Changing a mobile device is always associated with the desire to save important data, and the loss of correspondence history is one of the most painful problems here. Unlike contacts, which are automatically synchronized with your Google account, text messages often remain in the local storage of your old gadget unless you take special steps. Modern users lose not only personal memories, but also important business correspondence, confirmation codes or addresses that cannot be recovered otherwise.
Fortunately, the operating system Android provides several reliable ways to migrate data, ranging from built-in cloud synchronization functions to specialized utilities. The choice of a specific method depends on the version of the operating system, the presence of root access, the amount of accumulated history and how quickly you need to complete the process. In this article, we will analyze in detail each of the available options so that you can choose the best one for your situation.
It is worth noting right away that the transfer process requires care, since interrupting the operation can lead to damage to the backup files. To successfully complete the procedure, be sure to make sure that both devices have at least 50-60% of the battery charged, and the connection to the Wi-Fi network is stable. We will consider both automatic scripts during the initial setup, and manual methods for selectively saving correspondence.
Using Google's built-in backup feature
The easiest and most native way to save message history is to use the built-in backup mechanism Google Drive. This feature is activated by default on most modern smartphones, but its status must be checked before starting the migration. The system automatically creates copies of SMS and MMS, as well as call logs and the list of applications, linking them to your Google account.
To make sure that your data is protected, you need to go to the device settings. Follow the path Settings → Google → Backup (the path may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell, for example, Samsung One UI or Xiaomi MIUI). Here you will see the date of the last copy and a list of data that will be saved. If the last copy was made a long time ago, click the "Start copying" button and wait for the process to complete.
⚠️ Attention: Built-in Google backup does not allow you to selectively restore only SMS. When resetting or transferring to a new phone, you will be forced to restore all data from the last save point, which may take considerable time.
The restoration process occurs automatically the first time you log in to the new device. When you enter your Google account on the new phone, the system will ask if you need to restore data from the cloud. Select the desired restore point, and message history it will be loaded along with the rest of the settings. It is important to understand that this method only works in combination “old Android - new Android” and requires sufficient space in cloud storage.
Transfer messages using the SMS Backup & Restore application
If the built-in tools do not seem flexible enough to you or you need to transfer messages to a device that has not yet been configured, third-party software will be the best solution. The application SMS Backup & Restore from SyncTech is the gold standard in this area, as it allows you to create local XML files and transfer them in any convenient way. This gives complete control over the process and does not depend on the vagaries of cloud synchronization.
To get started, install the application on both devices from the store Google Play. On your old phone, launch the app and click the "Backup" button. In the backup settings, select what exactly you want to save: only SMS, only MMS or call logs. After creating the file, the application will offer several transfer methods: via Wi-Fi Direct, local network or saving to a cloud drive.
☑️ Checklist for preparing to transfer through third-party utilities
On the new phone, also launch the application and select the "Recovery" option. If you used network transfer, the devices will find each other automatically. If the file was saved to Google Drive or Dropbox, simply provide the path to it. The application will automatically recognize the file format and offer to restore the data. This method is especially useful if you need to transfer correspondence between phones from different manufacturers, where standard protocols may not work correctly
⚠️ Attention: When restoring from an XML file, old messages on the new phone may be duplicated if they are already present there. It is recommended to start with a clean device or clear the message database first.
Comparison of data transfer methods
The choice of the optimal method for data migration depends on many factors, including the technical literacy of the user and the state of the infrastructure. Below is a comparative table that will help you decide on the method that is suitable specifically for your case.
| Method | Working speed | Internet required | Configuration flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | Average | Yes (required) | Low (all or nothing) |
| SMS Backup & Restore | High | No (locally) | High (selective transfer) |
| Proprietary utilities (Smart Switch) | Very high | No (cable/Wi-Fi Direct) | Medium |
| Root methods | High | No | Maximum |
As can be seen from the table, for most users specialized applications have the optimal balance between simplicity and functionality. They do not require a stable Internet connection during the transfer process itself if a local network is used. At the same time, cloud methods are good for regular backups, so that if you lose your phone, the data is not lost forever.
