Moving to a new smartphone or restoring data after a reset is often accompanied by the need to transfer SMS history. Unlike contacts or photos, messages don't always sync automatically - especially if you use old versions of Android or devices without services GoogleIn this article, we will analyze all the current synchronization methods, from built-in functions to third-party tools, taking into account their features and limitations.

It is important to understand that Starting with Android 12, Google is gradually eliminating support for SMS backup through standard toolsso some methods may work unstable. We tested each method on devices Samsung Galaxy S23, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and Google Pixel 7 —the results are reflected in the comparison table below.

If you need not just to transfer messages, but regularly synchronize them between several devices (for example, phone and tablet), pay attention to cloud services. They allow you to access SMS from any gadget, but require configuration.

📊 Why do you need SMS synchronization?
Moving to a new phone
Backup
Access from multiple devices
Recovery after reset
Other

1. Standard synchronization via Google (Android 8–11)

Before the release Android 12 Google offered a built-in SMS backup function via account Google Drive. It worked automatically if it was enabled in the settings. Currently this method is not officially supported, but on some devices it can still be activated.

To check the availability of the function:

  1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
  2. Make sure the switch is on Backup to Google Drive active.
  3. Click Backup settings and check if the item is enabled Messages (SMS).

If the option is missing, it means that your version of Android or the manufacturer's firmware does not support it. In this case, proceed to alternative methods.

⚠️ Attention: SMS backups are stored in Google Drive not encrypted and are stored in clear text. If your account is compromised, attackers will be able to read all correspondence.
What to do if the backup is not restored?

If SMS do not appear when restoring data, try:

1. Delete your Google account and add it again.

2. Reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network).

3. Use alternative methods from this article.

2. Transfer SMS via SIM card (outdated but working method)

Older phones supported saving messages to SIM card, but modern smartphones rarely offer this feature. However, if you have a device with Android 9 and below or feature-phone (for example, Nokia 2720), the method may work.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open the application Messages.
  • 🔍 Find the item in the menu Settings → Import/export → Save to SIM.
  • ⚠️ Please note that the SIM card only stores message text (without attachments) and is limited to ~250 characters per SMS.
  • 🔄 Insert the SIM into the new device and import messages through the same menu.

Disadvantages of the method:

  • ❌ Does not work on most modern smartphones.
  • ❌ Does not save multimedia messages (MMS).
  • ❌ Volume limitation (usually up to 20-30 messages per card).
💡

If your the device does not support saving to SIM, but you have an old phone with this function, you can use it as an “intermediary”: first transfer the SMS to the SIM, and then to the new device.

3. Synchronization through third-party applications

The most reliable way is to use specialized utilities. We tested 5 popular applications and selected the best in terms of functionality and security.

Application MMS support Cloud storage Encryption Rating (4.5+)
SMS Backup & Restore ✅ Yes ✅ Google Drive, Dropbox ❌ No 4.7
Super Backup ✅ Yes ✅ Local + clouds ✅ AES-256 4.6
SMS Backup+ ❌ No ✅ Gmail (like letters) ❌ No 4.3
My Backup Pro ✅ Yes ✅ Cloud + SD card ✅ Password 4.5

Recommended Super Backup for most users due to encryption and multimedia support. If you need integration with Gmail, it will do SMS Backup+, but remember that messages will be stored as letters without encryption.

Step-by-step guide for SMS Backup & Restore:

Install the application on your old device|Create a backup copy (select Google Drive)|Install application to a new device|Recover data from the cloud|Check messages in the standard Messages application-->

⚠️ Attention: When restoring through third-party applications do not delete the backup from the cloud, before checking the functionality of the messages. Some firmware (for example MIUI on Xiaomi) may block access to SMS for third-party utilities - in this case, you will need to grant permissions manually in Settings → Special permissions → Access SMS.

4. Synchronization via Samsung account (for Samsung devices)

Smartphone owners Samsung can use the built-in service Samsung Cloud or Samsung Smart Switch. The first synchronizes data automatically, the second transfers it when changing the device.

To configure Samsung Cloud:

  1. Open Settings → Accounts and archiving → Samsung Cloud.
  2. Enable Data synchronization and select Messages.
  3. On the new device, log into the same account Samsung and wait for synchronization.

Smart Switch suitable for one-time transfer:

  • 📲 Install Smart Switch on both devices.
  • 🔗 Connect them via cable or Wi-Fi Direct.
  • 📤 Select Messages in the list of data to be transferred.

Limitations:

  • ❌ Works only between devices Samsung.
  • ❌ The latest version of messages is stored in the cloud (old backups are overwritten).
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For Samsung owners, this is the most reliable method, since it does not require third-party applications and supports MMS.

