Where Are iMessages Stored on Mac?
iMessage chat.db database and Attachments folder on Mac, plus Full Disk Access and Messages in iCloud notes.
Last updated
Mac Messages keeps everything in ~/Library/Messages: history in a chat.db SQLite database, files in Attachments. Attachment subfolders use bare IDs, so browse by thumbnail or query the database.
Terminal and database apps need Full Disk Access to open chat.db. Copy the file elsewhere before querying to avoid locking the live database.
Where iMessage stores this, by platform
~/Library/Messages/chat.db
Attachments live next to it under ~/Library/Messages/Attachments. In Finder press Cmd+Shift+G and paste the path. Grant Full Disk Access if tools report Operation not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move iMessages to a new Mac?
With Messages quit on both, copy the ~/Library/Messages folder across (same Apple ID, Messages in iCloud off during the copy works best). Restart the new Mac and open Messages.
Why is chat.db missing attachments I can see in chat?
Messages in iCloud may keep originals in the cloud. Open the conversation so the Mac downloads the file, then check Attachments again.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.