# How to prepare text messages for court

## Quick answer

1. Import the whole chat with **Import from Messages**, **Import from WhatsApp**, or **Import with Scroll Capture**.
2. Check every name, date, and time.
3. Tap **Export**, then **PDF**.
4. Tap **Add** on the **Add phone numbers to this PDF** card. Add each number.
5. Save the PDF to **Files**.

Keep the original chat on your phone.

## What you need

- TextPort on your iPhone
- The chat, still on your phone

## Steps

1. Tap **Add Chat**

   It is at the bottom of **Saved Chats**. The import choices open.

2. Tap the way to import

   For iMessage and SMS, tap **Import from Messages**. For WhatsApp, tap **Import from WhatsApp**. For other apps, tap **Import with Scroll Capture**.

   Tip: Import all of the chat, not just a part. Courts want context.

3. Tap the name at the top of the chat

   Check that each person has a real name. Check that **Me** is next to your name.

4. Check dates and times

   Scroll the chat. Each message has a date and a time.

5. Tap **Export**, then **PDF**

   **Export** is at the bottom of the chat. **PDF Preview** opens.

6. Tap **Add**

   It is on the **Add phone numbers to this PDF** card. **Chat Details** opens. Type each person's number.

7. Tap **Files**

   Tap the share button in the top right first. Then tap **Files**. Save it to iCloud Drive or another safe place.

   Tip: To send a copy to your lawyer, tap **Share**.

8. Keep the original chat

   Do not delete the chat from your phone. The court may ask to see it.

## Done

You have a PDF with names, phone numbers, dates, and times. The original chat is still on your phone.

## Problems

| What you see | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| A name is wrong. | Tap the name at the top of the chat. Change it. See [Edit chat and contact names](https://textport.com/guides/edit-chat-and-contact-names.md). |
| A time is wrong in a screenshot chat. | Long press the message. Tap **Edit Timestamp**. Chats from Messages and WhatsApp are exact copies. Their times are already right. |
| Your lawyer wants only some dates. | In **PDF Preview**, tap the filter icon. Set the dates. It shows only for chats from Messages, WhatsApp, or LINE that cover more than one day. Keep the full chat too. |
| Photos are missing from the PDF. | Chats from screenshots show only the photos TextPort could cut out. Long press a message. Tap **Add attachment**. See [Add a missing attachment by hand](https://textport.com/guides/add-a-missing-attachment-by-hand.md). |
| It is a group chat. | Do the same steps. Each message shows the sender's name. Add a phone number for each person. |
| 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. |

## Tips

- Do not change what people wrote. Fix only names, dates, and times.
- Print two copies. One is for the court. One is for you.

## Questions

### Is a TextPort PDF accepted in court?

Rules differ by court. TextPort PDFs can be used in court. Keep the original chat. Ask your lawyer when you are not sure.

### Do I need a sworn statement?

Some courts want one that says the PDF is true. Ask your lawyer or the court clerk.

## Next guides

- [How to export a chat to PDF](https://textport.com/guides/export-a-chat-to-pdf.md): You will get a PDF of one chat, with names, dates, and times, ready to share or print.
- [How to add phone numbers to a PDF](https://textport.com/guides/add-phone-numbers-to-a-pdf.md): Your PDF will show each person's phone number next to their name.
- [How to send text messages to a lawyer](https://textport.com/guides/send-messages-to-a-lawyer.md): Your lawyer will get a PDF of the whole chat, with names, phone numbers, dates, and times.

## On other platforms

- On Mac: [How to export one chat to PDF, CSV, or TXT on Mac](https://textport.com/guides/export-one-chat-to-pdf-csv-or-txt-on-mac.md)
- On Windows: [How to export a conversation to PDF, CSV, or TXT on Windows](https://textport.com/guides/export-a-conversation-to-pdf-csv-or-txt-on-windows.md)

TextPort guide for iPhone. Updated 2026-11-05. Web page: https://textport.com/guides/prepare-messages-for-court