Free guide · iMessage
How to export an iMessage conversation
In short: iPhone has no export button. On a Mac that syncs Messages via iCloud, install the free open-source imessage-exporter and run it with `-f txt`. Every conversation becomes a .txt file — upload the one you want.
On a Mac (free, recommended)
- Make sure Messages on your Mac shows the conversation (Settings → iMessage → Enable Messages in iCloud).
- Install Homebrew if you don't have it (brew.sh), then in Terminal run: brew install imessage-exporter
- Give Terminal Full Disk Access: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access.
- Run: imessage-exporter -f txt -o ~/Desktop/imessages
- Open the imessages folder on your Desktop — each conversation is a .txt named after the contact or group.
Upload that .txt here. Phone numbers in the file are masked in your browser before anything is sent.
No Mac?
- Paid desktop tools for Windows (e.g. iMazing) can export messages; choose the TXT format.
- Screenshots aren't supported yet — a text export gives a far more accurate report.
Got the file? Get your free report
Drop it below. It's read on your device, contact details are masked, and you get your exact stats free — who texts first, reply speed, who cares more.
Drop your chat export here
WhatsApp .txt / .zip · iMessage .txt · Instagram or Telegram .json — 1-on-1 or group. How do I export it?
FAQ
Is imessage-exporter safe?
It's open source (github.com/ReagentX/imessage-exporter) and runs entirely on your Mac. It only reads your local Messages database.
Does it work with group chats?
Yes — group conversations are exported as their own files.
Can I do it on iPhone only?
Not reliably. Apple offers no export on iPhone; a Mac with Messages in iCloud is the easiest route.