Searching Imessages

30-04-2021 by



  1. Deselect the checkbox next to Enable Messages in iCloud. If you turn off Messages in iCloud on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch your message history will be included in a separate iCloud backup. If you set up an Apple Watch for a family member, Messages in iCloud is the only way to back up messages.
  2. Export iMessages from your iPhone, an iTunes backup, or an iCloud backup. View iMessages on computer whenever you want. These are just a few features that make iMyFone D-Port stand out. Now that you know about this program and what it can offer, follow our guide below and find out how to view iMessages online.
  3. The iMessages are 'pushed' at the devices that have the Apple ID or iPhone number and when the iMessages has been sent that is it. It will not re-sync if you remove the iMessage. I really don't use iMessages on my iPhone enough to even try 'Load earlier Messages'.

Dec 21, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions

You can send messages on Mac via iMessage. And since your Mac is usually synced with your iPhone, when messages are deleted from Mac, the messages also disappear from iPhone.
The recovery of deleted files is always a tricky thing, especially when it comes to messages. If you have important iMessages deleted from Mac and you haven't made a backup, this post will show you how to recover the deleted iMessages on Mac with some smart tricks. Before getting into these tricks, let's look at where iMessages are stored on macOS.

First, open the Messages app. If you are in a Conversation view, press the back arrow until you are on the main “Messages” screen. Tap on the Search bar near the top of the screen, then type what you’d like to search for. The screen will change into a list of top Conversations that match your search.

Where Are iMessages Stored on Mac

On macOS Sierra and earlier, all iMessages are stored on Mac hard drive by default. Before macOS Sierra in 2016, all iMessages are stored on Mac hard drive by default. However, due to space consumption issues, this feature was altered to suit your preferences.

On macOS High Sierra/Mojave/Catalina, you can decide whether to keep iMessages to your Mac hard disk or just storing them to iCloud. Therefore, if you are using macOS later than Sierra and want to recover iMessages, give a cross-check to ensure that the messages have been saved on your Mac hard drive.

Step 1You can choose where to save your chat history from the Messages app. Open the Messages app and go to Preferences > General.

Step 2Make sure that the option 'Save history when conversations are closed' is checked.

If you have chosen to save iMessage history, the iMessages are stored in ~/Library/Messages by default. Follow the steps below to find deleted or old iMessages on your Mac.

Note: If you have set a storage limit for your stored messages, Mac will replace your old messages with the new ones once the limit is reached.

How to Recover Deleted iMessages on Mac?

If you want to retrieve your lost conversation threads, the best way is to go to the Messages folder and restore your data. Follow this quick tutorial to get access to your messages folder.

Step 1Open your Finder box and insert the path ~/Library/Messages and press the Go button. This path would take you directly to the messages folder.

Step 2Messages folder contains two subfolders named Attachment, Archive, CloudKitMetaData, and your chat database in the form of chat.db, which contains your iMessages history.

  • The attachment folder contains different sub-folders. These sub-folders have images, videos, and audio files that you received in iMessage conversation.
  • The archive folder is the mirror image of your data. That works together with other components of the messages folder to store your data.

Step 3Chat.db is the database that keeps a record of your previous and current chat histories. To find the deleted iMessage, you should open the Chat.DB file with programs like TextEdit.

If you can't find the chat.DB files that you need, you can use a reliable third-party program to restore your messages.

Recoverit Data Recovery

Recoverit Data Recovery can recover all kinds of files from macOS, including chat.DB files, images, videos, audio, etc. It doesn't add or modifies your data, but recovers the deleted data in its original form.

Imessages

Here is what Recoverit Data Recovery can offer.

  • One-stop recovery solution for all kinds of data, i.e., pictures, videos, audio files, documents, emails, and many more.
  • The smooth and straightforward user interface for quick processing. Just select iMessage storage location and let Recoverit scan out the chat.DB files you need.
  • Use of the latest codecs that makes Recoverit compatible with the changing macOS and hardware requirements.
  • The high success rate of data retrieval.
  • Clean installation that ensures that user security is not compromised.
  • Restoration of corrupted data files by deep scanning of your device.

How to Restore Old iMessages from Time Machine?

Time Machine is one of your best options to reverse your data loss. If you have turned on Time Machine backup, it also backs up your messages at regular time intervals.

Let's see how to restore deleted iMessages with the Time Machine tool.

Step 1Close your iMessage app on your device and make sure that it's not running in the background.
(This step is critical for the smooth restoration of deleted messages. Opening your iMessages account during the recovery may interfere with the restoration process.

Step 2Open Time Machine tool in your Mac device and choose the 'Go' option in the Finder Toolbox.

Step 3In the library section of your Mac device, find a file with an extension chat.DB created on the date before the iMessages are deleted. This file contains a copy of the deleted iMessages.

Step 4Select the 'Restore' option to initiate the recovery of your messages.

Step 5Time Machine retrieves the saved but older version of your iMessages. You might lose some recent messages that were not backed up by Time Machine.

Note: Time Machine restores every single message available in its backup. After the restoration of Time Machine messages backup, you might have to spend a few minutes to clean up unwanted conversation threads.

How to View Old iMessages on Mac from iCloud?

If you have back up your iMessages to iCloud, use these straightforward steps to get them back.

Step 1 You must sign out of your iMessages app on the device you are trying to get your messages restored. Furthermore, don't forget to close the Messages app. These steps would help iCloud overwrite the existing data of your Messages app with the older backup version.

