# How to continue on Mac or Windows

## Quick answer

In TextPort, with **Messages** picked at the top:

1. Tap **Add Chat**.
2. Scroll down. Tap **Continue on Mac or Windows**.
3. Tap **Mac** or **Windows PC**.
4. Tap **Get TextPort for Mac** or **Get TextPort for Windows**.

Then install TextPort on the computer.

## What you need

- TextPort on your iPhone
- A Mac or a Windows PC

## Steps

1. Tap **Add Chat**

   Open TextPort. It is at the bottom of **Saved Chats**.

2. Tap **Continue on Mac or Windows**

   Scroll down to the last card. **Import using a Computer** opens.

   Tip: TextPort may ask you to unlock this.

3. Tap **Mac** or **Windows PC**

   **Which computer do you have?** is at the top. Tap **Mac** or **Windows PC**. The steps change to fit.

4. Tap **Get TextPort for Mac**

   On Windows it says **Get TextPort for Windows**. Your browser opens the download page.

   Tip: You can also go to textport.com/desktop on the computer.

5. Install TextPort on the computer

   On Mac, see [Install TextPort for Mac](https://textport.com/guides/install-textport-for-mac-and-give-messages-access.md). On Windows, see [Install TextPort for Windows](https://textport.com/guides/install-textport-for-windows.md).

## Done

You have the download page for your computer. The computer guides take it from there.

## Problems

| What you see | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| There is no **Continue on Mac or Windows** card. | It shows only when **Messages** is picked. Tap the app name at the top. Tap **Messages**. |
| You do not have a computer. | Tap **Continue on iPhone instead**. **Scroll Capture** opens. |
| Your texts are not in Messages on your Mac. | Turn on Messages in iCloud on your iPhone and your Mac. Wait for them to download. |
| Your PC does not see your iPhone. | Use a USB cable. Tap **Trust** on your iPhone. See [Fix an iPhone not showing up](https://textport.com/guides/fix-iphone-not-showing-up-on-windows.md). |
| None of these match. | Email [support@textportapp.com](mailto:support@textportapp.com). Say which step you were on. Say what you saw. We usually reply within a day. |

## Questions

### Why use a computer?

For a long chat with all its attachments. On Windows, TextPort reads a backup of your iPhone. On a Mac, it reads the Messages on that Mac.

### Does it work for WhatsApp?

No. This card is for Messages. For WhatsApp, use [Import from WhatsApp](https://textport.com/guides/export-a-whatsapp-chat-to-textport.md).

## Next guides

- [How to install TextPort for Mac and give it Messages access](https://textport.com/guides/install-textport-for-mac-and-give-messages-access.md): You will have TextPort for Mac open, showing every chat saved in Messages on that Mac.
- [How to install TextPort for Windows](https://textport.com/guides/install-textport-for-windows.md): You will have TextPort open on your Windows PC, ready to back up your iPhone.
- [How to back up your iPhone to your PC with TextPort](https://textport.com/guides/back-up-your-iphone-to-your-pc.md): You will have a backup of your iPhone on your PC, and your messages open in TextPort.
- [How to pick a way to import a chat](https://textport.com/guides/pick-a-way-to-import-a-chat.md): You will know which way to import your chat, and where to tap to start it.

## On other platforms

- On Mac: [How to install TextPort for Mac and give it Messages access](https://textport.com/guides/install-textport-for-mac-and-give-messages-access.md)
- On Windows: [How to install TextPort for Windows](https://textport.com/guides/install-textport-for-windows.md)

TextPort guide for iPhone. Updated 2026-11-05. Web page: https://textport.com/guides/continue-on-mac-or-windows