How to Transfer/Backup iPhone SMS and iMessage to your PC/Mac

Our SMS, MMS and iMessage are just as important as our email messages. It requires safe keeping in case our iPhone crashes and needs resetting, so that when the worst case scenario happens to our device, we still have our important mobile messages with us. If you have a Windows or Mac Computer with you, then this article is for you. We’re about to provide you a detailed procedure on how to create a backup file of your entire iPhone text messaging history on your precious PC and Mac.

Previously, we have discussed ways on how to run Android apps on your PC or Mac. This time we want to see your PC and Mac become an extension of your mobile device. Take note that this how-to tutorial can also work for iOS including the iPhone, iPod Touch, and the iPad.

What do you need?

First of all, you will need a good application that will export your iDevice’s files to your PC or Mac. For this tutorial we will use the iExplorer. This application requires your computer to carry Windows Xp to Windows 8 or OS X 10.6 to 10.8 and iTunes 10 or later. Apart from applications, you will need a USB cable for your iPhone, iPad or iPod.

Using the iExplorer:

Now that you have all the necessary equipment and applications, we are now ready to move your iDevice messages to your PC or Mac. First, you will need to connect your iPhone to the PC or Mac using the USB cable. You need to open the iExplorer 3 app and access your text messages.

If you’ll notice, you also have the option to access your Call History, Voicemail, Notes, Contacts, Calendar, other media files and even the Safari browser. You have to click on the Messages icon under the Data tab.

You’ll then receive a prompt on your screen asking you to create a backup selection. In this case, if your iTunes doesn’t have a backup system, the app will request you to make one. If your PC or Mac already has an existing storage then it will ask you whether you want to create a new one (“Refresh) or use your last backup. Files that were back up in less than 24 hours will automatically be restored on iExplorer.

The app will now load all your text messages on your computer. Once done, you’ll see the list of your contacts on the middle part. If you click on it, your entire conversation with that person will open up on the right part of your screen.

Under the conversation box, you will see a button for ‘Export.’ This allows you to export (.PDF, .CSV, .TXT) all your text messages in a single file. You also have the option to export vCards, shared files and attachments as separate files.

You can check out this video below for more information.

About the Author:

Allie Cooper. Blogger. An uber Apple fan. App enthusiast and an iPhone addict. A music lover and a film fanatic as well. Outside of writing she loves playing the piano.