Messages Analytics is a local-first Mac app. Most setup issues are related to the selected Messages folder, local Contacts permission, or the local analytics cache.
On first launch, choose the Messages folder on your Mac. Messages Analytics checks
that the folder contains chat.db, then stores a local bookmark so future
refreshes can reuse the selected source.
If the app cannot find chat.db, confirm that Messages has local history on
this Mac and choose the Messages folder again.
Apple App Review can use the synthetic sample package at
Messages Analytics App Review Sample Data
to review the app without access to a real Messages history. The package
contains a synthetic Messages/chat.db, an optional fictional Contacts vCard,
and setup instructions.
Contacts access is optional. If disabled, Messages Analytics remains usable with identifiers and fallback labels. You can change Contacts permission in macOS System Settings.
If the local analytics cache becomes unavailable or you want to rebuild imported analytics, choose Help > Troubleshooting, expand Advanced, and select Reset Analytics Cache. The reset leaves your Messages database unchanged and preserves hidden contacts, merge choices, iCloud sync settings, App Lock, and other preferences. Use Messages > Refresh from Messages afterward to rebuild the local analytics cache.
Help > Troubleshooting shows actionable problems or No problems detected
without loading technical details during normal use. Choose Copy Support
Information or expand Advanced > Technical Details when support information is
needed. Both paths redact user-specific filesystem components and exclude
message bodies, chat titles, contact identifiers, hidden-contact names, and
analytics exports. Review support information before sharing it externally.
For product support, use the App Store support link or the public support issue tracker:
https://github.com/fmnobar/message-ledger-pages/issues