How do I copy an entire string of text messages to email?

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Realsrplus Author

Level 1

19 points

How do I copy an entire string of text messages to email?

This was never answered the first time it was asked in 2011. Surely, Apple has a solution.

I want to save a long string of text messages and export to email.

On first try I can press "edit" select a few messages (worked for up to 14) and press "forward" to get them into email

How do I copy the whole lengthy string of many texts?

The copy/paste function would be tedious and take forever.

On my iPhone, it allows one transfer, then no more will be allowed unless I reboot, then only one allowed again.

Is there an easy way to load ALL texts (pref

with time/date stamps)?

Thank You

iPad Pro Wi-Fi, iOS 11.3, Apple Pencil in Pages and Notes App

Posted on Aug 10, 2018 11:30 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 10, 2018 11:36 AM in response to Realsrplus

The easiest way to archive message threads to a format that can then be saved or emailed is to use an application such as PhoneView (Mac) or TouchCopy (Mac or Windows). Both will allow you to save entire threads as either text of pdf files. Once done, you can easily email them as an attachment.

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Answer 2

Realsrplus Author

Level 1

19 points

Aug 10, 2018 4:10 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

Yes. Or, I could cut and paste each text individually into a document. But what I’m looking for is something like law enforcement or justice uses to capture the entire text thread between two individuals and export all texts at one time. Would prefer ios solution. I wonder what the FBI uses once they are in the phone.

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Answer 3

Aug 10, 2018 4:59 PM in response to Realsrplus

Realsrplus wrote:

I just would have thought that by ios 11.4.1 Apple would have provided a simple way to copy every text in a text thread. ..

That did not require purchase of third party App or software product.

They have not. You can let them know you think they should here:

Product Feedback - Apple

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Answer 4

Aug 10, 2018 4:25 PM in response to Realsrplus

The FBI isn't going to tell you what they use, of course. But a lot of law enforcement agencies use products from Elcomsoft.

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Answer 5

Realsrplus Author

Level 1

19 points

Aug 10, 2018 11:42 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Thanx

I was aware of phoneview. But, was looking for an Apple solution that did not cost $30 and require an Apple 🍏 computer to copy all entries in a text string and then paste them into a pdf or word prodessing program.

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Answer 6

Aug 10, 2018 4:27 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Lawrence Finch wrote:

The FBI isn't going to tell you what they use, of course. But a lot of law enforcement agencies use products from Elcomsoft.

In addition to a lot of money, their products seem to require a computer.

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Answer 7

Realsrplus Author

Level 1

19 points

Aug 10, 2018 11:44 AM in response to Realsrplus

More specifically I am looking for ios based solution since I have put computers on ice and function only with iPad pro and phone now.

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Answer 8

Aug 10, 2018 11:54 AM in response to Realsrplus

If you aren't able to use a computer, your options are to forward the messages to email as you've been doing or screen shot the messages and email those.

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Answer 9

Aug 10, 2018 4:19 PM in response to Realsrplus

Law enforcement probably uses something like PhoneView. They generally have access to computers.

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Answer 10

Realsrplus Author

Level 1

19 points

Aug 10, 2018 4:57 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

I just would have thought that by ios 11.4.1 Apple would have provided a simple way to copy every text in a text thread. ..

That did not require purchase of third party App or software product.

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Answer 11

Aug 10, 2018 6:33 PM in response to Realsrplus

iOS does not include such a feature as that could be a security risk. As recommended by others you're welcome to submit your thoughts to apple.com/feedback

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How do I copy an entire string of text messages to email?

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