How to access old Messages

Question

How to access old Messages

I have a MacBook Pro with macOS 13.5.2.

I have the Messages App set to keep messages forever. Some conversations extend back many years, but one conversation only goes back 3 months. It is earlier messages in this latter conversation that I am trying to retrieve.

If I go to iCloud.com “Your iCloud Storage” it shows I have 3 Gb of messages but no obvious method of accessing them.

If I go to ~library/Messages/Archive the folder is empty although the Attachments folder does contain files.

Some help/guidance would be appreciated.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 13.5

Posted on Sep 11, 2023 10:49 PM

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Answer 1

tygb

Level 9

65,010 points

Sep 12, 2023 1:52 AM in response to grahamfromdee why

You have to sign in with same Apple ID and password on the same network that is used in your old iPhone , in your new device , the messages when enabled will sync from old iPhone to new iPhone see the articles Set up iCloud for Messages on all your devices - Apple Support

Keep your messages up to date with iCloud - Apple Support

Messages can't be viewed in www.icloud.com

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Answer 2

tygb

Level 9

65,010 points

Sep 12, 2023 5:34 AM in response to grahamfromdee why

See these articles Change Shared with You settings in Messages on Mac - Apple Support

Change General settings in Messages on Mac - Apple Support

Keep messages

Choose how long to keep message conversations in your account. For example, if you choose 30 Days, your conversations (and all attachments) are available in Messages for 30 days. After that, they are automatically removed.

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Answer 3

Sep 12, 2023 3:59 AM in response to tygb

Hi tygb,

Thanks for your prompt response. However, I am afraid I didn't explain my situation adequately.

I haven't changed from an old to a new iPhone. I have been using the same iPhone all the time and the same with the Macbook Pro. Both the iPhone and the computer have iCloud enabled.

On both devices, I can see all my conversations with people going back many years, however in the case of one person I can only see the most recent 3 months of messages. It is the messages prior to the 3 months that I want to be able to access.

I went to ~library/Messages/Archive on the computer but the Archive folder is empty although the Attachments folder does contain files.

Regards,

Graham

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Answer 4

Sep 12, 2023 6:53 AM in response to tygb

Hi tygb,

Thanks for your further reply.

The settings in Messages is to keep messages forever, which I think is what is happening in other conversations but not in the particular case of this one person where the messages only go back about 3 months.

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Answer 5

tygb

Level 9

65,010 points

Sep 12, 2023 10:11 PM in response to grahamfromdee why

As you said - however in the case of one person I can only see the most recent 3 months of messages. It is the messages prior to the 3 months that I want to be able to access.

It depends if you ever deleted messages from that person , if not search Search for a conversation in Messages on Mac - Apple Support

Delete messages and conversations in Messages on Mac - Apple Support

Set how long to keep messages

In the Messages app on your Mac, choose Messages > Settings, then click General.
Click the “Keep messages” pop-up menu, then choose an option.
Important: If you choose an option other than Forever, your conversations (including all attachments) are automatically removed after the specified time period elapses.

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How to access old Messages

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