Simple Steps to Save Text Messages on iPhone

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Learn how you can save your messages by taking screenshots, forwarding, or saving as a PDF on Mac
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This wikiHow will show you how to save a text message from an iPhone. No matter what the reason for saving a text message is, the process is simple. While there is no functionality to save, download, or export messages within the iMessage app, you can take a few workarounds to save your text messages.

Things You Should Know

  • The easiest and quickest way to save a message is by taking a screenshot. Press "Power" and "Volume Up" to do so.
  • Tap and hold a text bubble and tap "More". Select the messages you want to save and forward them to an email or copy and paste the text messages into Notes.
  • Open a text message conversation on iMessage for Mac. Click "File" > "Print" > Select PDF as the file type and click "Print."
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Taking a Screenshot

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    This app icon looks like a white speech bubble on a green square. You'll find this in your Dock or on your home screen.
    • This method allows you to save your text messages without needing a computer or any special software.
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    You may need to swipe down on your phone to hide the keyboard.
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    For newer iPhones, press the button on the right side of the phone (the power/lock button) and press the volume up button on the left. For older iPhones with the physical home button, press the sleep/wake and home buttons at the same time.
    • Repeat this process of taking screenshots of the texts until you are done.
    • These screenshots are now in the Photos app. You can share them via email or save them to iCloud.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Copying or Forwarding the Text

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    It has a green icon with a white speech bubble. Touch the Messages app to open Messages.
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    Find the conversation with the text message(s) you want to save. Tap the conversation to open it.
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    You can tap and hold any message bubble. This displays a drop-down menu.
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    This displays a checkbox next to each message.
    • If you just want to save one text message, you can tap Copy to copy the text.
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    Tap the checkbox next to each message you want to save.
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    It's the button that resembles a curved arrow pointing left. It's in the lower-right corner.
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    You can enter another phone number or an email address (such as your own).
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    It's the green icon with an arrow pointing up. It's to the right of the text message field. This will forward the message. [1]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using a Mac

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    It has a green icon with a white speech bubble. Click the iMessage icon in the Dock or in the Applications folder. You can save a text conversation as a PDF on your Mac.
    • You need to activate iMessage on your Mac to access your text messages on your Mac.
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    Your conversations are listed to the left. Click the conversation you want to save.
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    Use the scroll bar on the left or the magic mouse touchpad to scroll to where you want to save the conversation.
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    It's in the menu bar at the top.
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    It's at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
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    Use the drop-down menu at the bottom left corner to select "Save as PDF."
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    In the Save As window that pops up, enter a name for the conversation. You can also select a save destination for the PDF (such as your Documents folder). Then, click the blue Save button at the bottom of the window.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Back Up Text Messages

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    It has an icon that resembles two silver gears. You can preserve all your text messages by backing them up to iCloud .
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    It's at the top of the Settings menu. This opens your Apple ID page.
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    It's next to an icon that resembles a blue cloud.
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    It's below the "Apps using iCloud" header. This will back up your text messages to iCloud.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://cyberguy.com/iphone/4-ways-to-print-out-save-send-iphone-text-messages/amp/
      2. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/01/technology/personaltech/copying-iphone-messages-to-the-computer.html

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