However, if you are transferring data between devices of the same brand, for example, from Samsung to Samsung, it makes sense to use proprietary solutions. They often know how to transfer even Wi-Fi passwords and the location of icons on the desktop, which creates the feeling that you just changed the device case and did not buy a new gadget.
Use of proprietary utilities of smartphone manufacturers
Large electronics manufacturers have long realized the importance of the ecosystem and have developed their own tools for data migration. apps such as Samsung Smart Switch, Xiaomi Mi Mover or Clone Phone from OPPO/OnePlus, they allow you to transfer SMS from one phone to another as quickly as possible and without installing additional software from third-party sources.
The principle of their operation is similar: the application is launched on both devices, a role is selected (sender or recipient), and scanning of the QR code begins to establish a secure connection. After this, the user sees a list of data types to transfer. Here you can select only messages, excluding heavy media files or unnecessary applications, which significantly speeds up the process.
Why do proprietary utilities work faster?
They use a direct Wi-Fi Direct connection or a USB-OTG cable, bypassing the router and Internet channels. This ensures maximum transfer speed of large volumes of data and connection stability even in noisy air conditions.
The main advantage of such solutions is deep integration with the system. They correctly handle specific message database formats used in vendor shells. In addition, they are often able to transfer settings of system applications and alarm clocks, which saves time on the initial setup of a new device.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and names of menu items in branded utilities may change with firmware updates. If you cannot find the option you need, check the official instructions on the website of the manufacturer of your smartphone.
Advanced methods: root access and ADB
For experienced users with superuser rights (Root), opportunities open up to work with system files directly. The message database in Android is stored in a file mmssms.db, which is located along the path /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/. Copying this file allows you to clone one-to-one correspondence, including deleted messages that have not yet been overwritten.
However, this method requires installing a file manager with access to system partitions, such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer. The process is as follows: we copy the database file from the old phone, transfer it to the new one (via the cloud or cable), and replace the existing file on the new device, having previously made a backup of the original. After replacing, you need to reboot the device or clear the Messages application data.
adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db ./backup_sms.db
adb push ./backup_sms.db /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db
An alternative way for advanced users is to use the debug bridge ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This tool allows you to control the device from your computer. Using ADB commands, you can unload the message database without the need for root access on some devices, although modern versions of Android have significantly limited this functionality for security reasons.
Before replacing the system database files, be sure to take a full backup of the current state of the phone. An error in access rights or file version can lead to a cyclic reboot of the device.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer SMS from Android to iPhone?
Yes, this is possible, but only during the initial setup of the iPhone. You'll need a Lightning to USB cable (or USB-C, depending on the model) and the Move to iOS app on your Android device. After setting up the iPhone, it will no longer be possible to transfer SMS using standard means.
Are SMS saved when resetting the settings to factory settings?
No, when you execute the command Wipe data/factory reset all user data, including messages, contacts (if they are not synchronized) and photos, are deleted permanently. Be sure to make a backup copy before resetting.
Where are SMS physically stored on the phone?
Text messages are stored in the device's internal memory in an SQLite database. On most devices, the path to the file is: /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db. Without Root access, direct access to this folder is prohibited.
Do SMS take up a lot of memory space?
One text message takes up negligible space (a few bytes). However, if you have thousands of messages with picture attachments (MMS), they can take up a significant amount of space, in the hundreds of megabytes. Regularly cleaning out your media attachments helps free up space.
The most reliable way to save your correspondence is a combination approach: regular cloud backups for security and periodic local XML copies through third-party applications for complete control.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that data migration is a routine but critical operation. Regardless of the method chosen, the main rule is to always check the result. Open the messages app on your new device, scroll through your history, and make sure dates and senders are displayed correctly. Only after this can the old phone be formatted or sold.