Setup & help
A private connection,
one step at a time.
You’ll need an iPhone and a Mac with your conversations available in Apple Messages. Keep both devices awake and on the same Wi-Fi.
Private beta: The iPhone app is currently named “Language Patterns Private Beta” in TestFlight, and the Mac helper is named “Mac Bridge Validator.” TextReview is the new website brand. Public TestFlight enrollment and a public Mac download are not yet available. Existing testers should use their invitation and the helper supplied for testing.
1. Check your Messages history
Open Messages on your Mac and check that the conversation you want to analyze is there. The helper reads locally available history; it cannot promise your complete iPhone or iCloud history.
For future history, consider Keep Messages → Forever on both devices. On Mac, open Messages → Settings → General. On iPhone, open Settings → Apps → Messages. Changing this setting will not restore deleted messages.
2. Open the Mac helper
Open the helper provided for the beta. The first screen explains the permissions:
- Full Disk Access is required to read the Mac Messages database. In System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access, add the helper and enable it. Quit and reopen the helper, then choose “Check access & load.” This is broad macOS permission; grant it only to the helper you intend to use.
- Contacts is optional. Enable contact names if you want recognizable labels. Numbers still work without permission. If several names match a number, choose the correct suggestion in the Mac or iPhone app.
3. Pair your iPhone
- In the Mac helper, choose Start iPhone Session.
- On your iPhone, open the beta app and choose Connect → Find My Mac. Allow Local Network access when asked.
- Select your Mac. Compare the six-digit pairing code displayed on both devices. Confirm on both only if the codes match.
The session expires after 15 minutes. Nothing runs continuously in the background. The iPhone disconnects and clears its analysis session when the app is backgrounded.
4. Choose one conversation
Pick a person and start with Last 30 days. Overview shows the message balance and rhythm. Words explores expressions. Climate shows experimental communication cues when enough evidence is available.
Reply timing measures visible speaker changes, not proof a particular message was answered. Reactions, attachment-only messages, missing history, and context can affect the results.
5. Share only what you choose
Preview a PDF or image before sharing. A recognized contact name is included by default and can be hidden. Word lists are optional. Exported files contain personal information if you choose to include it; the destination you select receives that file.
Troubleshooting
My Mac doesn’t appear
Check that both devices use the same Wi-Fi, that your Mac is awake, and that a helper session is active. On iPhone, check Local Network permission in Settings. Some guest or managed Wi-Fi networks prevent devices from reaching each other.
History is shorter than expected
Compare dates in the Mac Messages app. The helper analyzes what is locally available. Retention and syncing settings may limit this history.
A name is missing
Check Contacts permission on the Mac and choose Refresh Contact Names. Ambiguous matches offer suggestions rather than guessing.
Need help during the beta?
Use the developer contact shown in your TestFlight invitation or TestFlight’s Send Beta Feedback option. Describe the step and the error; avoid sending private message text or unredacted screenshots.