How to export only a date range
Quick answer
In a chat from Messages, WhatsApp, or LINE:
- Tap Export, then PDF, Spreadsheet, or Text.
- Tap the filter icon in the top right.
- Pick a day next to From. Pick a day next to To.
- Tap the check mark.
The preview then shows only those days. Share or save it as usual.
- On Mac: How to filter a chat by date on Mac
- On Windows: How to export only some dates on Windows
What you need
- ✓TextPort on your iPhone
- ✓A chat from Messages, WhatsApp, or LINE that covers more than one day
Steps
-
Tap Export
Open the chat. It is the blue button at the bottom. Export Chat opens.
-
Tap PDF, Spreadsheet, or Text
The preview for that file opens.
TextPort may ask you to unlock this.
-
Tap the filter icon
It has three short lines. It is in the top right, next to the share button. Filter by Date opens.
-
Pick the dates
Tap the date next to From (1). Pick a day. Do the same next to To (2).
-
Tap the check mark
It is the blue button in the top right (3). The preview builds again.
-
Check the preview
Only messages from those days show. The filter icon turns blue.
-
Tap the share button
It is the blue button in the top right. A card opens.
-
Tap Share or Files
Share (1) sends the file to an app. Files (2) saves it. See Save an export to Files or iCloud Drive.
Done
You have a file with only the messages from those dates.
Problems
There is no filter icon.
The chat came from screenshots or Scroll Capture, or it covers one day. The filter shows only for chats from Messages, WhatsApp, or LINE that cover more than one day.
You want the whole chat again.
Tap the filter icon. Tap Reset Filters. Tap the check mark.
Too few messages show.
Tap the filter icon. Pick a wider range. Only messages sent within the dates are in the export.
None of these match.
Email [email protected]. Say which step you were on. Say what you saw. We usually reply within a day.
Questions
-
No. It changes only this export. The chat keeps every message.
-
Yes. Print Preview has the same filter icon.
Next guides
-
How to export a chat to PDF
You will get a PDF of one chat, with names, dates, and times, ready to share or print.
-
How to export a chat to a CSV spreadsheet
You will have a CSV file of the chat, with one row for each message.
-
How to export a chat to a text file
You will have a plain text file of the chat, with one line for each message.
-
How to print a chat from your iPhone
You will have a paper copy of one chat, with names, dates, and times.
Start exporting your messages
Available for iPhone, Mac, and Windows. No computer required.
