Message Archive Utility

Local iPhone message archive

Search and export iPhone messages from a local Mac backup.

Message Archive Utility is a Mac app in private beta. It imports from an unencrypted iPhone backup on your Mac, then lets you search and export PDF, Excel, or CSV files.

  • Mac app
  • Local backup import
  • No account
PDF · Excel · CSV
Export formats
Mac private beta
Current availability
Local backup
Import source
Private beta details See how it works

Private beta builds are shared directly. There is no public download yet.

What it does

What you get in the Mac app.

Private beta build

Message Archive Utility for Mac

Make an iPhone message archive you can browse, search, and export without uploading your messages.

  • Imports from an unencrypted local iPhone backup on your Mac.
  • Searches conversations by names, words, and phrases.
  • Exports PDF, Excel, and CSV files you choose where to save.

Import from a local backup

Start with an unencrypted iPhone backup saved on your Mac.

Search conversations

Browse threads and search old messages by names, words, and phrases.

Export useful copies

Export conversations, search results, date ranges, or the full archive as PDF, Excel, or CSV.

First import

Start with a local iPhone backup.

Create the backup in Finder. Then import the messages the app can read and search them locally.

  1. 1

    Back up your iPhone in Finder

    Connect your iPhone, open Finder, and create a local backup on your Mac.

  2. 2

    Leave encryption off for this import

    For the current beta, make sure "Encrypt local backup" is not selected.

  3. 3

    Import, search, and export

    Choose the backup in the app, then search conversations and export PDF, Excel, or CSV files.

Exports

What you can export.

PDF

Readable conversation-style files for saving or printing selected messages.

Excel

Workbooks with message rows you can review, sort, or filter.

CSV

Simple spreadsheet-friendly files when you want a lightweight copy.

View export examples

Why local

Your archive should be readable, searchable, and yours.

Message Archive Utility is built for the practical work people actually need after years of iPhone messages pile up.

Readable outside your phone

Turn selected conversations into files you can save, review, or print.

No upload step

Import, search, and export happen from the local archive on your Mac.

Useful, not technical

The app focuses on backup, import, search, and export steps in plain language.

Private beta

Private beta access is limited.

The app is not available for public download yet. Private beta builds are shared only with named testers while install and import steps are tested.

Read availability notes