Replacing a smartphone is always an exciting process, associated not only with the joy of a new gadget, but also with the need to transfer a huge amount of personal data. Among photographs, contacts and applications, SMS messagesoccupy a special role, which often contain confirmation codes, important business correspondence or sentimental memories. Unlike instant messengers, the correspondence history in the standard messaging application is not automatically synchronized via the cloud as transparently as it happens in Telegram or WhatsApp.
Users often encounter a situation where, after activating a new device, they find an empty list of incoming and outgoing messages. This is because by default, many manufacturers do not include SMS transfer in the basic setup script, focusing on the Google account and media files. However, there are several proven methods that allow migrate the entire history of correspondence without loss. We will consider both built-in tools from manufacturers and third-party utilities that guarantee the safety of your data.
The choice of a specific method depends on the brand of your old and new smartphone, as well as the version of the operating system Android. Some ecosystems, such as Samsung or Xiaomi, offer their own powerful tools, while for universal transfer between different brands, specialized applications from Google Playare better suited. It is important to understand that the process requires care at every stage so as not to interrupt data transfer and damage files.
Use built-in tools from manufacturers
The most reliable and safe way to transfer messages is to use proprietary utilities pre-installed on smartphones of popular brands. Manufacturers understand the importance of seamless migration, so they create their own ecosystems. For example, device owners Samsung can use the application Smart Switchthat transmits not only SMS, but also Wi-Fi settings, alarms and the location of icons on the desktop.
For phones Xiaomi i Redmi there is a built-in tool “Mi Mover”, and for Huawei and Honor — “Phone Clone”. These apps work on the principle of creating a direct wireless network between two devices. You don't need an Internet or computer connection, as data is transferred directly via Wi-Fi Direct. This ensures high transfer speeds even for large volumes of text messages.
The process usually goes like this: you install the application on both phones (the new one often already has it), select the device role (sender or recipient) and scan the QR code. After connecting, you must select a category Messages or SMS in the list of transferred data. The system will automatically package the message database and deploy it on the new device, saving sending dates and sender numbers.
⚠️ Attention: When using proprietary utilities, make sure that Bluetooth and geolocation are turned on on both devices, as they are used for initial pairing before starting data transfer via Wi-Fi.
It is worth noting that such tools work best when transferring data between devices of the same brand. If you move from Samsung to Xiaomi, the functionality may be limited and some settings will not be transferred, although the SMS messages themselves usually migrate correctly. In such cases, checking the compatibility of application versions before starting the process will not be superfluous.
If you have an old phone of one brand, and a new one of another, try installing the branded application of the new brand on the old device. Often this allows the use of a more advanced algorithm for receiving data.
Transfer via Google Account and backup
The Google ecosystem offers a native way of saving data, which becomes more and more advanced with the release of new versions. Android. Starting from Android 8.0 and higher, the system automatically suggests creating a backup copy of your data during the first setup or in the settings section. However, in order to transfer messages in this way, you must activate the backup function on your old device in advance.
Go to the menu Settings → System → Backup (the path may differ depending on the shell). Make sure that the "Data backup" switch is active and the correct account is selected Google. The list of reserved data should include the item “SMS messages”. If it is not there, your smartphone manufacturer may have disabled this feature, and then you will have to resort to third-party solutions.
After creating a backup on your old phone, turn on your new smartphone. During the initial setup, the system will offer to restore data from the cloud. Select the same Google account and the most recent copy. The recovery process may take time, since the phone will download not only messages, but also the list of applications, settings and call history.
| Option | Branded utilities | Google Backup | Third-party applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | High (Wi-Fi Direct) | Medium (depending on the Internet) | High (local) |
| Internet required | No | Yes (required) | No (for local file) |
| Compatibility | Often one brand | Any Android | Universal |
| Complexity | Low | Minimum | Medium |
The main advantage of the method via Google is its independence from cables and physical proximity devices. You can prepare your old phone in the evening, put it on the shelf, and in the morning restore all the data on the new gadget. However, there is a caveat: SMS backup to Google Drive does not always include MMS attachments with pictures, saving only the text.
Use of specialized applications (SMS Backup & Restore)
When built-in tools fail or transfer between incompatible systems is required, the “gold standard” comes to the rescue in the world of data migration - application SMS Backup & Restore from the developer SyncTech. This solution allows you to create a local XML file containing your entire communication history, including time, date and message type.
To get started, install the application on both smartphones. On your old device, click the Backup button. In the settings, make sure that the items Text Messages and, if necessary, MMS. The application will create a backup file in the internal memory or immediately offer to upload it to cloud storage, for example, Google Drive, Dropbox or to a local Wi-Fi network.
The fastest transfer method is to use the “Wi-Fi Transfer” function inside the application. It will create an access point to which you need to connect from the second phone. Once connected, you can transfer the backup file directly, bypassing Internet channels. On the new phone, in the same application, select “Restore” and specify the path to the resulting file.
