# imessage-archive

imessage-archive is a self-hosted backup app. Back up a trusted, unlocked iPhone with libimobiledevice and browse Messages using imessage-exporter. It is open source and self-hosted, installable on Unraid.

Canonical page: https://ourlocalhost.com/app/6837/imessage-archive

## Description

Back up a trusted, unlocked iPhone with libimobiledevice and browse Messages using imessage-exporter. Includes indexed search, scrollable conversation parts, HTML/text/CSV/ZIP exports, and resumable PDF rendering with image quality controls and progress. Requires a Linux amd64 host and USB pairing before backup. Privileged mode grants broad host access for USB hotplug: install only on a trusted private server. Encrypted backups are supported, but generated exports are not encrypted. Set a unique administrator password and session secret before use. Scheduled Wi-Fi backup requires an already paired, network-visible device.

## Platform availability

Available on 1 of 6 install platforms: Unraid.

## Health score

40/100 (Fair), based on 3 of 4 factors.
- Maintained: 72 (last commit 1 day ago)
- Popular: 6 (1 GitHub stars)
- Easy to install: 20 (1 install platform, Docker image)

## Links

- Unraid: https://ca.unraid.net/apps/imessage-archive-13gsaxh1exu1vt?q=imessage-archive
- GitHub: https://github.com/crywolf203/imessage-archive

## Common questions

### Why does the backup need my iPhone to be unlocked and trusted?

The iPhone must be unlocked and trusted before a backup can start. A first backup can take hours, and later backups are incremental unless Force full backup is selected.

### What credentials do I need to set before using it?

Choose a username, set a unique administrator password, generate a session secret once, and check the storage paths. Leave performance settings and scheduling off until a manual backup and export work.

### Are my exported messages encrypted if I use an encrypted iPhone backup?

Encrypted local backups include more protected iPhone data, but HTML, text, CSV, ZIP, and PDF outputs are not encrypted. Keep the export shares private.

### How much free space do I need on the cache share?

The cache must have room for the first full iPhone backup. Large exports can use an array-backed share.

### Can it back up over Wi-Fi instead of only USB?

The project adds a USB and Wi-Fi backup workflow.

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Source: Our Local Host (https://ourlocalhost.com/app/6837/imessage-archive), the self-hosted and open-source app directory.