PhoneScrollFrequently asked questions about PhoneScroll
Everything you need to know to back up, read and export the messages on your iPhone. Another question? Use the chat bubble at the bottom of the page.
What is PhoneScroll?
A Mac app that copies your iPhone to your computer and lets you read all your text messages, iMessages and WhatsApp chats, with their photos, videos and voice messages. You can then export one conversation or your whole history to PDF or CSV, with the date and time of each message.
Do I need to install anything else?
No. On Mac, everything needed to talk to the iPhone is built into the app. Connect the iPhone with a USB cable, unlock it and tap "Trust" when it asks.
Which computers and iPhones does it work with?
Macs running macOS 12 or later, Intel and Apple silicon alike, with iPhones on recent versions of iOS (including iOS 26). A Windows version is in the works.
Are my messages sent over the internet?
No. The copy of your iPhone and the reading of it stay on your computer. Our server only receives the license activation (your key and an anonymous ID for the computer) and anonymous usage statistics, such as "a backup succeeded" along with its size. Never the content, names or phone numbers. You can turn these statistics off in the app's Settings.
How long does the backup take?
The first one is a full copy: expect anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour depending on how much data you have (mostly photos). Later backups only copy what changed and are much faster. Keep the iPhone connected and unlocked during the copy.
How much space do I need on my computer?
Roughly the space used on your iPhone. You can pick a folder on an external drive in the backup options.
Does PhoneScroll read WhatsApp?
Yes. The WhatsApp chats on your iPhone are read with their photos, videos and voice messages, just like text messages and iMessages.
Can I recover deleted messages?
No. PhoneScroll reads what's in your iPhone backup at the moment you make it. A message deleted from the iPhone before the backup isn't in it. That's exactly why it's best to back up regularly.
My backup is encrypted. Is that a problem?
Encrypted backups can be made and restored, but not read in the app. To explore your messages, make an unencrypted backup.
How do I export a conversation to PDF?
Open the backup, pick the conversation, then click "PDF". The document lists every message with the date, time, direction (sent or received) and contact. Your filters (date range, search, content type) are applied. Export is part of PhoneScroll Pro. Step by step: How to print text messages from iPhone to PDF (with date and time).
Will a PDF export hold up as evidence in court?
PhoneScroll faithfully reproduces the content of the backup, but it does not certify the messages. Whether an export is accepted depends on your case and your court: ask your lawyer. See Using text messages as evidence in court: how to export them properly.
What's free and what's paid?
Free: the full backup and unlimited reading of all your messages and media, plus search and filters. PhoneScroll Pro (29 €, one-time purchase, no subscription) adds PDF and CSV export, export of photos, videos and voice messages, and restoring a backup to an iPhone.
How many computers can I use my Pro license on?
Two. To switch computers, deactivate the license in the Settings of the old one, then activate it on the new one.
I lost my license key
It was emailed to you after your purchase. You can also get it again with the "I lost my license key" form at the bottom of the home page.
Can I use it on someone else's phone?
Only with their consent. PhoneScroll is made to keep and read your own data.