-scope reviews with clean reporting.
BreTech supplies genuine licenses with PKR billing, 1–72 business-hour email delivery, and local payments via JazzCash, Easypaisa, or bank transfer.
FAQs — Elcomsoft Explorer for WhatsApp
Is Elcomsoft Explorer for WhatsApp discontinued?
Yes. EXWA is a legacy product and is no longer sold or updated.
What replaces Elcomsoft Explorer for WhatsApp today?
Use Elcomsoft Phone Breaker to acquire backups and Elcomsoft Phone Viewer to view and export the data. For deeper iOS needs, add iOS Forensic Toolkit.
Can I still open old EXWA cases?
If you retained data exports, they remain valid. For fresh collections, switch to EPB → EPV. If your old workflow needed device keychain data, plan to use EIFT.
Do these tools work for Android and iOS?
EPB supports cloud backup acquisition scenarios for both ecosystems (where available and lawful). EPV reads the resulting data for review/export. EIFT focuses on iOS advanced acquisition.
Which edition should I buy: Standard or Forensic?
Routine internal reviews: Standard. Formal investigations, advanced export/reporting, or lab workflows: Forensic.
Do I need both EPB and EPV?
For end-to-end work you typically need both: EPB (collection) + EPV (analysis/export). Add EIFT only if your scope requires it.
Further Reading
Want to learn more about EXWA alternatives and data workflows in Pakistan? Check out these helpful posts:
