The importance of backing up your iPhone messages is obvious. So, when you want to save text messages from iPhone, why settle for a backup that doesn’t let you access them?
Whether precious conversations with a loved one or vital information for a legal case, your messages deserve to be saved — and, more importantly, easily accessible on your computer.
A smarter way to save iPhone messages
While iCloud backs up your messages, it doesn’t give you a way to actually view them. The Messages app itself doesn’t offer an option to export. And saving your messages by taking screenshots leaves you with a cluttered gallery of images that are hard to search and organize.
So, if you want to save full conversations in a clean, readable format — without spending your weekend tapping the screenshot button — you’ll need a better way.
This is where TouchCopy comes in. It’s a trusted Mac and Windows app that lets you quickly and accurately save your iPhone text messages — including iMessages, SMS and even WhatsApp chats — directly to your computer. You can view, search and print conversations exported with TouchCopy whenever you want on your Mac or PC.
How to export iPhone messages using TouchCopy
To get started, download and install TouchCopy on your computer. Then, launch the app and connect your iPhone using a USB cable. TouchCopy will recognize your device and display its contents, allowing you to view your messages, music, photos and other iPhone media directly on your computer.
Next, click on the Messages tab in the sidebar. You’ll see a list of your conversations — just select the one you want to save. TouchCopy will load the full message thread, complete with media, timestamps and contact details, so you can scroll through and preview everything before exporting.
Screenshot: Wide Angle Software
When you’re ready to save, you’ve got a few options:
- You can export your messages as a PDF if you want a clean, printable version — perfect for sharing or archiving (includes static media like emojis and images).
- Save Messages as HTML if you want to keep the original formatting and view the conversation in your browser. A range of media like images, emojis, videos and voice recordings are embedded in an HTML export.
- Export as CSV or Text files if you’re working with large amounts of data. These formats will not include original formatting or media like images.
Just pick your preferred format, choose a save location on your computer, and TouchCopy will do the rest.
What is included in an export
TouchCopy gives you full control of how your messages are exported — right down to the details.
Need just a portion of a conversation? You can filter messages by date, so you only export the exact timeframe you need — whether that’s a single week or several years’ worth of texts. You also can choose how to order the messages. Choose from newest to oldest or vice versa, depending on what makes the most sense for your records.
The message export created by TouchCopy includes all the crucial details, too, like contact names, phone numbers, timestamps and even profile pictures. That makes it easy to see who said what at a glance.
Here’s an example of what a message export from TouchCopy looks like:
Screenshot: Wide Angle Software
Saving images from your iPhone messages
Your messages often include more than just text — think photos, videos, voice notes and even the occasional meme. When you export a conversation as HTML using TouchCopy, the app saves all that media alongside your messages, preserving the full context just as it appeared on your iPhone. If you don’t need dynamic media like video and voice notes, the PDF export format neatly embeds images and emojis in your messages.
Want to save just the images from your messages? Whether it’s vacation photos from a friend or a collection of important screenshots, TouchCopy makes it easy. Simply click the Images tab in your chosen conversation, and you’ll see all the photos shared, neatly organized and ready to be saved with a single click.
Screenshot: Wide Angle Software
How to print your iPhone messages
If you need a physical copy of your messages — for court, a meeting or just to keep in your records — TouchCopy makes it easy to print them directly from your computer. After selecting a conversation, and optionally filtering it by date, just hit the Print button in TouchCopy.
Wrapping up
Using TouchCopy makes saving your iPhone text messages simple. It lets you export, print and organize your conversations exactly how you need them. No more endless screenshots or digging through your phone for that one message — just clean, searchable copies you can access anytime. You can try TouchCopy for free, or purchase a full license to unlock all features and export without limitations.
Download from: Wide Angle Software
