Blabble
←User Guide

Chat Sources

A chat source (also called a Blabble) is a connection to a messaging platform. Each source reads messages from a local database on your Mac — no cloud access or login is required.

Tip — When you add a source, Blabble copies the content from the original database into its own internal store. It never alters the original source data. For desktop sources (iMessage, WhatsApp, Mail), Blabble keeps the copy up to date automatically by watching for changes. For device backup sources (iPhone/iPad), automatic updates are not possible — you can update the backup manually to pick up newer data.

Adding a source

  1. Open Blabble → Preferences (⌘,).
  2. Go to the Blabbles tab.
  3. Click the + button at the bottom of the source list.
  4. Choose the platform (iMessage, WhatsApp, or Mail) and the source type (Desktop or Mobile Device).
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to select the database location.
The Blabble source setup dialog for iMessage Desktop

iMessage

Desktop — Reads directly from the Messages app database on your Mac. Blabble auto-detects the default location. You will be asked to grant folder access once.

From device backup — Import iMessage conversations from an iPhone or iPad backup stored on your Mac. Supports both encrypted and unencrypted backups.

WhatsApp

Desktop — Reads from the WhatsApp Desktop app (Mac App Store). WhatsApp must be installed and linked to your phone.

From device backup — Import WhatsApp conversations from an iPhone backup. Useful when you own multiple devices.

Mail

Reads from the macOS Mail app. Mail must be running and configured with your email accounts. Blabble reads locally cached emails — it does not connect to any mail server directly.

Tip — Blabble uses AppleScript to discover your mail accounts and open reply drafts. You may see a permission prompt the first time.

Spam Check

Blabble can analyze email messages for spam and fraud using a large language model. Enable it in Preferences → AI → Spam Check. When enabled, a Check Spam button appears on each email. The model classifies the message as:

  • Spam (orange) — Unsolicited commercial or promotional email.
  • Fraud (red) — Phishing, scam, or deceptive email.
  • Clear (green) — The email appears legitimate.
Important — AI classifications can be wrong. A “Clear” result does not guarantee the email is safe. Always exercise caution with unexpected emails requesting personal information or urgent action.

Refreshing sources

  • Manual refresh — Immediately refreshes all sources.
  • Auto-refresh toggle — Switches between manual (M) and auto (A) mode. In auto mode, Blabble watches each source database for changes in the background.
The two refresh buttons: manual refresh and auto-refresh toggle

You can configure auto-refresh per source in its settings. A manual refresh also runs automatically every 24 hours for all sources.

Auto Refresh toggle in individual source settings

Managing sources

  • Rename — Click the source name in Preferences to edit it.
  • Delete Source — Select a source and click the − button. This deletes the source from Blabble but does not delete any original message data.

File access

Blabble does not require Full Disk Access. When you create a source, you grant access to the specific folder containing the database. These permissions are saved as security-scoped bookmarks — you only need to grant access once.

Grant access button for a source location
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