How do I print text messages from iPhone for court?

If you have a Mac and use Messages in iCloud or sync to your Mac, then you can print the conversations from the Messages app. The Mac allows you to select a conversation and either print or export the entire message thread to a PDF. Proving the authenticity is a different matter.

Hi, here is a general guide on how to print text messages from iPhone for court:

1: Open the Messages app on your iPhone and select the conversation that contains the text messages that you want to print.

2: Take screenshots of the text messages by pressing the Power button and Home button (for iPhones with a home button) or Power button and Volume Up button (for iPhones without a home button) at the same time. Be sure to capture the full conversation, including the dates and times of the messages.

3: Save the screenshots to your computer by connecting your iPhone to your computer and using the Photo app on your computer to import the screenshots.

4: Use a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, to create a document containing the screenshots. Arrange the screenshots in chronological order and add labels indicating the dates and times of the messages.

5: Save the document and print it out with a printer. Make sure the printouts are clear and readable, and that they include all necessary details like date, time, and contact information.

I hope this helps you print text messages from iPhone for court.

Moria65 wrote:

I need to print text messages from my iPhone for a court case and am looking for a method that ensures these messages are accepted as evidence, with all necessary details like date, time, and contact information intact. It's crucial that the process is reliable and maintains the authenticity of the messages for legal purposes. I'm seeking advice on the best practices or software solutions that can help me achieve this while keeping the messages' integrity for court use. Any recommendations or guidance on how to efficiently and effectively prepare iPhone text messages for legal scrutiny would be greatly appreciated.

The first thing you should do before taking legal advice from random strangers on the internet (some of whom may simply be copying and pasting from ChatGPT) is contact your attorney. They are the best source of how to properly handle evidence for a court case.

It is possible to use applications such as iMazing or TouchCopy to export your messages to a PDF or text file. Neither application is free but they may be well worth the money if they do what you want.

But first, talk to your lawyer.

I used Decipher TextMessage to create the PDF to print my text messages for my court case. The advice I got from my lawyer was to make sure the contact information and date was clearly labeled on all of the messages so it was clear when and from who each message was sent.

The best advice has already been proffered:

“But first, talk to your lawyer.”

Presumably this is evidence important to you.

You don’t want any well-intentioned actions to later be construed as evidence tampering.

Great question Moria65. I have a similar need but no solution. One thing I would absolutely suggest is that I would configure Messages to be using iCloud. Settings > iCloud > Apps Using iCloud (Show All) and make sure Messages in iCloud is toggled on. This way, your messages are not just on your phone in case you lose the device.

But the only way I have been able to see the time a message was sent/received is to slide them left one a time (very painful). That being said, even if you do find a way to export them, I suspect you will need the device to confirm them anyway since many exports can be modified. Swiping left on your iPhone and each message showing the same time stamp should stand up in court. Sorry I don't have the solution you need.

Gerald

I am using D-Back to export the text messages to computer.

[Edited by Moderator]