This guide explains how to create a backup of your iPhone containing your text messages.

Overview

Unlike Android, iPhones do not allow exporting text messages directly. You will first need to create a full device backup using your computer and Apple’s officially supported method.

Windows Instructions

On Windows, you’ll use the Apple Devices app (formerly iTunes) to create a backup.

Step 1: Install Apple Devices

If you don’t already have it, download and install the Apple Devices app:

Download Apple Devices from Microsoft Store

For detailed instructions, see: Apple Support - Back up iPhone on Windows

Step 2: Connect Your iPhone

  1. Connect your iPhone to your Windows PC using a USB cable
  2. If prompted on your iPhone, tap “Trust” and enter your passcode
  3. Open the Apple Devices app on your Windows PC
  4. Select your iPhone from the sidebar

Step 3: Create a Backup

  1. In the Apple Devices app, select your iPhone
  2. Click “General” in the sidebar
  3. Under Backups, select “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this PC”
  4. Important: Decide on encryption:
    • Unencrypted backup - You won’t have to enter your encryption password in the next step
    • Encrypted backup - Write down the encryption password you choose, you’ll need it for the next step if you choose Encrypted Backup.
  5. Click “Back Up Now”
  6. Wait for the backup to complete (this may take several minutes)
Apple Devices app on Windows showing iPhone backup options

Mac Instructions

On macOS Catalina (10.15) or later, you’ll use Finder to create a backup. On older macOS versions, use iTunes.

Step 1: Connect Your iPhone

  1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable
  2. If prompted on your iPhone, tap “Trust” and enter your passcode
  3. Open a Finder window
  4. Select your iPhone in the sidebar under Locations

For detailed instructions, see: Apple Support - Back up iPhone using Finder

Step 2: Create a Backup

  1. In Finder, with your iPhone selected, click the “General” tab
  2. Under Backups, select “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac”
  3. Important: Decide on encryption:
    • Unencrypted backup - You won’t have to enter your encryption password in the next step
    • Encrypted backup - Write down the encryption password you choose, you’ll need it for the next step if you choose Encrypted Backup.
  4. Click “Back Up Now”
  5. Wait for the backup to complete (this may take several minutes)
Finder on macOS showing iPhone backup options

Next Step

Generating PDFs yourself using TextExhibit? Continue with Step 1: Select iPhone as the source.

Packaging specific conversations to send to a legal team? Continue with TextExhibit Extractor to create a .textexhibit file.

Troubleshooting

My iPhone won’t connect

  • Try a different USB cable
  • Make sure to tap “Trust” on your iPhone when prompted
  • Restart both your iPhone and computer

The backup is taking forever

iPhone backups can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data is on your phone. Ensure your computer doesn’t go to sleep during the backup.

I don’t have enough disk space

iPhone backups can be 10GB or larger. Free up space on your computer before creating the backup.