Decipher TextMessage and BackupPaper both save iPhone text messages from a computer backup, and both list a regular price of $29.99 USD. Decipher does more: it runs on Windows and Mac, puts photos and videos into its PDFs, exports PDF, CSV, HTML and TXT, and can recover deleted messages. BackupPaper does less on purpose: it is a Windows app that exports one conversation at a time as a PDF or CSV, opens the backup read-only, makes no network connections, and shows the SHA-256 hash of every file it writes so the file can be checked later. Pick Decipher if you need attachments in the PDF or deleted messages; pick BackupPaper if you want a plain, checkable record of one conversation.
Save one iPhone conversation from a PC backup as a PDF with a checkable SHA-256.
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How do Decipher TextMessage and BackupPaper compare?
| Feature | Decipher TextMessage | BackupPaper |
|---|---|---|
| Regular price | $29.99 USD | $29.99 USD (regular US list price in the Microsoft Store) |
| Platforms | Windows 7 and above; macOS Sierra and above | Windows 10 version 2004 or later, Windows 11 |
| Source | iPhone backups made with iTunes or Finder; Mac Messages app | iPhone backups made with iTunes or Apple Devices on the PC |
| Encrypted backups | Supported | Supported with the password; the password cannot be recovered or bypassed |
| Message types | iMessage, SMS, RCS and MMS | iMessage and SMS from the Messages app |
| Export formats | PDF, CSV, HTML, TXT | PDF (US Letter) or CSV, one conversation per export |
| Photos and videos | Placed in the PDF with attachments | Listed by name; not placed in the PDF |
| Deleted messages | Recovery offered | Not recovered; shows what the backup holds |
| File hash | Not described on the product page | SHA-256 shown for every export, checkable with certutil |
| Licensing | Two device activations, unlimited computers, updates included | One-time purchase in the Microsoft Store |
| Data handling | Runs locally on your computer | No network connections, no account, backup opened read-only |
| Free trial | Check Decipher’s site | 15 days, full product |
Decipher facts from deciphertools.com/decipher-textmessage.html, checked on 17 October 2026. BackupPaper facts from its product page.
When is Decipher TextMessage the better choice?
Be straightforward about it. Decipher is the better pick when:
- You need the photos in the PDF. Decipher saves messages with photo and video attachments in the PDF. BackupPaper only lists attachment names.
- You need deleted messages. Decipher offers deleted message recovery. BackupPaper does not recover deleted messages.
- You use a Mac. Decipher runs on macOS. BackupPaper is Windows only.
- You want HTML or TXT. Decipher exports more formats.
- You need many conversations at once. BackupPaper exports one conversation per export.
- You need WhatsApp. Decipher points WhatsApp users to a separate product. BackupPaper reads the Messages app only.
When is BackupPaper the better choice?
BackupPaper is built for one job: one conversation, saved as a plain record you can check.
- You need to show the file has not changed. Every export shows its SHA-256, and anyone can check it later with certutil on Windows. Our post on printing iPhone text messages for court covers the wider context.
- You want the backup untouched. BackupPaper opens the backup folder read-only and never changes it.
- You want no network activity. It makes no network connections: no account, no iCloud sign-in, no crash reporting.
- You prefer a Store install. It installs and updates through the Microsoft Store, with a Microsoft receipt.
- You want a plain record. The PDF opens with a header showing the device, participants, service and date range, then every message with its time and sender, with page numbers on every page. Reactions, replies and attachment names are included.
Open your iPhone backup in BackupPaper during the 15-day free trial and export one conversation.
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How does BackupPaper export a conversation?
- Back up the iPhone to the PC with Apple Devices or iTunes, if you have not already. See iPhone backup location on Windows.
- Choose the backup folder. BackupPaper looks in the usual locations, %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup and %USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync\Backup.
- Type the password if the backup is encrypted. It is not saved.
- Pick the conversation. Conversations are listed with message counts and last dates, newest first. Group conversations work the same way.
- Read it. Time, sender, text, reactions, replies and attachment names.
- Export PDF or CSV. The PDF is US Letter. The CSV is UTF-8 and opens in Excel, with each message and each reaction on its own row.
- Note the SHA-256 shown for the export.
What do both tools depend on?
Both read a computer backup, so both depend on what the backup holds. Apple says a computer backup leaves out iMessages and texts that already sync to iCloud. If Messages in iCloud is on, the backup may hold few or no conversations. Read does an iPhone backup include text messages before you start.
What should I check before choosing?
Answer these before you buy either tool:
- Is Messages in iCloud on? If it is, the backup may hold few texts, and neither tool can export what is not there.
- Is the backup encrypted, and do you know the password? Both tools need it. Apple’s help on encrypted backups explains your options if it is forgotten.
- Do the photos need to be inside the PDF? If yes, Decipher. If attachment names are enough, either.
- Do you need messages that were deleted? If yes, Decipher is the one that offers recovery.
- Who will receive the file, and what do they want? A lawyer, an insurer or a landlord may care more about a clear header, page numbers and a way to check the file than about bubbles and colors. Ask them first.
- Which computer will you use? Mac users need Decipher; BackupPaper is Windows only.
BackupPaper has a 15-day free trial; check Decipher’s site for its own trial terms. Test with your real backup before you rely on either.
Frequently asked questions
Is BackupPaper cheaper than Decipher TextMessage?
They list the same regular price, $29.99 USD. Store prices can vary by region and promotion; check the Microsoft Store listing for the current price in your currency.
Can BackupPaper put photos in the PDF?
No. Attachments are listed by name. If you need images inside the PDF, Decipher TextMessage does that.
Can BackupPaper recover deleted texts?
No. It shows the messages the backup holds.
Will either tool change my backup?
BackupPaper opens the backup read-only and never changes it. Check Decipher’s documentation for how it handles backups.
Can I use the BackupPaper PDF in court?
BackupPaper makes no claim about how a court, insurer or anyone else will treat the file. The PDF records the device, participants, date range and export time, and the SHA-256 lets anyone check it later. Ask your lawyer what they need.
Try BackupPaper
BackupPaper is a one-time purchase in the Microsoft Store, with a 15-day free trial. Open your backup, export the conversation you need, and check the hash. For more, see save iPhone text messages as PDF on Windows, iPhone backup viewer for Windows, or the BackupPaper product page.
One conversation, one plain PDF, one hash you can check.
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Decipher TextMessage is a trademark of Decipher Media. iPhone, iMessage, iTunes and iCloud are trademarks of Apple Inc. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. BackupPaper is not affiliated with or endorsed by Decipher Media or Apple.
Last updated 17 October 2026. Published by Automata Labs, a software company in Canada.