Last Updated: December 2024
Simple Summary: Message Archive doesn't collect, transmit, or store any of your data. Your messages stay on your device. We don't have servers, accounts, or analytics. Your privacy is absolute.
What Message Archive Does
Message Archive consists of two apps:
- Android Export App: Reads SMS/MMS messages from your Android device and creates a local archive file
- iOS Viewer App: Reads archive files stored on your iPhone to display your messages
What Data We Collect
None.
Message Archive does not collect, transmit, store, or process any of your personal data. We don't have:
- User accounts or authentication
- Cloud services or servers
- Analytics or tracking
- Advertising or third-party SDKs
- Network communication (except checking for app updates)
How Your Messages Are Handled
Android Export App
The Android app:
- Reads SMS/MMS messages from your device's local database (requires SMS permission)
- Writes the messages to a folder on your device's storage (requires Storage permission)
- Never transmits any data over the internet
- Never uploads data to any server
iOS Viewer App
The iOS app:
- Reads archive files that you import (stored in your Files app or iCloud)
- Optionally copies the archive to local device storage (with your permission)
- Never accesses your iPhone's actual Messages app
- Never transmits any data over the internet
- Never uploads data to any server
Permissions Required
Android App Permissions
- SMS Permission: Required to read your text messages for export. Used only during export.
- Storage Permission: Required to write the archive folder to your device. Used only during export.
iOS App Permissions
- File Access: Required to read the archive folder you import. You grant access by selecting the folder.
- Photo Library (optional): Only if you want to save media attachments to your Photos app.
Data Storage
All message data is stored locally:
- Android: Archive folder stored in device storage (exact location shown in app)
- iOS: Archive stored in Files app, iCloud, or local device storage (your choice)
We have no access to any of this data. It never leaves your device unless you manually transfer it.
Third-Party Services
Message Archive does not use any third-party services, analytics, or SDKs. There are no third parties with access to your data.
Data Sharing
We don't share your data with anyone because we don't have access to your data. Your messages are never transmitted to us or any third party.
Children's Privacy
Message Archive does not collect any data from anyone, including children. The app is suitable for all ages.
Open Source
The Android export app is open source. You can review the source code at:
https://github.com/dansherpa/message-archive
The iOS viewer app is proprietary, but follows the same privacy-first principles described in this policy.
Changes to This Policy
If we make any changes to this privacy policy, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Any changes will be posted here.
We will never change our core principle: your messages stay on your device, and we have no access to them.
Contact
For privacy questions or concerns:
Legal Compliance
Because Message Archive doesn't collect, store, or transmit user data, there is no personal data to be subject to GDPR, CCPA, or other privacy regulations. We don't have user data to comply with data access, deletion, or portability requests.
Bottom Line: Message Archive is designed for maximum privacy. Your messages are yours alone. We can't see them, we don't want to see them, and our apps are specifically designed to ensure we never have access to them.