How to fully download messages on iPhone?

Asked by: Guiseppe Ondricka  |  Last update: February 5, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (61 votes)

To fully download messages on your iPhone, enable Messages in iCloud in your Apple ID settings to sync them from the cloud, ensuring you're on Wi-Fi and charging. For saving to a computer, use third-party tools like iMazing or Decipher TextMessage to export chats with attachments as PDFs or other formats, or manually copy/forward selected messages to Notes/Email, though this loses formatting and media easily.

Is there a way to download an entire text conversation on iPhone?

Yes, you can export text messages from an iPhone using built-in Mac features (if you have a Mac), third-party software for Mac/PC, or by copying and pasting/forwarding via email for simpler methods, allowing you to save conversations as PDFs, text files, or other formats for legal, backup, or record-keeping purposes. 

Is there a way to permanently save text messages on iPhone?

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and set "Keep Messages" to Forever.

How to download all old Messages on a new iPhone?

On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud. Do one of the following: iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, or later: Tap See All (or Show All), tap Messages in iCloud, then turn on “Use on this iPhone.” iOS 16 to 17.1 or iPadOS 16 to 17.1: Tap Show All, tap Messages, then turn on Sync this [device].

Is it possible to export all iMessages?

You can export your text messages from your iPhone into a document to save them for later reference. While you cannot directly save text messages as PDF files using your iPhone, you can convert them to PDF by opening Messages on your Mac and exporting them from there.

Fix Message in iCloud Download Problem on iPhone | Unable to Download Messages from iCloud Solved

22 related questions found

How can I get my full text message history?

Android users - 'History' is located as a 'clock' icon in the upper right-hand corner. 4) If not already selected, tap on the 'Text' tab at the top.

Can I retrieve old text messages from iCloud?

Yes, you can see old messages on iCloud if you have Messages in iCloud turned on, which syncs them across all your Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) in the Messages app, making them available and up-to-date everywhere, or if they're included in an older iCloud Backup. If you deleted messages while Messages in iCloud was enabled, they are gone from the cloud and devices; however, you might find them in a recent iCloud Backup if you have that feature enabled and haven't backed up since deleting them, which usually requires resetting your device to restore. 

How to get a transcript of text messages on iPhone?

iPhones don't offer a direct feature to transcribe text messages, but you can save your messages to iCloud and access them as a transcript-like archive. Your messages are synchronized across devices and backed up, making them easier to manage or convert into other formats if needed.

How do I save an Imessage conversation as a PDF?

With the name of the sender or group selected, simply go to the File menu, choose Print, and select Save As PDF from the PDF dropdown menu at the bottom of the window. Acrobat will create and open the file for you — you can then save it to a location of your choice.

How do I copy an entire text conversation on iPhone for court?

Open the conversation in the Messages app. Take screenshots by pressing Side button + Volume Up. Repeat until you've captured the full conversation. Go to the Photos app, select the screenshots, and tap Share > Print to print them directly or save as PDF first.

Does iCloud back up all text messages?

If you haven't turned on Messages in iCloud, your messages are included in iCloud Backup. If you use Messages in iCloud, your messages automatically sync to iCloud so they aren't included in your daily backup.

How to download text messages for court?

You can also connect your phone via USB to transfer screenshots to a computer and print directly. Use Apps: Apps like SMS Backup & Restore can help export texts as PDFs, which can then be printed.

How to permanently save a text conversation?

Android - Quick steps to forever save text messages

  1. Open a Gmail email account if you don't have one.
  2. Enable the IMAP feature.
  3. Launch SMS Backup+ and select Connect.
  4. Accept the prompt to Backup. All your text messages will start backing up to Gmail and can save them forever.

How to convert text messages to PDF?

How to convert text messages to PDF in Android?

  1. Copy the text messages you want to convert.
  2. Insert them into an online txt to PDF converter.
  3. Click on the Convert Button.
  4. Download the PDF of copied text messages.

How do I select all text messages on my iPhone?

You can still find Select All - tap anywhere on the text, then tap again (not double tap) - Select All appears. TRIPLE TAP WITH SINGLE FINGER TO SELECT ALL.

How do I export an entire text conversation from my iPhone?

To export iPhone texts, you can manually copy/paste into Notes/Email, use the Print to PDF feature on a Mac for full conversations, or use third-party software (like iMazing or Decipher TextMessage) for versatile exports (PDF, CSV, HTML) with metadata, which often requires connecting your iPhone to a computer and may involve a fee. Simple, quick methods include taking screenshots or forwarding messages to your email. 

How to get a full transcript of text messages?

Yes, you can get a transcript of text messages using screenshots, third-party apps like Decipher TextMessage for detailed exports (PDF/email), or by requesting records from your carrier, though carriers often only store metadata (numbers/dates) and require a court order or subpoena for message content, especially for older messages, as the actual texts are typically on your device, not their servers. 

How can I get my husband's text messages on my iPhone?

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Messages. Tap Text Message Forwarding. (If you don't see it, turn iMessage off and back on, then tap Send & Receive and sign in again.) Tap to turn on each device that you want to allow to send and receive messages from this iPhone.

How to access old iMessages on iCloud?

To see old iMessages on iCloud, ensure Messages in iCloud is enabled in your device settings (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Messages) so they sync to the Messages app, or if they're missing, restore your iPhone from an older iCloud Backup that contains them, which requires erasing your device first and selecting the backup during setup. You can also log into iCloud.com in a web browser, but direct message viewing may vary. 

Can I recover permanently deleted iMessages from my iPhone?

You can recover "permanently" deleted iMessages if you act within 30-40 days via the Recently Deleted folder in the Messages app (iOS 16+) or by restoring an old iCloud/iTunes backup made before deletion, but if these options fail, true permanent deletion is often final, though some third-party software claims to scan backups or device data, with professional services being an expensive last resort.
 

Is it possible to recover texts without backup?

If there's truly no backup, then your best bet is to connect the phone to your computer and scan it with a data recovery app that can find deleted messages on android.

How do I see full text history on my iPhone?

To see all text messages on your iPhone, open the Messages app, where conversations are listed; you can scroll up in a specific chat for older messages or use the Search bar (swipe down on the main list) to find keywords, photos, or people, filtering by type (Photos, Links, etc.) within the app, or check the Recently Deleted folder (under Filters) for recently deleted messages. 

How far back can text messages be retrieved?

You can retrieve texts from days to months on your device via backups (like iCloud or Google), but carrier records (metadata only) can go years, while the actual content is often gone quickly, though forensic recovery might find old data before it's overwritten, but it's difficult and depends heavily on usage and device type. 

Can my husband read my texts remotely?

Yes, your husband can potentially read your texts remotely if he has access to your phone, knows your passwords, uses shared accounts (like iCloud/Samsung), has installed spyware, or uses legitimate features like message forwarding on synced devices (iMessage/iPad/Mac). While it's illegal to intercept private communications without consent, it's possible through technical means, so securing your devices with strong passcodes and two-factor authentication is crucial.