Why does an app need Full Disk Access to read Messages on a Mac?
macOS keeps the Messages history and iPhone backups in protected folders, and the only way an app outside Apple’s own can open them is for you to allow Full Disk Access in System Settings. Turn it on in System Settings, Privacy & Security, Full Disk Access, only for an app you trust, and you can turn it off again as soon as you have finished exporting.
Where the files are
- Messages on the Mac: the database is in your user Library folder, under Messages, in a file named chat.db, with attachments next to it.
- iPhone backups made with Finder: your user Library folder, under Application Support, MobileSync, Backup.
- Both are protected by macOS privacy controls, even from apps you run yourself.
Turning it on
TextExhibit checks whether it can read these files and, if not, opens this settings page for you.
- Open System Settings, Privacy & Security, Full Disk Access.
- Turn on the switch next to the app. If it is not listed, click the plus button and choose it from Applications.
- Quit and reopen the app so the change takes effect.
What to ask before granting it
- Does the app upload anything? TextExhibit does not: messages, contacts and attachments stay on your Mac.
- Does it change files? TextExhibit only reads the Messages database and backups; it never edits or deletes them.
- Is it signed and notarized by Apple? Check before granting access to any app downloaded from the web.
What to keep in mind
- Full Disk Access covers more than Messages; it lets an app read most of your files. That is why macOS asks you, and why it is worth turning off when you are done.
- Some company-managed Macs block this setting. Ask your IT department, or use a personal Mac.
Questions
Will turning it off break the export I made?
No. Exported files are ordinary files. Full Disk Access is only needed while the app reads your messages or backups.
Does Terminal need it too?
Only if you read those files from Terminal yourself. Apps such as TextExhibit need their own permission.
Why not just ask for the Messages folder?
macOS has no narrower permission for the Messages database or the backup folder. Full Disk Access is the only switch Apple provides.
Export the whole conversation
TextExhibit turns a conversation into one PDF with exact times, names and numbers, photos in place and page numbers, on your Mac. Free to preview; $24.99 once to export.