Backing up is the only viable way to retrieve your SMS messages from an Android device. We show you in this tutorial how to back up your text messages on your Android using various methods, so that when you eventually need them, you can safely restore them without issue.
1. Google Drive (Or Any Other Built-in System)
Android has a built-in backup system that automatically creates backups of your system and saves them to Google Drive (in the cloud). Similarly, some device manufacturers, such as Samsung, offer their own backup alternatives. Google’s backup functionality is usually enabled by default on the majority of Android devices, but you can make sure you have a backup by following these steps: Note: Backups count against your Google One storage quota. If you wish to learn more, check out our article on how to keep your Google storage space in check. You will see your backups in Google Drive’s main menu and access the backup settings directly within Google Drive’s settings. In the Google Drive app, tap on the hamburger menu in the upper-right corner and select “Backups” to view information about your SMS backup. If you own a Samsung device, you can create your backups using the built-in option.
How to Restore Your SMS Messages with Google
Restoring your SMS messages is pretty easy if you have a Google backup. Keep in mind that if you’re trying to restore text messages to the same device, you’ll need to perform a factory reset first, which will wiping your device clean.
2. SMS Backup Third-Party App
You can also back up your text messages in Android by using a third-party app like “SMS Backup & Restore,” which lets you save and restore your texts to your device whenever you want. Your backup will be saved to the cloud service you previously chose.
How to Restore Your SMS Messages on Another Phone
If you want to restore your SMS messages on a new device or on the same device (without the need to wipe it out), use the “SMS Backup & Restore” app and follow these steps. You will need to switch to your original SMS app to be able to see the recovered text messages. You can do that by going to “Settings -> Apps & notifications -> Default apps -> SMS app.” You can change the default app from there.
3. Install an Alternate SMS App
Android phones usually come with a certain default SMS app. Often this is Google Messages, but that’s not always the case. There are many third-party SMS app alternatives, and some even offer a handy SMS backup function, such as Microsoft’s SMS Organizer app. Follow these directions to back up your text messages on your Android:
How to Restore Your SMS Messages with SMS Organizer
This method uses Google Drive to back up your text messages on your Android, as opposed to the default Android backup option. With this method, you don’t have to wipe out your device before restoring the backup. Other alternate SMS apps that have a backup option include Pulse SMS; however, this feature is not available to users with a free account and needs a subscription.
4. Forward SMS to Your PC or Other Device
Another way of backing up your SMS is to forward them to another device for safe keeping. There are a few options to consider with this method. For one, you can manually save select messages that are important to you or automatically forward all the SMS messages you receive to another device for safe keeping.
Manually Save Your Text Messages
The first option requires you to save important SMS to another device like your PC. You can do so manually right from your phone’s SMS app. Simply long tap on the message to share it to various apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Gmail, or any other apps you can also access on your PC. From there, you can save them in a document or note-taking app for safe keeping. Alternatively, if you have a Windows 10/11 computer at your disposal, you can take advantage of Microsoft’s Phone Link functionality to connect your PC to your Android phone. Once you do that, you can seamlessly view your SMS from your computer and easily copy the most important ones into a document. Samsung Kies is a similar service for those who own a Samsung Galaxy device.
Automatically Forward SMS to Mail or Other Devices
While saving the occasional SMS on your own is a good idea if you only need to save important text messages, it won’t do you much good if you know you’ll require access to the vast majority of them. Just know that you can automatically forward them to your Gmail or other devices so that you’ll have a copy of each SMS message you receive. If you just need to have a copy of all your SMS messages, you can use one of the methods highlighted in the article to set up an automatic forwarding system to your email or other devices.
5. Check Your Carrier App (If You Have One)
Carrier apps could also be a solution for those who wish to back up their SMS messages. For instance, Verizon’s Messages+ app includes this functionality and backs them up to the Verizon cloud. AT&T’s “Messages Backup & Sync” offers similar services. Check your phone to see if your carrier-specific messaging app offers this option. Image credit: Freepik All screenshots by Alexandra Arici
