Changing a mobile device is always accompanied by stress associated not only with getting used to the new interface, but also with the risk of losing important data. Particularly pressing is the issue of saving text messages, which may contain confirmation codes, important business correspondence, or simply memorable dialogues. Unlike the contact book, which is often synchronized with a Google account automatically, the history SMS messages by default is not saved anywhere when simply moving the SIM card.
Fortunately, the modern ecosystem Android offers many solutions for data migration, from built-in functions systems to specialized utilities. The choice of a specific method depends on the version of the operating system, the presence of root access and the user's personal preferences regarding privacy. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the current methods that allow you to quickly and without errors transfer your entire correspondence history to a new gadget.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that both devices are charged at least 50-60%. The process of transferring large amounts of data, especially multimedia attachments in MMS, can be energy-intensive. Also make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection if you plan to use cloud services, as traffic can be significant.
Using Google's built-in migration tool
The simplest and most reliable way, which does not require installing third-party software, is to use the standard functionality built into modern versions of Android. Starting from version 9.0, the system offers to transfer data during the initial setup of a new device. This method is ideal when you have just bought a phone and have not yet logged into your account.
The process begins by turning on the new smartphone. At the welcome stage, the system will offer to copy applications and data from another device. You'll need to connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network or connect them with a cable (if both devices support USB-C to USB-C). After confirming the action on the old gadget, the new phone will create a full backup, including history SMS and MMS.
⚠️ Attention: If you have already set up a new phone and are signed in to your Google account, the initial migration function may not be available. In this case, you will have to either reset the new device to factory settings, or use alternative methods described below.
It is important to understand that this method copies not only text, but also attachments, if any. However, the speed of the process directly depends on the quality of the wireless connection. If there are a lot of files, the process may take from 15 minutes to an hour. After completion, you will see all your old conversations in the standard messages application.
Transfer via the SMS Backup & Restore application
If standard methods for some reason do not work or you need to transfer messages to an already configured phone, the best solution would be a specialized application. The leader in this niche is already a utility SMS Backup & Restore from the developer SyncTech. It allows you to create local or cloud copies of correspondence in XML format.
The principle of operation is simple: you install the application on both devices. On your old phone, create a backup copy by selecting the necessary dialogues or the entire history. The save file can be transferred via Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth or saved to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox). On a new device, just install the same application and select the restore function from the created file.
☑️ Checklist before transferring data
The main advantage of this method is the ability to selectively restore. You can decide whether you need to save old advertising mailings or service codes. In addition, the application allows you to schedule automatic backups, which is an excellent preventive measure in case you lose your device. in the future. The XML format is convenient because it can be read on a computer through a text editor if necessary.
It is worth noting that additional permissions may be required for the application to work correctly on Android 10 and higher. The system will request access to SMS, contacts and storage. Without granting these rights, the app simply will not be able to read the message database. Also, make sure that the system time is set on both devices, since time out of sync may lead to incorrect data. order of messages in history.
Synchronization via Google Drive and cloud services
Many users do not know that the standard application Google Messages (Messages) has a built-in synchronization function with the cloud. This is not a complete backup in the classical sense, but rather a way to have access to correspondence from different devices or restore it when logging into your account. To fully transfer history to a new phone, this method often requires activating the backup function in the settings.
To check the synchronization status, open the settings of the messages application, go to the "Backup" section and make sure that the function is activated. If you use smartphones of the same brand, for example Samsung or Xiaomi, they may have their own cloud services (Samsung Cloud, Mi Cloud), which can also save SMS. When you log into the manufacturer's account on a new device, the history may be updated automatically.
| Method | Internet required | Saves MMS | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Migration (cable/Wi-Fi) | No (local) | Yes | Low |
| SMS Backup & Restore | Optional | Yes | Medium |
| Manufacturer's cloud (Samsung/Xiaomi) | Yes | Depends on the model | Low |
| Manual export (XML) | No | Yes | High |
The use of cloud services is convenient because the copy is stored remotely. Even if you lose both phones, your chat history can be restored on any third device by logging into your account. However, it is worth remembering the limits of free space in the cloud. Backups can take up a significant amount, especially if you often receive photos and videos via SMS/MMS.
What to do if the cloud is full?
If the storage limit of Google Drive or the manufacturer's cloud is exhausted, the system will stop creating new backups. In this case, you need to either buy additional space or delete old unnecessary backups through the storage management interface. An alternative is to use local copying to a computer or SD card.
Specialized software from smartphone manufacturers
Large vendors understand the importance of customer loyalty and are developing their own tools for migration. These apps often work faster and more stable than their universal counterparts, since they are tailored for a specific shell and file system. For example, for owners Samsung the Smart Switch application is intended, and for Xiaomi — Mi Mover.