Searching Imessages On Iphone

Step 2Open your Finder app and select the 'Go' button to access the library of your iCloud.

Step 3Now from your most recent backup, pick up the file named messages.

Imessage Log In

Step 4Open your messages file and restore backed up iMessage.

Note: You can also reset your iPhone and let iCloud restore data in all of your apps, including iMessages.

Final Words

Loss of important message threads can be a bitter experience for any of us. However, you can use different backup tools to have your data available at the time of need.

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Question: I recently got a new iPhone and lost all the iMessages from my old iPhone. I was told I could view them on my laptop but how do I do this?

iMessage has been one of the most popular messaging apps out there since it was launched and as a result, it’s used by the majority of iOS users. That being said, iMessage isn’t without its issues and you may experience problems which prevent you from accessing your messages. This is the main reason why iPhone users are learning how to check iMessage online and fortunately, there are several solutions that give you the option to do so.

Is it Possible to Check/View iMessages Online?

Of course, if you have a Mac computer then you’re able to simply install iMessage and attach your account - this isn’t that useful if you have a Windows computer, though. While that may be the case, there are some third-party tools that you can use. Even though Apple has yet to provide a standard platform where iMessages can be viewed online, there still are a few top options available.

How to Check iMessages Online on Mac

Let’s start by looking at the most obvious (and for some, easiest) approach. If you are on a Mac computer, then accessing your iMessages online isn’t too difficult.

Step 1: Open the “Messages”application and click on “Messages”, followed by “Preferences”.

Step 2: Tick the box next to “Save history when conversations are closed”. You can now exit.

Step 3: Open a “Finder” window and go to the directory “/Library/Messages”.

Step 4: You should now see two folders (Archive and Attachments) along with multiple database files. This verifies that you successfully synced your iMessages.

It only takes a few minutes to set this up and is the most useful choice, especially if you have a Mac.

How to Check iMessages Online on Windows

Given that Mac computer users aren’t able to use the solution that we detailed above to check iMessages online, an alternative method must be followed. This is why iMyFone D-Port comes in handy and below are some of this program’s features:

  • Back up entire iPhone data or only messages.
  • Compatible with all recent iPhones (including the iPhone 8 and X).
  • Available for both Mac and PC.
  • Export iMessages from your iPhone, an iTunes backup, or an iCloud backup.
  • View iMessages on computer whenever you want.

I Messages Search Not Working

These are just a few features that make iMyFone D-Port stand out. Now that you know about this program and what it can offer, follow our guide below and find out how to view iMessages online.

Step 1: Download, install, and launch iMyFone D-Port on your computer. You should also connect your iPhone using a lightning cable.

Step 2: On the left panel click on “Back Up & Export from Device” and then select “Back Up Messages” from the main menu.

Step 3: Click on the “Back Up” button to proceed and the backup will begin. Do not disconnect your iPhone during this process otherwise, you will risk data loss.

Step 4: After the backup has been taken, click on “View and Export Messages Backup” to extract and browse them on computer.

The main benefit of using iMyFone D-Port to check your iMessages online is that you don’t have to be connected to the internet as no Wi-Fi connection is required.

How to Access iMessages Online with Chromebook

Lastly, if you’re using a Chromebook and you’re wondering “How can I access my iMessages online?”, you might be shocked. This solution requires a bit of extra work than the others and if you would rather use the iMessage Mac app than iMyFone D-Port, you’ll need a Mac computer available (even if you are on a Windows PC!).

Nonetheless, if you’re curious as to how you can access your iMessages from a Chromebook, follow the guide below.

Step 1: On both your Mac and Windows computers, download the “Chrome Remote Desktop” app which can be found here.

Step 2: It will quickly download and install on both computers and afterwards, click on the “Launch App” button to open it up.

Step 3: Download the installer for “Chrome Remote Desktop Host” on your Mac computer and follow the installation steps to set it up (this is very easy to do, just a little tedious).

Step 4: Once everything is set up and ready to go, you can enter the Mac computer’s host code into the Chrome Remote Desktop app that is on your Chromebook, and a connection will be established.

While more complex than the other methods, it’ll get the job done and it means that as a Chromebook user, you are still able to access your iMessages online.

Alternatives to iMessage Application

Now that you have a better understanding of how to view iMessages online (and how stressful this process can be), it might be worth your time to consider a few of the alternative messaging apps.

Snapchat: Snapchat is a widely used messenger but is primarily designed to send photos and videos to your friends.

WhatsApp: WhatsApp is definitely the most popular alternative to iMessage and in some cases, you might think that it’s better. Your WhatsApp account can be connected to your computer (both Windows and Mac) and you can use the messenger from your computer!

Log Into Imessage Online

Facebook Messenger: Another popular messenger is the Facebook messenger. The only downside to using this app is that you can only message your Facebook friends.

Searching Messages In Outlook

Kik Messenger: Lastly, the Kik messenger app has grown to be one of the most widely used messaging apps on the market as it allows smartphone users to message each other regardless of whether they are on iOS, Android, or Windows.

How To View Imessage History

iMyFone D-Port is by far the best program to use to check your iMessages online and as you can see by the methods and features that we discussed - it’s definitely an impressive program. Make sure that if you have this need, download the free trial version of iMyFone D-Port and experience what it has to offer for you - let us know in the comments below how these solutions helped!





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