"I want to back up my text messages on my iPhone, and I am trying to transfer text messages from iPhone to computer, but I am not sure how to do it. I have important messages from family, friends, and work that I don't want to lose, and I need to have them stored safely on my computer. I have tried syncing my iPhone with iTunes, but it only seems to transfer my contacts and photos."
- From Apple Community
If you want to back up text messages on an iPhone, this guide can provide 3 effective methods for you, keeping your precious and useful messages from loss.
If you want a simple way to back up messages and other data to your computer, expert software like iPhone Data Manager is an excellent option. This tool allows you to select exactly which messages you want to save and where you want to save them. You can easily export your messages from your iPhone to your computer, or back up all of them at once.
- Selectively transfer text messages from an iPhone to a computer.
- Back up various iPhone data to a computer at once.
- Allow you to access your backup messages and other data on the computer.
- Save your text messages as HTML, TXT, and CSV.
- Transfer contacts, photos, videos, calendar events, music, and more from an iPhone to a computer.
- Support iOS 5.0 and upper, including iOS 26.
Download iPhone Data Manager.
Step 1: Download and install iPhone Data Manager on your computer. Then connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. Once connected, tap "Trust This Computer" on your iPhone.
Step 2: In the software, click on the "SMS" tab from the left-hand menu to view all your messages.
Step 3: Select the conversations you want to back up. Click the "Export" button at the top. You can choose to save the messages in formats like CSV, HTML, or Text, making them easy to read on your computer.
iCloud offers a convenient, wireless way to back up your entire device, including your text messages. There are two different ways iCloud handles messages, allowing you to back up messages to iCloud Backup or directly sync your messages to your iCloud account.
Step 1: Go to Settings on your iPhone, and tap on "[Your Name]" at the top, then select "iCloud".
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Messages", and toggle "Sync this iPhone" on.
Once enabled, all your messages will be uploaded to iCloud and will no longer be part of your regular iCloud backup. Any changes you make, like deleting a message, will be reflected on all your synced devices.
Step 1: Open Settings, and click "[Your Name]" > "iCloud" > "iCloud Backup".
Step 2: Toggle "Back Up This iPhone" on, and tap "Back Up Now" to start a manual backup.
This method creates a complete snapshot of your device's data, which can be restored in its entirety to a new or factory-reset iPhone.
How do you back up texts on iPhone to a computer? For those who prefer a local backup on their computer, using Finder (on macOS) or iTunes (on Windows) is the standard method. However, you cannot back up your messages only or back up specific messages. iTunes or Finder can only back up all the iPhone data, including your messages.
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable. Then open iTunes (on a Windows PC or an old Mac) or Finder (on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later).
Step 2: Select your iPhone when it appears in the sidebar of Finder or the iTunes window. Under the "Summary" or "General" tab, you'll see a section for backups.
Step 3: Check the box for "Encrypt local backup" and create a password if you want. Then click "Back Up Now". Your computer will create a full backup of your iPhone, which you can restore at any time.
Q1: Do iCloud backups include text messages?
Yes, iCloud backups can include text messages, but it depends on your settings. There are two primary ways that Apple handles messages with iCloud, and they are mutually exclusive.
Q2: Are MMS (pictures/videos in texts) backed up too?
Yes, if you have not enabled "Messages in iCloud", MMS messages (pictures and videos) are included in your iCloud backup, along with your other text messages.
Q3: Can I read my backed-up messages on my computer?
Not directly. Apple stores them in a database inside the backup. To read them without restoring, you need a third-party extraction tool like iPhone Data Manager.
Backing up your iPhone text messages is a simple yet crucial step to protect your data. If you prefer the flexibility of selective backup for your iPhone messages, iPhone Data Manager will be the most suitable option. With it, you can view your iPhone messages on your computer anytime. Besides, the wireless iCloud Sync and iCloud Backup, and wired backup of iTunes and Finder are easy to use. Just choose the method you want.
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Charlotte Smith, an accomplished editor in the dynamic landscape of mobile technology, has distinguished herself with her abundant experience and skills for iPhone, OnePlus, Sony, Vivo, Motorola, ZTE, Huawei, etc. Help readers and users solve the problems in iPhone Transfer and Mobile Data Management. Her proficiency extends beyond mere functionality, delving into the nuances of each brand with precision and clarity.
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