"I want to keep my precious chat history safe" or "I want to search and find past messages" — if that sounds like you, ChatArchive is the perfect macOS app.
This article walks you through every step, from downloading and installing ChatArchive to actually browsing your chat history.
1. What is ChatArchive
ChatArchive is a macOS app that lets you safely back up and browse chat history from messaging apps.
- Automatically decrypts encrypted databases
- One-click chat data import
- Browse history in a familiar chat UI
- Full-text search to instantly find past messages
- Export and import in .chatarchive format
- Fully local processing — no network communication at all
Privacy first: ChatArchive processes everything entirely on your Mac. Your data is never sent to any external server. It works without an internet connection.
2. System Requirements
What you need
- macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later
- A messaging app installed on your Mac
- Signed into the messaging app at least once
Note: ChatArchive reads the local database of the messaging app. If the app is not installed or you have never signed in, it cannot load any data.
3. Installation
Download
Download ChatArchive from the "Download" button on the official website.
Move to Applications
Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag ChatArchive into your Applications folder.
First launch
Open ChatArchive from Launchpad or your Applications folder.
If you see "Cannot verify the developer":
macOS Gatekeeper may block the app.
Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and click "Open Anyway."
4. Initial Setup (Full Disk Access)
ChatArchive needs Full Disk Access permission on macOS to read the messaging app's database.
Open System Settings
Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access.
Add ChatArchive
Click the "+" button, select ChatArchive from your Applications folder, and add it. Make sure the toggle is turned on.
Restart the app
After granting permission, quit ChatArchive and relaunch it.
5. Importing Chat History
Now for the main event. You can import your chat history with just one click.
Click the "Import" button
Click the "Import" button on the main screen. ChatArchive automatically detects the messaging app's database, decrypts it, and loads the data.
Wait for the import to finish
Processing may take a moment depending on the amount of data. You can track progress with the progress bar.
Auto-detection: No manual file selection or configuration needed. ChatArchive automatically locates the database and handles decryption.
6. Browsing & Searching
Once the import is complete, you can browse your history in a familiar chat UI.
Chat list
The left panel shows a list of all chats. Click any chat to view its history in the right panel.
Full-text search
Type a keyword in the search bar at the top to search across all your chat history. Find that conversation you've been looking for in seconds.
Supported message types
- Text messages
- Images and stickers (when cached)
- Videos
- Voice messages
- File attachments
- Location data
- Contacts
About images and stickers: ChatArchive displays data cached by the messaging app. If the cache has been cleared, a thumbnail or placeholder will be shown instead.
7. Export & Backup
You can export your imported chat data in .chatarchive format.
How to export
- Select Export from the menu
- Choose a save location and save
- A .chatarchive file will be created
How to import (restore)
- Double-click a .chatarchive file, or select Import from the menu
- Your backup data will be restored
Back up regularly: Before transferring your messaging app account or resetting your Mac, export a .chatarchive file for safekeeping. We recommend saving it to an external drive or cloud storage.
8. Tips
Make regular backups a habit
Chat data grows every day. Exporting a backup about once a month gives you peace of mind in case anything goes wrong.
Make the most of keyword search
Quickly find important information you sent or received in the past, such as addresses, reservations, or passwords.
Works offline
ChatArchive requires no internet connection at all. Browse your chat history freely, whether you're on a plane or at a cafe without Wi-Fi.
9. Troubleshooting
"No data found"
- Make sure the messaging app is installed on your Mac
- Make sure you have signed into the app at least once
- Make sure Full Disk Access is enabled
"Access permission required"
- Check that ChatArchive has been added and enabled in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access
- Restart ChatArchive after updating the settings
Images or stickers are not showing
- The messaging app's cache may have been cleared
- Due to app limitations, older image data may not be retrievable
For any other questions, feel free to reach out via the contact form.
Related Articles
- The Complete Guide to Backing Up All LINE Chat History on Mac
- How to Export All LINE Chat History to Text Files
- How to Upload LINE Chat History to NotebookLM for AI Analysis
Get Started with ChatArchive
Keep your precious chat history in your hands.