Why is a chat missing from the list?

TextPort shows the chats saved in Messages on this Mac. If a chat is only on your iPhone, turn on Messages in iCloud on both devices and wait for sync. See the fix guide .

Why does a chat show a phone number instead of a name?

TextPort needs Contacts access to show names. Open TextPort, then Settings, then General, and click Allow Access under Contacts Access.

Does Search chats look inside every message?

No. It checks the chat name, the phone number or email, and the last message. To find words inside one chat, open it and press Command-F.

How to find and open a chat on Mac

You will have the chat you want open on the right side of TextPort.

Mac 3 steps · Updated Sep 25, 2026

What you need

✓TextPort for Mac, set up with Messages access

Every chat saved in Messages on your Mac is in the list on the left. Search it to find one fast.

Steps

1

Click Search chats

Open TextPort. Click Search chats at the top of the list on the left.
2

Type a name or number

Type the person's name or phone number. You can also type a word from their last message. The list shows only chats that match.
3

Click the chat

Click the chat in the list. Its messages show on the right.

Done

The chat is open. Scroll up and down to read it.

Tips

Chats with the newest messages are at the top of the list.
Clear the search box to see every chat again.
Want two chats side by side? Press Command-N for a new window.

Questions

: TextPort shows the chats saved in Messages on this Mac. If a chat is only on your iPhone, turn on Messages in iCloud on both devices and wait for sync. See the fix guide.
: TextPort needs Contacts access to show names. Open TextPort, then Settings, then General, and click Allow Access under Contacts Access.
: No. It checks the chat name, the phone number or email, and the last message. To find words inside one chat, open it and press Command-F.