Updated: June 11, 2025

How to Print Out Text Messages from iPhone: 4 Quick and Easy Methods

To print iPhone text messages immediately: Take screenshots (press Side + Volume Up buttons), open Photos > Screenshots, select images, tap Share > Print. For court evidence or long conversations, use computer software like iMazing for timestamped PDFs. Here's exactly how to print out text messages from iPhone using 4 reliable methods:

Why Print Your iPhone Texts?

People print messages for:

  • Court evidence (divorce, contracts, harassment cases)
  • Business records (order confirmations, work agreements)
  • Personal keepsakes (family memories, important conversations)
  • Accountability (tracking promises or commitments)

How to Print Out Text Messages from iPhone

Method 1: Screenshot Printing (Quick Short Conversations)

Best for: 5-10 messages needing fast printing
What you need: iPhone and AirPrint-compatible printer

  1. Open your Messages app
  2. Take screenshot:
    • iPhone Face ID: Press Side Button + Volume Up together
    • iPhone Home Button: Press Home + Side Button together
  3. Find screenshot: Open Photos → Albums → Screenshots
  4. Select images → Tap Share icon (box with arrow)
  5. Choose Print → Select your printer → Tap Print

Limitations:

  • Only captures visible screen content
  • No individual timestamps
  • Cumbersome for long chats

Pro Tip: Use our Photo Transfer Guide if printing from a computer

Method 2: Long-Scroll Apps (Full Conversations)

Best for: Entire text threads without timestamps
Top free apps: Picsew (iOS App Store)

  1. Install Picsew from App Store
  2. Record your screen:
    • Swipe down → Tap Screen Record button
    • Slowly scroll through entire conversation
    • Stop recording
  3. Open Picsew → Tap "Stitch" → Select recording
  4. Edit borders → Tap Save
  5. Print: Open image in Photos → Share → Print

Need PDF? Convert using Files app:

Method 3: Using Computer Software

Best for: Court evidence with timestamps and contacts
Recommended tools: iMazing (Windows/Mac, free trial)

Step Action Notes
1 Download & install iMazing Free trial at imazing.com
2 Connect iPhone to computer Use USB cable → Tap "Trust"
3 Open iMazing → Select "Messages" Allow software access
4 Choose conversation → Click "Export" Select PDF format
5 Name file → Choose save location
6 Open PDF → Print from computer

Why courts prefer this:

  • Shows exact message times/dates
  • Includes sender names and phone numbers
  • Creates uneditable PDF/A files
  • Prints photos in conversations

Troubleshooting: If messages don't load, back up iPhone via iTunes first

Method 4: Email Forwarding (Manual Backup)

Best for: Short, specific message groups

  1. Open Messages → Tap and hold one text
  2. Tap More... → Select all needed texts (checkboxes)
  3. Tap Forward (arrow icon)
  4. Enter your email address → Send
  5. Open email on computer → Print

Not ideal for:

  • Conversations over 20 messages
  • Legal evidence (messy formatting)
  • Media-heavy chats

Which Method Should You Choose?

Situation Best Method
Printing 1 screen of texts Screenshot (Method 1)
Full conversation for personal use Long-Scroll App (Method 2)
Court/legal documents Computer Software (Method 3)
Quick text selection backup Email Forwarding (Method 4)
  1. Always include metadata: Use Method 3 for timestamps
  2. Add an affidavit: Write "I confirm these messages are true and unaltered"
  3. Don't rely on carriers: Verizon/AT&T rarely store message content
  4. Consult a lawyer: Evidence rules vary by state/case
  5. Print duplicates: Keep one copy for you, one for court

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I print text messages for court without timestamps?

No. Courts require date/time stamps for each message to verify authenticity. Use computer software (Method 3) for timestamped PDFs. Screenshots (Method 1) or scroll apps (Method 2) won’t work alone.

2. Do printed messages include photos?

Yes, but only if you use:

  • Computer software (Method 3: exports photos embedded in PDFs)
  • Long-scroll apps (Method 2: stitches images into screenshots)
    Screenshots (Method 1) capture photos only if visible on screen.

3. Can I print without Wi-Fi or AirPrint?

Yes!

  1. Export texts as PDF using iMazing (Method 3).
  2. Transfer the PDF to your computer (guide).
  3. Print via USB or email.

4. Does this work for WhatsApp messages?

Absolutely. Tools like iMazing or iOS Messages Transfer (Method 3) export WhatsApp chats with timestamps. Screenshot methods (1 & 2) work too but lack metadata.

5. What if my iPhone is broken/lost?

  1. iCloud Backup: Access messages via iCloud.com (if enabled).
  2. iTunes Backup: Extract texts using computer software (Method 3) from your backup file.
  3. Carrier Logs: Request records (rarely include content).

Conclusion: Choose Your Method Wisely

Printing iPhone texts is simple once you pick the right tool:

  • Fast & Short: Screenshots (Method 1).
  • Full Chats: Scroll Apps (Method 2) + PDF conversion.
  • Court Proof: Computer Software (Method 3) for uneditable, timestamped PDFs.
  • Quick Backup: Email Forwarding (Method 4) for <20 messages.

For legal cases: Always pair printed messages with a signed affidavit and consult a lawyer.

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