Transfer Text Message Archive from Old Macbook to New Macbook

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Level 1

4 points

Transfer Text Message Archive from Old Macbook to New Macbook

I spent several years archiving my text messages on my 2015 Macbook. Instead of using iCloud, I just connected my text messages to the Messages app on my Macbook and saved them there. Now I have a new Macbook M2 and I want to save my text message database onto my external hard drive (so I have them backed up but also so I can load, search, and read them on my new Macbook).

There does not seem to be any obvious way to export my text message database. Does anyone have a solution?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Nov 28, 2023 4:29 PM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

104,569 points

Nov 29, 2023 4:58 AM in response to anderspa

Not 100% sure this will work as I have never need to do this.

I keep everything syncing to iCloud >> Set up iCloud for Messages on all your devices

You would need to Copy the Messages " Chat.db " located in your Home Folder >> Library >> Messages

Then, on the new machine Paste or Drag the " Chat.db " file into the correspond correct location on the new machine

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Transfer Text Message Archive from Old Macbook to New Macbook

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