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How to get a transcript of your text messages

A text message transcript is a document that lists the messages in a conversation, in order, with dates, times and who sent each one. There are three places to get one, and they're very different.

1. From your phone carrier

Carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile keep records of texts (which number texted which number, and when), but usually not the message content, and often only for a limited time. Your account shows dates and numbers, not what was said. Carriers generally release more detailed records only in response to a subpoena.

Use it for: showing that messages were sent between two numbers at certain times. Not for: what the messages said.

2. From your phone

Your phone has the actual messages, but neither iPhone nor most Android phones have a "print conversation" button. You can take screenshots (fine for a few messages) or, on a Mac, print the conversation from Messages. See how to print texts from an iPhone.

3. From a backup (most complete)

A backup of your phone on your computer contains the full message history stored on the phone, with exact timestamps and phone numbers. A tool can turn that into a proper transcript.

1. Back up your phone: iPhone on Windows or Mac, or Android.
2. Open the backup in TextTranscript, choose the conversation and dates.
3. Download a PDF transcript with numbered messages, timestamps, phone numbers, page numbers and an index of key messages.

Which one do you need?

You need to show	Best source
What was said, with dates and times	Backup transcript
That messages were exchanged at certain times	Carrier records, plus a backup transcript
A few specific messages, quickly	Screenshots
Messages someone says are fake	Talk to a lawyer about forensic extraction

Want to see one first? Look at the sample transcripts.