[3 Free Ways] Transfer Text Messages from iPhone to Computer

Why You Should Transfer iPhone Messages to Computer?

The Messages app contains valuable conversations, photos, videos, and attachments. Learning how to transfer text messages from iPhone to computer for free helps preserve memories, maintain important conversation records, and free up device storage space.

Whether you use Windows PC or Mac, this guide provides free methods to save your iPhone messages effectively.

Method Comparison: Choose Your Best Option

Method	Speed	Ease of Use	Compatible Devices	Features
👍🏻FoneTool	Fast	Very Easy	Windows PC	Selective transfer, direct message viewing, no data loss
iTunes	Slow	Medium	Windows PC, Mac	Full device backup only, cannot view messages directly
iMessages	Medium	Easy	Mac	Automatic sync for Mac users, requires iCloud

Way 1. How to Transfer Text Messages from iPhone to PC for Free

FoneTool provides the most efficient way to transfer text messages from iPhone to computer for free. This tool enables quick, secure message transfers with selective backup options. Unlike iTunes, FoneTool allows you to select messages and save only the ones you want, and then you can view iPhone messages on computer directly.

Now, download FoneTool and follow the easy guide to learn how to download text messages from iPhone to computer free.

Step 1. Connect iPhone to computer via USB > Launch FoneTool > Navigate to Phone Backup > Select Selective Backup > Tap Get Start.

Step 2. Click Messages icon > Preview and select specific conversations > Use Select All for complete transfer > Tap OK to confirm.

Step 3. Choose storage location on computer > Tap Start Backup to begin transfer process.

Restore Messages to iPhone:

When you need to transfer messages to iPhone, connect iPhone > Go to My Backups > Select Restore > Choose Messages icon to restore previous conversations without data loss.

By the way, as a professional iOS data management tool, FoneTool not only has the backup function, but also supports you to transfer iPhone data to iPhone/iPad/PC and vice versa. For example, you can transfer ringtones from computer to iPhone with ease!

Way 2. How to Transfer Messages from iPhone to Computer via iTunes

iTunes creates complete iPhone backups containing messages, but doesn't allow selective transfers or direct message viewing on computer. Here is the guide to learn how to transfer messages from iPhone to computer for free:

Step 1. Connect iPhone to computer > Launch iTunes > Tap Trust on iPhone when prompted.

Step 2. Click Device tab > Summary > This Computer > Select Back Up Now.

Step 3.Wait for backup completion > Messages are now stored within the backup file.

Way 3. How to Export iPhone Messages to Computer by iMessages (Mac)

For Mac users, iMessage sync provides automatic message transfer through iCloud.

Notes:✎...

Synced messages delete from both devices if removed from iPhone

Recommended for message synchronization, not permanent backups

Use FoneTool or iTunes for proper message backups

Check the guide to learn how to copy text messages from iPhone to computer:

Step 1. On iPhone: Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Enable Messages toggle.

Step 2. On Mac: Open Messages app > Sign in with same Apple ID used on iPhone.

Step 3. Messages automatically sync between devices via iCloud.

Conclusion

That’s all about how to transfer text messages from iPhone to computer for free.

• FoneTool: Most versatile option with selective transfers and direct viewing

• iTunes: Reliable for complete backups but lacks selective functionality

• iMessages: Convenient for Mac users but not ideal for large-scale transfers

Select the method that best fits your needs. For optimal flexibility and control, download FoneTool to experience seamless message transfers.