Why does TextPort use a Shortcut?

Apps cannot read your Messages on their own. Apple's Shortcuts can, with your permission. The Shortcut reads the chat and hands it to TextPort.

Yes. The Shortcut only reads the chat and dates you pick. Nothing else. You can see every step of it in the Shortcuts app.

Can I pick more than one chat?

One chat per import. Run it again for the next chat.

I do not see Import from Messages.

It needs iOS 26 or newer and the latest TextPort. Update both. If it is still missing, use Scroll Capture instead.

How to import iMessage and SMS with the TextPort Shortcut

You will get a chat from Apple Messages saved in TextPort, with every message word for word.

iPhone 11 steps · Updated Sep 20, 2026

What you need

✓TextPort on your iPhone
✓Apple's Shortcuts app (it comes with iOS)
✓A few minutes. Keep Shortcuts open while it runs.

This is the best way to save iMessage and SMS chats. It gets every message, word for word. You install a small Shortcut once. Then TextPort does the rest.

Steps

1

Tap Add Chat

Open TextPort. Tap Add Chat at the bottom.
2

Tap Import from Messages

Make sure Messages is picked at the top. Tap the Import from Messages card.
3

Tap Add Shortcut

The first time, TextPort asks you to add its Shortcut. Tap Add Shortcut. Apple's Shortcuts app opens.
4

Tap Add Shortcut in the Shortcuts app

Scroll down. Tap Add Shortcut. If asked, tap Replace. Then go back to TextPort.
5

Tap Find chats

TextPort now shows a Find chats button. Tap it. Shortcuts opens for a moment and reads your chat list. Then TextPort shows it.
6

Pick the chat

Tap the chat you want (1). You can search by name. Then tap Choose dates (2).
7

Pick the dates

Tap 1 Week, 1 Month, or Choose dates (1). Fewer days means a faster import. Then tap Continue (2).
8

Tap Start import

Read what happens next. Then tap Start import. Shortcuts opens.
9

Keep Shortcuts open

Do not close Shortcuts. Do not lock your phone. It collects your messages. This takes a few minutes for a big chat.
10

Tell TextPort which person is you

When Shortcuts is done, TextPort opens. It may ask Which one is you? Tap your name.
11

Open your chat

The chat shows up in Saved Chats. Tap it to read it.

Done

Your Messages chat is saved in TextPort, word for word, with dates and times.

Tips

You only add the Shortcut once. Next time, TextPort skips that step.
Turn on Notify when done in Settings. TextPort pings you when the import is done.
Photos and videos come along. If some are missing, TextPort offers to recover them after the import.
If the import gets stuck, see the fix guide below.

Questions

: Apps cannot read your Messages on their own. Apple's Shortcuts can, with your permission. The Shortcut reads the chat and hands it to TextPort.
: Yes. The Shortcut only reads the chat and dates you pick. Nothing else. You can see every step of it in the Shortcuts app.
: One chat per import. Run it again for the next chat.
: It needs iOS 26 or newer and the latest TextPort. Update both. If it is still missing, use Scroll Capture instead.