How to install TextPort for Mac and give it Messages access
You will have TextPort for Mac open, showing every chat saved in Messages on that Mac.
What you need
- ✓A Mac with macOS 14 or newer
- ✓Messages signed in on that Mac, with chats in it
TextPort for Mac reads the chats that Messages keeps on your Mac. Setup is one download and one folder pick.
Steps
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1
Download TextPort for Mac
Go to textport.com/desktop. Click Download for macOS.
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2
Open the app
Open the file you downloaded. Drag TextPort into Applications. Then open it from Applications.
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3
Click Continue
A welcome window opens. Click Continue.
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4
Click Choose Messages Folder
TextPort asks to read your Messages folder. Click Choose Messages Folder. A file picker opens, already in the right folder.
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5
Select the folder and click Choose Folder
Stay in that folder. Do not open a different one. Click the Messages folder once so it is highlighted. Then click Choose Folder at the bottom.
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6
Choose the Attachments folder if asked
On some Macs, TextPort also needs the Attachments folder. If you see Choose Attachments Folder, click it. Stay in the folder the picker opens. Click the Attachments folder once so it is highlighted. Then click Choose Attachments.
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7
Allow Contacts, or skip
TextPort can show names instead of phone numbers. Click Continue and then Allow. Or click Maybe Later.
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8
See your chats
Your chats appear in the list on the left. Click one to read it.
Done
TextPort for Mac is set up. All chats saved in Messages on this Mac are ready to read and export.
Tips
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TextPort reads a copy of the Messages database. It never sends your messages anywhere.
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Only chats on this Mac show. If your Mac does not sync Messages with iCloud, some chats may be missing. Turn on Messages in iCloud on your Mac and iPhone and wait for sync.
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Changed your mind about a folder? Open TextPort › Settings › General and click Choose Folder….
Questions
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TextPort is sandboxed for your safety. macOS lets you grant one folder at a time. You pick the Messages folder once, and TextPort remembers it.
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Press Command-Shift-G in the picker. Type
~/Library/Messagesand press Return. Click the Messages folder once, then click Choose Folder. -
Turn on Messages in iCloud on both devices. On the Mac, open Messages, then Settings, then iMessage, and check Enable Messages in iCloud. Wait for sync, then reopen TextPort.
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Yes. Download it from textport.com/desktop.
Start exporting your messages
Available for iPhone, Mac, and Windows. No computer required.