Let's consider an example Samsung Smart Switch. This is a powerful tool that transfers not only SMS, but also home screen layout, Wi-Fi passwords, alarms, and even progress in some games. To work, just install the application on both devices (it is available in the Play Market and App Store), select the “Send data” mode on the old one and “Receive data” on the new one. The connection occurs via a secure Wi-Fi Direct channel.
Tools from Huawei (Phone Clone) and OnePlus (Switch to OnePlus)work similarly. Their main advantage is the ability to transfer data from iOS to Android and vice versa, although within the Android-to-Android theme they show the best compatibility. Such apps often ignore some system restrictions, allowing you to transfer data that cannot be copied by ordinary means.
⚠️ Attention: When using proprietary software from manufacturers (for example, transferring from Xiaomi to Samsung via Mi Mover), some specific system settings may not be transferred. Always check the operation of critical functions after migration.
If you are changing a phone within the same brand, using the native snail is by far the best choice. This ensures that all system settings shell specific functions are recreated exactly as you are used to. If you change the brand, it is better to resort to the universal methods described in the previous sections.
Tip: Before launching any application to transfer data, close background apps on both phones. This will free up RAM and speed up the copying process, avoiding possible freezes.
Manual export and import via XML files
For advanced users who prefer complete control over the data, there is a manual export method. Many file managers and specialized applications allow you to download the message database into a file of the .xmlformat. This file can then be copied to a computer or flash drive and transferred to a new phone.
The process is as follows: in the application for working with SMS, select the “Export” or “Backup” function. Specify the save path. Copy the resulting file to the root folder of the new device. Then on the new phone, in the messaging application, select “Import” and specify the path to the file. The system will recognize the XML structure and restore the correspondence.
This method is good because it does not depend on the Internet connection and cloud services. You physically own the data file. However, there is a caveat: the structure of XML files may differ in different applications. A file created by one software may not be readable by another. Therefore, it is better to use the same app or standard system tools for export and import.
If you decide to edit the XML file on your computer (for example, to remove spam before transferring), be extremely careful. Violation of the tag syntax will result in the import failing or some messages being lost. Use only text editors that support encoding UTF-8to avoid problems with Cyrillic.
Common problems and ways to solve them
Even if you follow all the instructions, users may encounter difficulties. One of the most common problems is the "Insufficient space" error when creating a backup. This can be solved by clearing the application cache or deleting old unnecessary dialogs with heavy attachments before starting the process.
Another common situation is that messages have been transferred, but are displayed incorrectly (for example, instead of text there are gibberish or empty fields). This indicates an encoding problem. Make sure that the same encoding standard is selected in the language and input settings on both devices, usually UTF-8. The problem may also lie in the version of the messaging application: try updating it on both devices to the latest version.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may differ depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell. If you do not find the specified item, use the settings search or refer to the official documentation of your model.
Sometimes the process freezes at a certain percentage. In this case, do not panic and turn off your phone. Wait for a timeout or try restarting the process after disabling the lock screens on both devices, as they can interrupt the Wi-Fi connection in sleep mode.
The main problem with the transfer is an unstable connection. Use a cable or make sure the phones are close to each other without obstructions.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Will messages transfer if the new phone has a different version of Android?
In most cases, yes. The SMS storage format is standardized in Android. However, when migrating from very old versions (Android 6 and below) to new ones (Android 13-14), you may encounter problems with formatting or MMS attachments. It is recommended to use the method with the SMS Backup & Restore application, as it converts data between versions better.
Do you need to insert a SIM card into the new phone before transferring?
No, it is not necessary. Data transfer occurs through a Google account or via a local Wi-Fi/Cable network. The SIM card is only needed to receive new SMS after the setup is completed. However, if you use the SMS verification method to log into your account, you will need a card.
Is it safe to transfer codes from the bank via a cloud backup?
Although large companies use encryption, storing financial information in the cloud in plain-text form is not recommended. After transferring data and checking the operation of banking applications, it is better to delete old messages with codes manually or use the safe folder function, if your phone has one.
What to do if dialogs are lost after recovery?
Try clearing the cache of the Messages application on your new phone (Settings → Applications → Messages → Storage → Clear cache) and reboot the device. If this does not help, the backup file may have been damaged during recording or transfer.
Is it possible to transfer only selected contacts and SMS?
Yes, most third-party applications (for example, SMS Backup & Restore) allow you to select specific dialogs for export. During the initial setup, the standard Google tool usually offers to migrate everything at once, but in some implementations there is a choice.