This step-by-step guide walks users through the entire collection process, including downloading and opening the Hearsay Extractor, connecting the device, selecting a save location, and running the collection.

Make sure the following setup steps are complete before beginning your iPhone collection:

Open the Hearsay Extractor application that you downloaded to your computer. Copy and paste the extraction code into the application and click Enter.

Click iPhone.

Plug your phone into the computer using a USB cable and unlock it. If you receive a popup asking you to trust the computer, tap Trust if prompted.

The backup of the phone is saved locally to the location you choose. No data is shared or uploaded until you select and share it at the final step.

By default, the save location is your computer (or the last used location if you've run an extraction before). If your computer has enough storage, click Start Backup.

If not, click the Browse button to select a different location.

The custodian will be prompted to enter the phone’s password directly on the device to grant permission to begin the process.

Once the time and loading bars appear, the collection has successfully started.

The collection time will vary based on the amount of data on the phone, the computer’s performance, the USB connection, and the save location.

Plan for the process to take at least an hour, though it may be faster or slower depending on your hardware.

When you see the message Device backup is now completed, the backup is complete and the phone can be unplugged.

Click Okay to proceed with selecting and sharing messages.

Once your backup is complete, continue to one of the following articles based on how you'd like to share the data: