How to backup or download text messages from iphone to computer

Whether you're archiving memories or saving "receipts" for professional reasons, getting texts off your iPhone and onto a computer isn't as simple as a "Save As" button, but it’s definitely doable. 

Here comes two simple ways to download messages from iphone to computer. The method you choose depends mostly on whether you’re using a Mac or a Windows PC.

1. The Mac Method (Easiest)

If you have a Mac, your messages are likely already syncing. This is the cleanest way to get a readable PDF.

1. Open the Messages app on your Mac.
2. Select the conversation you want to save.
3. Scroll up to ensure all the history you want is loaded.
4. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Print.
5. In the print dialogue, click the dropdown (usually says "PDF") and select Save as PDF.

2. The "Free but Technical" Method (Backups)

If you don’t want to pay for software, you can extract the data from a standard backup, though it’s a bit of a trek.

1. Back up the iPhone to your computer using iTunes (Windows PC) or Finder (Mac).
2. The backup contains a file named 3d0d7e5fb2ce288813306e4d4636395e047a3d28—this is actually a SQLite database of your messages.
3. You can use a free online SQLite Viewer to upload that file and read the text, though it won't look pretty like the Messages app.