Messages in macOS Storing Chat Transcripts

Question

2017 13" MacBook Pro running macOS 10.15.4
Messages is storing chat transcripts in Library>Messages>Archive, even after chat is deleted from Messages.
Per the documentation found in several places, in Messages, option to "Save history when conversations are closed" is unchecked/turned off (screen shot attached); however, as of today, Messages continues to store transcripts - there are folders/transcripts going back as far as January 2019 - there are several gaps in the dates of the folders, and some of the folders are empty.
How do I disable/stop the creation and storage of chat transcripts? Or is this a known bug? Any advice/direction is appreciated - thank you!

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 12, 2020 11:10 AM

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Answer 1

Community Specialist

Hello kwfryatl,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you’re having trouble with chat transcripts for Messages. I’m happy to help.

To start, make sure you’re deleting messages with the steps below:

If that doesn’t help, test to see if the issue persists in a different user account:

Let me know if that helps.

Take care.

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Answer 2

Community Specialist

kwfryatl,

Thanks for that information! Given that the issue persists in another user account, I suggest contacting Apple Support for further investigation.

Have a great day!

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Answer 3

Jeremy, thanks for getting back to me.

Confirmed that I am deleting messages following the steps outlined.
Confirmed the issue does occur in a different user account, storing transcripts in Library>Messages>Archive.

Any further advice/direction you can provide is appreciated - thanks again!

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