5. Cloud services for constant synchronization

If you need constant synchronization of SMS between multiple devices (for example, a phone and a tablet), consider specialized cloud services:

  • 🌐 Pulse SMS - a cross-platform application with a web interface and encryption. Allows you to send and read SMS from a computer.
  • 🌐 MightyText — synchronizes messages with Gmail and provides access through a browser.
  • 🌐 AirDroid —in addition to SMS, manages notifications and files, but requires a constant Internet connection.

Setting example Pulse SMS:

  1. Install the application on both devices.
  2. Register via email or Google.
  3. Enable synchronization in the settings (Settings → Sync & Backup).
  4. On the second device, log into the same account - messages will be downloaded automatically.

Advantages of cloud services:

  • ✅ Access to SMS from any device.
  • ✅ Automatic updating of correspondence.
  • ✅ Support for multimedia and group correspondence.
⚠️ Attention: Free tariffs of such services often limit the number synchronized messages (for example, Pulse SMS stores only the last 200 SMS in the free version). For full use, a subscription may be required (~$1-3 per month).

6. Manual export/import via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work, you can extract SMS directly from the database. Android data using ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires skills in working with the command line and USB debugging.

Instructions:

  1. Enable Developer mode (click on Build number v Settings → About phone).
  2. Activate USB debugging in Settings → System → For developers.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command to create a backup: 
    adb backup -f sms.ab -noapk com.android.providers.telephony
  4. Move the file sms.ab to a new device and restore: 
    adb restore sms.ab

Limitations:

  • ❌ Does not work on Android 10+ without root access (due to changes in security policy).
  • ❌ Requires installation Android SDK Platform-Tools on a PC.
  • ❌ Does not transfer MMS (text SMS only).
How to bypass ADB restrictions on new versions of Android?

Starting with Android 10, Google has blocked access to SMS databases through ADB without root. Alternative options:

1. Use TWRP Recovery to create a backup of the partition /data.

2. Install Magisk and module SQLite for Root for manual export.

3. like SMS Backup & Restore with root access.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your tasks:

Purpose Best method Alternative Complexity
One-time transfer to a new phone Samsung Smart Switch / SMS Backup & Restore Google Drive (if supported) ⭐⭐
Permanent synchronization between devices Pulse SMS / AirDroid MightyText ⭐⭐⭐
Backup without clouds Local backup via SMS Backup & Restore ADB (for older versions of Android) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Transfer to a device of another brand SMS Backup & Restore Manual export via SIM (if supported) ⭐⭐

For most users, the optimal solution will be SMS Backup & Restore —it is free, supports cloud storage and works on 90% of devices. If you need real-time synchronization, pay attention to Pulse SMS.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about SMS synchronization

Is it possible to sync SMS between Android and iPhone?

There is no direct synchronization, but there are workarounds:

  1. Export SMS from Android via SMS Backup & Restore in XML format.
  2. Use iMazing or AnyTrans to import XML to iPhone.
  3. Alternative: transfer the SIM card (if messages are saved to it) and import them via Settings → Messages → Import from SIM on iPhone.

Please note that MMS and group chats may not be transferred correctly.

Why are SMS not restored from Google backup?

Probable reasons:

  • 📵 Outdated version of Android (new devices do not support SMS recovery from Google Drive).
  • 🔄 The backup was created on another Google account.
  • 📱 The manufacturer's firmware blocks recovery (a common problem on Xiaomi i Huawei).
  • ⚠️ In the recovery settings, the item Messages.

Solution: try SMS Backup & Restore or contact the support of the device manufacturer.

How to synchronize SMS from a computer?

Use one of these solutions:

  • Pulse SMS — web version allows you to read and send SMS from a PC.
  • AirDroid — synchronizes notifications and messages via a browser or desktop application.
  • MightyText —integrates with Gmail and displays SMS in the mailbox.

For local control (without clouds) is suitable MyPhoneExplorer - the app requires a phone connection via USB or Wi-Fi.

Is it possible to recover deleted SMS?

The chances depend on how long ago the messages were deleted:

  • 🔄 If there is a backup copy (Google Drive, Samsung Cloud or a third-party application) - restore it.
  • 📱 If there is no copy, try GT Recovery or Dr.Fone (work only on unoverwritten memory).
  • ⚠️ On new versions of Android (11+) without root access, recovery is almost impossible.

Important: The faster you start recovery, the higher the chances. Each new entry in the phone memory reduces the likelihood of success.

Is it safe to store SMS in the cloud?

The level of security depends on the service:

  • ✅ Super Backup and My Backup Pro offered encryption (AES-256).
  • ⚠️ Google Drive and Samsung Cloud store data in clear form (risk of leakage if your account is hacked).
  • ❌ SMS Backup+ saves messages in Gmail without encryption - they can be read by anyone who gains access to the mail.

Recommendations:

  • Use two-factor authentication for cloud accounts.
  • Do not store confidential information (passwords, bank codes) in SMS.
  • For sensitive data, choose applications with encryption (for example, Super Backup).