⚠️ Attention: Before restoring from a third-party application, it is recommended to make a current backup through the phone settings, so that in case of failure you can roll back the changes.
The peculiarity of this method is that it restores messages to the standard application "Messages" of your new phone. The correspondence interface will remain native to the new system, but the content will be complete. This is an ideal option for those who want to save an archive of correspondence for several years.
What to do if the recovery is stuck?
If the recovery process is stuck at a certain percentage, do not restart the phone right away. Wait 5-10 minutes, as processing a large number of MMS with images takes time to decode and write to the SQLite database.
Manual export and import via SIM card
The most archaic, but sometimes the only possible method is saving messages to the SIM card. It's worth noting right away that this method has serious limitations: modern SIM cards have very little memory and often support storing only text SMS without formatting, ignoring long messages and MMS.
To try this method, open the messages app on your old phone. Go to the settings of the chat or a specific message, find the item Copy to SIM card. You can usually copy only one message at a time or in small groups. After that, insert the SIM card into the new phone and select import from SIM in the message settings.
This option is suitable exclusively for emergency cases, when you need to save a couple of important codes or short notifications, but there is neither a computer nor the ability to install applications at hand. For a complete transfer of chat history, this method is categorically not recommended due to the risk of data loss and enormous time consumption.
In addition, many modern smartphones with shells like MIUI or OneUI may not have the function of recording to a SIM card in the menu at all, since this technology is considered outdated. In this case, the system simply will not offer you the appropriate option.
Transferring data through a computer (ADB and backups)
For advanced users who are not afraid of working with the command line, there is a backup method through the interface ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to create a complete copy of the data section, including SMS, on your computer's hard drive. However, starting from Android 10 and above, the command adb backup often does not work for system applications without root access.
If you have an older version of Android or an unlocked bootloader, you can connect the phone to the PC, enable USB debugging in the developer menu and run the backup command. The file backup.ab will contain all the data. This file can then be restored to a new device using the same command. This is the “cleanest” method from a technical point of view.
For users with root access, there are utilities like Titanium Backup or Swift Backupthat allow you to unload the SMS database (mmssms.db) as a file. This file is then copied to the appropriate directory of the new phone (requires matching Android versions and access rights), which guarantees a 100% transfer with all metadata.
☑️ Preparing for transfer via PC
Possible problems and solutions
During the process of data migration, users may encounter a number of common errors. The most common problem is a mismatch between Android versions or database formats. If you are transferring messages from a very old Android 6.0 to a fresh Android 14, the recovery application may not recognize the file format.
Another common situation is duplicate messages. This happens if you first recovered data via Google Account and then additionally imported the file from a third-party application. As a result, you will have double correspondence history with the same contacts. To avoid this, before using the second method, completely reset the Messages application or clear its data.
Sometimes users complain that messages have been restored, but without pictures (MMS). This is due to the fact that some methods copy only the text base, and the media files are stored separately. In such cases, a comprehensive backup of the entire phone through a proprietary utility that packages data into a single container helps.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and menu item names may differ depending on the firmware version and smartphone model. If you do not find the item described, use the search in your phone settings.
It is also worth remembering about security. Do not download dubious data transfer applications from unverified sources. Use only popular utilities with a high rating in the official store Google Playto avoid leaking personal correspondence to third parties.
The most universal and safe solution for most users is a combination: a branded application when changing a phone within a brand and SMS Backup & Restore when switching between different manufacturers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will messages from WhatsApp be transferred along with regular SMS?
No, regular SMS and messages from instant messengers are stored in different databases. To transfer WhatsApp, you need to use the built-in backup function inside the WhatsApp application itself (via Google Drive) or the data transfer utility when you initially set up your phone, which supports the migration of application data.
Is it possible to transfer messages if the old phone does not turn on?
If the phone does not turn on at all, a software transfer is not possible. If the screen is broken, but the phone works (vibrates, makes sounds), you can try connecting it to the computer via USB and making a backup copy via ADB, if USB debugging was enabled before. Otherwise, you will need to repair the screen to access the data.
Will the message history on your old phone be deleted after the transfer?
No, the copy or backup process does not delete the data from the original device. Your messages will remain on your old phone until you delete them yourself or perform a factory reset. This allows you to double-check the result on a new device before clearing the old one.
Will transferring SMS take up a lot of space on Google Drive?
Text messages take up negligible space. Even several thousand SMS with text will weigh only a few megabytes. The main place is occupied by MMS attachments (photos and videos). If you have a lot of media in Messages, make sure you have free space within your Google Drive quota (15 GB free).
What if your new phone doesn't have the Messages app?
Any certified Android smartphone should come pre-installed with the SMS app. If you are using a phone without Google services (for example, some Huawei models), you will need to install a third-party message client from the AppGallery store or an APK file so that the imported data can be displayed correctly.