How to Back Up Text Messages on iPhone Without iCloud? [5 Proven Ways]

One of the most important data on your iPhone is your text messages. They contain valuable conversations, memories, and information that you don't want to lose. That's why it's essential to back up your text messages on your iPhone regularly. However, not everyone likes to use iCloud as their backup option.

If you have no idea about how to back up text messages on iPhone without iCloud, you have come to the right place. This article will reveal five simple ways to back up your iPhone text messages without relying on iCloud. By following these easy steps, you can back up your precious messages and restore them whenever you need them. No need to worry about losing your important messages anymore.

Part 1. Why Do You Want to Back Up Messages Without iCloud?

Although iCloud offers convenient wireless backup features, it also has some limitations. Here are the reasons why people may want to back up their iPhones without iCloud:

• Free storage insufficient: It only offers 5GB of free storage space, which may not be enough for all your data. You have to pay for more storage if you want to back up more data. (How to free up iCloud storage?)
• Network limitations: iCloud backup requires a stable and fast Wi-Fi connection; otherwise, it may fail or take a long time. (Is iCloud backup taking forever?)
• Privacy protection: Some users prefer to store sensitive data locally rather than on the cloud.
• Incompatible with some apps: It may not be compatible with some third-party apps or services.

Part 2. How to Back Up Text Messages on iPhone Without iCloud in 6 Ways

In this part, we will introduce five ways to back up your text messages on your iPhone without iCloud. You can choose the one you prefer. Let's look at them one by one.

Way 1. Back Up iPhone Without iCloud via iOS Assistant (Easiest)

The most efficient method to back up text messages on iPhone without iCloud is using Coolmuster iOS Assistant. It is a data management tool specifically designed for iOS devices, supporting the export of SMS or other types of data to a computer. It is easy to use and highly compatible.

Main features of iOS Assistant:

• Transfer your messages from your iPhone to your PC/Mac with ease.
• Export contacts, text messages, photos, music, videos, books, and more from your iOS device to your computer.
• Back up and restore your iOS device data with one click.
• Import files from your computer to your iOS device, such as contacts, bookmarks, calendars, books, and more.
• Manage, edit, and delete iOS data on your computer easily.
• Support all models of iPhone/iPad/iPod running overall iOS versions, including the latest iPhone 16 and iOS 18.

Click on the following buttons to free download the iOS Assistant, and keep on reading to see how to use it to back up text messages on iPhone without iCloud.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Here is how to back up text messages on iPhone without iCloud using iOS Assistant:

Way 2. Back Up Text Messages on iPhone Without iCloud Using iTunes

If you prefer not to use third-party software, you can back up your iPhone using Apple's official tool, iTunes. Although iTunes doesn't allow you to back up only text messages, it does create a full backup of your iPhone, which includes your messages. (What does iTunes back up?)

Here is how to back up iMessages without iCloud using iTunes:

Step 1. Install and open the latest version of iTunes on your computer, then connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 2. Click on the device icon in the upper-left corner and select "Summary".

Step 3. Under "Backups", choose "This Computer" and check "Encrypt local backup" for enhanced protection of your message content.

Step 4. Click "Back Up Now" and wait for the process to finish.

Way 3. Back Up iPhone Without iCloud Using Finder

For Mac users, starting with macOS Catalina, iTunes has been integrated into Finder. If your Mac is running Catalina or a later version, you can easily back up text messages on iPhone without iCloud using Finder.

Here is how to back up iPhone text messages to Mac using Finder:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the Mac using a USB cable.

Step 2. Open Finder, locate your iPhone's name in the sidebar and click on it.

Step 3. In the "Backups" section, select "Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac".

Step 4. Click "Back Up Now" to start backing up your iPhone data.

Way 4. Back Up iMessages Without iCloud Using AirDrop

AirDrop is the easiest way to share information between Apple devices, such as between an iPhone and a Mac. However, it is only suitable for backing up a small number of text messages to a Mac or other Apple devices.

Here is how to back up iMessages without iCloud via AirDrop:

Step 1. Open the "Messages" app on your iPhone and find the text messages you want to back up.

Step 2. Press and hold the message content, select "More", and check the items you want to save.

Step 3. Tap the "Share" button in the bottom-right corner and choose to send via "AirDrop".

Step 4. Once the receiving device confirms the transfer, save the file.

Way 5. Back Up Text Messages on iPhone Without iCloud via Email

If you don't have another device or prefer not to install software, you can simply email the text messages to yourself, which is quick and convenient.

Here is how to back up text messages on iPhone without iCloud using email:

Step 1. Open the Messages app, and select the conversation or message you want to save.

Step 2. Tap and hold the message, then select "More".

Step 3. Check the messages you want to save, tap the arrow icon at the bottom of the screen, and select "Email".

Bonus: How to Back Up Text Messages on iPhone with iCloud

If you want to back up your iPhone messages to iCloud, you can follow the steps below:

Step 1. Open the iPhone's "Settings" app and tap on "Apple ID".

Step 2. Go to "iCloud" > "Messages" and turn on the "Messages" sync switch.

Step 3. Make sure the iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and charging for automatic syncing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you want to back up iPhone text messages without iCloud, there are many flexible and practical methods available. If you're looking for an easy-to-use, secure, and selective backup solution, Coolmuster iOS Assistant is undoubtedly the best choice. Whether you're backing up in bulk or exporting individual messages, it meets all your needs. Give it a try and keep your important information safely stored!

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[Comprehensive Guide] How to Back Up Apps on iPhone?

How to Back Up iPhone to Computer in Minutes? [6 Methods]