Decrypt LINE Chat Backup: Full Guide

Updated 14 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide explains how to decrypt a LINE chat backup file so you can read your message history outside the LINE app. You’ll learn what the encryption is, what tools you need, and the exact steps to turn the encrypted backup into readable text or HTML. Before you start, make sure you have the backup file itself, the password you set when creating it, and a computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.

What You’ll Need

The encrypted LINE backup file (usually named chat_history.backup or similar, often found in your phone’s LINE backup folder or cloud storage).
The password you used when you created the backup. Without it, decryption is impossible.
A computer with Python 3.6 or later installed, or access to an online LINE backup decryptor (use with caution).
Basic command-line comfort (opening a terminal/command prompt).

Step-by-Step

Locate your backup file. On Android, check Internal Storage/Line/backup or the folder you chose when backing up. On iOS, backups are often stored in iCloud or iTunes; you may need to export the file first. If you used LINE’s built-in backup, the file is usually named chat_history.backup.
Install Python (if needed). Go to python.org, download the latest Python for your OS, and install it. Make sure to check the box “Add Python to PATH” during installation on Windows.
Download a decryption script. There are open-source scripts like line-backup-decryptor on GitHub. Search for a reputable one, download the .py file, and save it in the same folder as your backup.
Open a terminal or command prompt. On Windows, press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter. On macOS, open Terminal from Applications > Utilities. On Linux, open your usual terminal.
Navigate to the folder containing both the script and the backup. Use the cd command, e.g., cd C:\Users\YourName\Downloads on Windows or cd ~/Downloads on macOS/Linux.
Run the decryption script. The exact command depends on the script. A common pattern is: python line_backup_decrypt.py -i chat_history.backup -o decrypted.txt -p yourpassword. Replace yourpassword with the actual password you set. Some scripts ask for the password interactively; if so, just run python script.py input.backup output.txt and enter the password when prompted.
Wait for the process to finish. The script will read the encrypted file, decrypt it using the password, and write the output file. This can take a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the backup size.
Check the output file. Open the decrypted file (e.g., decrypted.txt) in a text editor. It will contain your chat messages, timestamps, and sender names, usually in a plain text or JSON format.
Convert to a readable format (optional). If the output is JSON, you can use a script or an online converter to turn it into HTML or CSV for easier reading. Many decryption scripts already output a readable HTML file.

Common Mistakes

Wrong password: The most common issue. LINE uses password-based encryption (AES-256). If you forget the password or type it incorrectly, decryption fails. There is no backdoor.
Wrong file format: The backup must be the exact file LINE creates. Some users try to decrypt a database file instead of the backup; those are different.
Using an outdated script: LINE updates its encryption scheme occasionally. If you use an old script, it may not work with a newer backup. Always look for a script that mentions compatibility with your LINE version.
Path issues: If the terminal says “file not found,” double-check that you are in the right directory and that the file name is spelled exactly (including extension).
Running the wrong Python command: On some systems, Python is invoked as python3 instead of python. Try python3 if python fails.

Tips

Keep a copy of your backup: Always work on a copy, not the original, in case something goes wrong.
Use a strong password: When creating a LINE backup, use a password you can remember but that is hard for others to guess. Write it down in a safe place.
Check for a README: The decryption script you download usually includes a README with exact usage instructions. Read it first.
Consider using a GUI tool: Some developers have created graphical tools that do the same thing without the command line. Search for “LINE backup decryptor GUI” if you prefer that.
Test with a small backup: If you have an old, small backup, test the script with that first to make sure everything works before handling a large one.

Troubleshooting

“File not found” error: Verify the file path. Use ls (macOS/Linux) or dir (Windows) to list files in the current directory and confirm the exact name.
“Invalid password” or decryption fails: Double-check that you entered the password correctly, including case and special characters. If you have multiple passwords, try each. If none work, the backup may be corrupted or from a different LINE account.
Script crashes with a traceback: Make sure you have all required Python libraries installed. Most scripts need pycryptodome. Install it with pip install pycryptodome.
Output file is empty or garbled: This often means the password is wrong or the script is not compatible with the backup version. Try a different script or check the script’s documentation for known issues.
Backup file is not recognized: Ensure you have the correct file. LINE backup files typically start with a specific header. If you see random binary data, it might be encrypted with a newer algorithm; look for an updated script.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I decrypt a LINE backup without the password?

No. LINE uses strong encryption (AES-256) with a key derived from your password. Without the password, decryption is computationally infeasible. There is no known backdoor.

Is it legal to decrypt my own LINE backup?

Yes, in most jurisdictions, decrypting your own data for personal use is legal. However, sharing the decrypted content may violate LINE’s terms of service. Always respect privacy and copyright.

Will this work on the latest LINE version?

It depends. LINE occasionally changes its backup format. Check the decryption script’s repository for updates and user comments about compatibility. If it’s outdated, look for a newer fork.

Can I decrypt a backup from someone else?

Only if you have their password and permission. Decrypting someone else’s backup without consent is unethical and likely illegal.

What if my backup is from iCloud?

You need to export the backup file from iCloud first. On a PC, you can use iCloud for Windows to download the file. The decryption process is the same once you have the file.

Are there online decryptors that work?

Some exist, but they require you to upload your private backup and password, which is a security risk. It’s safer to run a local script on your own computer.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.