[3 Methods] How to Back up Text Messages on iPhone Effectively?
Text messages often carry valuable information and fond memories from our work and personal lives, as well as special conversations that we don't want to lose. That's why it's so important to back up your iPhone text messages. If something goes wrong, such as accidental deletion or system problems, a backup means you can easily get your text messages back.
In this guide, we'll show you some simple ways to back up your iPhone text messages, either directly on your device or using a cloud service. Plus, we'll share a bonus tip on how to recover deleted text messages or iMessages without a backup.
These three approaches make iPhone SMS backup simple. First, let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of these three approaches. After reviewing this table for comparison, choose the one that suits your needs.
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Pros
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Cons
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MobiKin Assistant for iOS
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1. Support contacts, media files, apps and other files. 2. Selectively/completely backup to computer without size limitation. 3. Fast for data transferring. 4. The backed up text messages are readable on computer. 5. 100% clean & safe. |
1. The full version is not free. 2. You can not access the backups via wireless networks. |
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iTunes
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1. Support contacts, calendars, and media files. 2. iPhone data can be synced to iTunes automatically. 3. Backup iPhone data to computer without size limitation. |
1. The backed up files are saved unreadable. 2. Do not support backing up selectively. 3. The speed for data backing up is slow. |
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iCloud
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1. Support iMessages, SMS, MMS, app data, devices settings and media files. 2. You can access the backups whenever and wherever if connect to Wi-Fi. 3. Support files sharing. |
1. Only 5 GB free storage is offered. You need to pay for more space. 2. Only support restoring from the latest backed up files. 3. The backup speed is up to the networks. |
Method 1. Back up Text Messages on iPhone to Computer
Although iTunes/iCloud can back up messages on iPhone, they lack message viewing functions, do not support selective message backup, and iCloud storage space is limited. For a worry-free alternative, consider MobiKin Assistant for iOS. It can seamlessly view, select, and back up messages, giving users the flexibility to back up the messages they really want to back up. In addition, iOS Assistant has expanded management functions for photos, videos, music, applications, etc. With the user-friendly features of iOS Assistant, backing up iPhone or iPad becomes a breeze.
Main Highlights of Assistant for iOS:
- Differing from iTunes and iCloud, Assistant for iOS offers selective message backup.
- Preview and select specified iMessages and text messages before backing up.
- Export text messages to computer in .txt, .html, .csv, and .db formats for easy reading and printing.
- Supports various iOS files, including SMS, contacts, notes, calendars, bookmarks, media files, books, apps, and more.
- Compatible with the latest iPhone 16 series and iOS 18.
How to back up texts on iPhone to Computer using Assistant for iOS?
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the computer
Begin by launching MobiKin Assistant for iOS and connecting your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. Follow the on-screen instructions to ensure proper recognition of your iPhone. The main interface will display your iPhone's details.
Step 2. Select text messages on your iPhone
On the left side of the interface, your iPhone's contents are visible. Click on "Messages" to preview your conversations, and selectively tick the SMS you wish to back up.
Step 3. Backup text messages from iPhone to the computer
After making your selections, click "Export" at the top of the interface. You'll then be prompted to choose a preferred format and output location for the messages before initiating the backup process.
Video Guide:
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Method 2. Back up iPhone Text Messages to iCloud
iCloud provides a method to sync messages over Wi-Fi. While iCloud backup enables data viewing on other iDevices like Mac or iPad, it lacks the option to selectively back up desired messages, similar to iTunes. If your iPhone contains extensive data, determining the duration of an iCloud backup might be uncertain. Additionally, iCloud allocates only 5GB of free space per user.
The process of iCloud messages backup varies slightly depending on your iOS version. However, the initial step remains consistent: connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
Back up messages to iCloud in iOS 16 or later:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone, then tap on [your name] > iCloud.
- Select "Show All" under APPS USING ICLOUD.
- Tap on "Messages."
- Toggle the switch next to "Sync this iPhone." If the toggle is green, iMessage and SMS messages, including images and attachments, will be synced.
- For syncing WhatsApp messages alongside text messages, simply enable the sync feature for WhatsApp.
Back up messages on iCloud in iOS 11.4 up to iOS 15:
- Navigate to the iPhone Settings app and tap on [your name] at the top.
- Choose "iCloud."
- Scroll down and toggle the switch for "Messages" to the ON position.
Back up messages to iCloud for older iOS:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select "iCloud."
- Choose "Backup" or "iCloud Backup."
- Activate iCloud Backup.
- Tap "Back Up Now" to securely back up your iPhone's text messages.
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Method 3. Back up SMS Messages on iPhone with iTunes/Finder
When utilizing iTunes or Finder to back up iPhone text messages, be aware that it mandates a comprehensive backup of the entire device without the ability to selectively choose specific items. Moreover, directly perusing or accessing messages within an iTunes backup necessitates a restoration process. To commence the full backup, connect your iPhone to the computer, launch iTunes, opt for "Summary" from the left sidebar, and finally, initiate the backup by clicking "Back Up Now." (What does iTunes backup include?)
How do you back up texts on iPhone via iTunes:
- Link your iPhone to the computer via the USB cable.
- Launch iTunes, ensuring it's the latest version.
- Select the small device icon in the upper-left corner.
- Opt for "Summary" from the left sidebar.
- Click the "Back Up Now" button. Note that iTunes lacks the option to selectively back up messages or specific data.
Mac users using macOS Catalina 10.15 or later must utilize Finder for a complete iPhone backup, encompassing saved messages. How can you back up text messages on iPhone with Finder?
- Open Finder and connect your iPhone to your Mac.
- Locate and choose your iPhone in the left column.
- Navigate to the General tab, then click the "Back Up Now" button to initiate a thorough iTunes backup for your iPhone, including all messages.
Bonus: How to Recover Deleted Text Messages on iPhone without Backup
If you accidentally deleted your text messages before creating a backup, don't worry, there are reliable tools that can help you recover them. One of the best options is MobiKin Doctor for iOS, a professional data recovery software for iPhone and iPad users. It can not only recover text messages, but also retrieve contacts, photos, videos, and more.
What's special about this tool is that it can recover data directly from your iPhone, iTunes, and iCloud backups without resetting the device or overwriting any existing data. It's a safe and flexible solution for various data loss situations.
It's easy to use: just connect your iPhone to your computer, launch the software, and select "Recover from iDevice". Then follow the on-screen instructions to get started.
Step 1. Install and start the software on a computer after the free download. Choose "Recover from iOS Device" from its primary window. Next, connect your iPhone to the PC/Mac via USB and follow the on-screen introductions to let the tool recognize your device.
Step 2. Soon, you'll get the main screen of the utility with all recovered file types on it. Subsequently, choose "Messages" and tap "Start Scan" to load all the detailed info of your messages.
Step 3. Place a checkmark on the text messages on the right column of the screen and click "Recover to Computer" to recover deleted messages onto your computer.
Wrapping Up
In this tutorial, we present three safe and easy methods to back up/transfer text messages on iPhone. A clear comparison of their pros and cons is provided. Choose the one that best suits your preferences for saving iPhone SMS.
Among the mentioned methods, using Assistant for iOS stands out as the easiest way to back up iPhone messages. Especially suitable for those who prefer comprehensive iPhone management, this tool is designed for efficiency. If this guide assists you in backing up messages on your iPhone, be sure to share it with more friends.
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