How can I export iPhone text messages to keep a backup of my important conversations?

I’ve been using my iPhone for quite some time and have accumulated numerous important conversations within my text messages. These conversations include personal reminders, valuable information, and significant memories shared with loved ones. I’m worried about losing these messages accidentally or due to a malfunction. I’ve heard that it’s possible to export these messages to a more secure location, like a computer or cloud service, but I’m not sure where to start. I’m looking for detailed guidance on how to export iPhone text messages effectively, ensuring that all my messages are safely backed up and easily accessible. Could someone help me understand the steps involved and what tools or apps might be necessary for this process?
4 Answers

For a more versatile solution, consider using iExplorer:
- Download and install iExplorer on your computer.
- Connect your iPhone via USB.
- Open iExplorer and select ‘Data,’ then ‘Messages.’
- Browse and select the conversations you want to export.
- Choose a format like PDF, CSV, or TXT to save your messages on your computer.
iExplorer offers detailed control, letting you pick specific messages and formats, which can be particularly useful if you have extensive messaging history.

Dr.Fone – Phone Backup is another tool that makes exporting messages a breeze:
- Download Dr.Fone – Phone Backup and install it on your computer.
- Connect your iPhone with a USB cable.
- Open Dr.Fone and navigate to ‘Phone Backup.’
- Select ‘Messages’ from the types of data to back up.
- Initiate the backup process and wait for it to complete.
- Export the backup to a file format of your choice.
Dr.Fone is designed to be user-friendly, which is great if you’re not as tech-savvy and need a straightforward solution.

The easiest way to safeguard your iPhone messages is through iCloud. Simply follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap your name at the top to access iCloud settings.
- Ensure that ‘Messages’ is toggled on.
- Your messages will now automatically back up to iCloud whenever your phone is connected to Wi-Fi.
This ensures that all your messages are synced and backed up regularly without manual intervention.

Using iTunes or Finder can also be a reliable method for exporting your text messages from an iPhone. Here’s how you can do it:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable.
- Launch iTunes (for Windows or older macOS) or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later).
- Select your iPhone from the device list.
- Under ‘Backups,’ choose ‘Back Up Now.’
- Once the backup is done, your text messages will be stored on your computer.
While this method requires a manual backup, it’s comprehensive and effective.