iMessage guide
How to export an iMessage chat
Apple doesn't offer an export button, so you need a computer and one of these tools. Both keep everything on your machine.
You'll upload .csv or .txt
With iMazing (Mac or Windows)
The simplest option. iMazing is a paid app with a free trial.
- 1Install iMazing from imazing.com and connect your iPhone with a cable.
- 2Select your iPhone in iMazing and click Messages.
- 3Select the conversation you want.
- 4Click Export to CSV at the bottom and save the file.
- 5Upload the .csv here.
On a Mac, for free
Works if your messages sync to the Mac through Messages in iCloud.
- 1Install the free, open-source imessage-exporter (github.com/ReagentX/imessage-exporter), for example with: brew install imessage-exporter
- 2Give Terminal Full Disk Access in System Settings, Privacy and Security.
- 3Run: imessage-exporter -f txt -o ~/Desktop/imessages
- 4Open the folder on your Desktop. There is one .txt file per conversation, named after the contact.
- 5Upload the .txt of the conversation you want.
Good to know
- Your messages are labelled You in the export. You confirm who's who in the next step.
- Group chats work too. We analyse the two most active people.
- SMS conversations from the same Messages app work the same way.
Questions
Can I export from the iPhone alone?
Not really. Apple doesn't provide an export, and screenshots can't be analysed. A computer is needed once.
Does the other person get notified?
No. These tools read your own copy of your messages.
Can I use another export tool?
Often, yes. Any CSV with a date, sender and text column usually works.
Who's the toxic one?
Analyze my iMessage chat