Can I make a manual backup instead of syncing?
Yes. A manual, unencrypted backup works and can even capture more than syncing does.
Yes, you can create a manual backup if you prefer not to sync your phone with the Messages app on your Mac.
- 1
Connect your iPhone to your Mac with a cable.
- 2
In the Finder sidebar, select your iPhone.
- 3
At the top of the Finder window, click "General".
- 4
Select "Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac".
- 5
Important: make sure the "Encrypt local backup" option is unchecked. The exporter cannot read encrypted backups.
- 6
Click "Back Up Now" and wait for the backup to complete.
- 7
Continue with step two of the iPhone guide to install the exporter.
Tip: Manual backups can actually work better than syncing. If Messages on your Mac is not fully synced but you can see all the texts on your phone, a manual backup captures everything your phone can see.