iOS App Support
Need help with the app? Have questions or found a bug?
Report an Issue: Click here to contact support
Response Time: Usually within 24-48 hours
This page provides support for the Message Archive iOS app. Find answers to common questions, learn how to use the app, and get help when you need it.
1. Make sure your archive folder is accessible in the Files app on your iPhone
2. Open Message Archive and tap "Import Messages"
3. Navigate to your archive folder and select it
4. Choose "Save to Device" or "Link Only"
5. Wait for the import to complete
Yes! Your messages never leave your device. Message Archive reads your archive files locally and never transmits any data over the internet. There are no cloud services, no data uploads, and no tracking.
Save to Device: Copies the entire archive to your iPhone's storage. Works offline, but uses device storage space.
Link Only: Links to the archive in iCloud or Files. Saves storage space, but requires the archive folder to remain accessible.
No. iOS doesn't allow apps to import messages into the native Messages app. Message Archive is a viewer for your archived messages - a separate read-only archive of your message history.
This usually means:
• The archive folder structure is incorrect
• The JSON file is missing or corrupted
• File permissions issue
Solution: Make sure your archive folder contains a valid messages export JSON file and a media folder. Try re-exporting your messages and importing again.
Tap the search icon at the top of the conversation list. You can search by contact name, phone number, or message content. The app will show all conversations matching your search.
No. Message Archive is a viewer only. It doesn't modify or export your archive. To create a new export, you need to use the original export tool.
If using "Save to Device", you need enough space for your entire archive. The size depends on your message count and media. Text messages are small (a few KB each), but photos/videos add up. Check your archive folder size before importing.
Currently, Message Archive supports one active archive at a time. To view a different archive, you'll need to import it (which replaces the current archive).
Try these steps:
1. Force quit the app and reopen it
2. Restart your iPhone
3. Delete and reinstall the app
4. If the problem persists, contact support with details about when the crash occurs
Your privacy is important to us. Message Archive does not collect, transmit, or store any of your personal data.
If you couldn't find an answer to your question:
Contact Support: Click here to report an issue or ask a question
When contacting support, please include: