If you need a way to back up text messages on iPhone without iCloud, this guide will help you a lot. You can choose FoneTool, iTunes or Gmail to make it in simple clicks. And FoneTool mentioned in Method 1 might be the best way!
Important text messages often accumulate on iPhones, requiring reliable backup solutions for data protection and storage management. Given iCloud's storage limitations and internet dependency, alternative backup methods provide more control and flexibility.
This guide presents three effective methods for backing up iPhone text messages without iCloud, including offline solutions that don't require internet connectivity.
FoneTool provides the most comprehensive solution for selective text message backup from iPhone to PC, developed by a team with 15 years of data security experience.
Best & Recommended iPhone Data Backup Software
100% Secure
Step 1. Install FoneTool > Connect iPhone via USB > Tap Trust.
Step 2. Go to Phone Backup > Selective Backup > Get Started.
Step 3. Check Messages > Choose specific conversations > Tap OK.
Sep 4. Change the Backup Storage Path to save them as you like > Click Start Backup.
iTunes provides official full-device backup capability, suitable for Windows and older macOS systems.
Step 1. onnect iPhone to computer via USB > Launch iTunes your PC or Mac.
Step 2. Click device icon > Click the Summary tab.
Step 3. Select This Computer under Backup (Optional: check the Encrypt iPhone Backup).
Step 4. Click Back Up Now to begin the task.
No selective message backup - entire device backup required
Backup files are inaccessible until restoration
No individual file preview or extraction
Gmail offers simple text message forwarding for small-scale backups without computer requirements.
Step 1. Open Settings on iPhone > Scroll down to tap Messages.
Step 2. Choose the Text Message Forwarding option.
Step 3. Add Gmail account or linked device
To back up iPhone text messages to iCloud, you can open Settings > Tap your profile at the top of the screen > Click iCloud > Scroll down to Messages in the Apps Using iCloud section > Tap the switch to turn it from gray to green You can also set up iCloud for Messages on all your devices. Then all your messages can be synced across your iOS devices.
To save text messages from an iPhone, you can save them to a note, email, or export them to a computer. You can also set your iPhone to keep messages forever.
As a professional iPhone backup tool, FoneTool also allows you to back up WhatsApp to PC. You can go to WhatsApp Manager > Choose Backup WhatsApp to make it in simple clicks. After the backup, you can directly view your WhatsApp chat from the computer or choose to export specific items to HTML.
This guide demonstrates three effective methods for backing up iPhone text messages without iCloud dependency. For selective backup control, rapid transfer speeds, and immediate access to backed-up messages, FoneTool provides the optimal solution. Its additional capabilities for photos, videos, WhatsApp, and complete device backups make it the most versatile choice for comprehensive iPhone data management.