Changing a smartphone is always an exciting process, which is often accompanied by the fear of losing important information. Among contacts and photos, it is text messages that cause the most concern, as they contain confirmation codes, correspondence with loved ones and business information. Unfortunately, unlike WhatsApp or Telegram, standard SMS does not automatically sync over the Internet without prior configuration.
Fortunately, the ecosystem Android provides several effective tools to solve this problem. You can use Google's built-in backup tools, third-party specialized apps, or even manual methods for individual messages. The choice of a specific method depends on how complete the archive you need and whether you have access to cloud storage.
In this guide, we will analyze each method in detail, evaluate their pros and cons, and also give recommendations on data security. Before starting the procedure, make sure that both devices are charged at least 50% to avoid a sudden power outage at a critical moment.
Built-in backup via Google Account
The simplest and most integrated way to save your correspondence is to use a cloud service Google Drive. Starting with Android 8.0 Oreo, the system allows you to automatically create backup copies of SMS and call logs, linking them to your account. This method is ideal if you are upgrading to a new phone of the same brand or just want to have a backup copy in the cloud.
To activate the function, you need to go to the settings of your old device. Find the section System or General settings, then select the item Backup. Make sure that the switch next to the "Data backup" item is activated, and Messagesis checked in the list of saved items. The system may ask for permission to use Google Drive storage.
The recovery process on a new device occurs automatically the first time you set it up. When you log into your Google Account new smartphone, the system will offer to restore data from the latest available copy. Please note that this method does not allow you to view messages on your computer or retrieve them individually—it is purely an all-or-nothing migration tool.
⚠️ Attention: Google Drive backups take up space in your storage quota (15 GB free). If you have accumulated a huge archive of SMS messages with MMS attachments, you may run out of space and the creation of a new copy will be interrupted.
Check the date of the last backup in Google settings before purchasing a new phone to ensure that all recent messages are saved.
Using the SMS Backup & App Restore
If the built-in Google tools seem insufficiently flexible to you, specialized software would be the best solution. The application SMS Backup & Restore from the developer SyncTech is the gold standard in this niche. It allows you to create local copies in XML format, which can be easily transferred to your computer or sent by mail.
Working with the utility is intuitive. After installation on your old device, start the process of creating a copy by selecting the Backupoption. You can choose whether to save only SMS or also call logs. The backup file will be saved in the phone's memory, after which it must be transferred to the new device in any convenient way: via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct or a USB cable.
On the new phone, install the same application and select the function Restore. Provide the path to the backup file you uploaded earlier. The app will automatically recognize the format and restore messages to a standard messaging application, saving send dates and sender numbers.
- 📱 Local storage: Files are copied directly to the device, eliminating the risk of data leakage to the cloud of third parties.
- 🔄 Flexibility of formats: XML support allows you to edit the archive if necessary or convert it to readable view on a PC.
- 📅 Scheduler: Ability to set up automatic creation of copies on a schedule (daily, weekly).
Transfer via cable and quick setup
Modern smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi i Google Pixel, implement their own tools for data migration, which often work faster than cloud services. When you initially set up your new phone, you will be asked to copy data from your old device.
The most reliable option is to use a USB-C to USB-C cable (or adapter). Connect both phones to each other. A request to trust and copy data will appear on the screen. The system will prompt you to select the types of data to transfer: make sure that the checkbox is opposite the item Text messages.
This method is good because it does not require the Internet and works even with a poor Wi-Fi signal. The transfer speed is limited only by the bandwidth of the USB port. However, this method has a caveat: it only works when you first set up your phone. If you have already set up a new device and are signed in to your accounts, you will have to perform a factory reset (Factory Reset) to see the setup wizard again.
| Method | Speed | Requires a PC | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | Average | No | Low |
| SMS Backup & Restore | High | No | Medium |
| USB Cable | Very high | No | Low |
| Third-party software (PC) | High | Yes | High |
Using a cable is the fastest way to transfer large amounts of data, but it requires the physical presence of both devices at the same time.
Manually saving individual important messages
Sometimes there is no need to transfer thousands of spam messages or advertising mailings. If your goal is to save only a few critical notifications, for example, with codes from a bank or legal information, it is easier to use manual methods.
The most obvious option is creation screenshots. Open the conversation you want, take a screenshot, and save it to a gallery that syncs with Google Photos. This is convenient for visual perception, but you will not be able to search the text of such messages or copy data from them.
A more advanced option is the “Share” function. In the standard Messages app, tap and hold on a specific message, select it, and then tap the icon Share. You can send the text to yourself via email, Google Keep notes, or messenger. This will turn the SMS into plain text, available for editing.
⚠️ Attention: When sending SMS via instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), information about the original date and time of receiving the message is lost. For legally binding correspondence, use only screenshots or export to PDF.
Recovery from a local copy on a computer
For users who prefer full control over their data, there is the option of using software on a PC. apps like Android Transfer or utilities from manufacturers (Samsung Smart Switch, Mi Mover for PC) allow you to manage your phone's content via a cable.
Connect your old phone to your computer and run the app. Select the section Media or Information, where the subsection with messages is usually located. The app will offer to create a backup copy of all content or select specific dialogs. The file will be saved on your computer's hard drive.
Then connect a new phone and select the recovery option from the created file. This method is especially useful if cloud services are unavailable or if your data exceeds Google's free plan limits. In addition, this is the only way to save SMS if the screen of the old phone is broken, but the system responds to USB connections.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone?
Make sure that the file transfer mode (MTP) is selected on the phone screen, and not just charging. You may also need to install ADB drivers for your device model.
Frequently asked questions and problem solving (FAQ)
Can I transfer SMS via a SIM card?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. SIM cards have very limited memory (usually up to 250 messages) and do not support long texts or Cyrillic in older formats. Modern smartphones often do not have an export to SIM function at all. Use this method only in emergency cases if there are no other options.
Are pictures (MMS) saved during backup?
Depends on the method. Google Drive and SMS Backup & Restore app usually save MMS as attachments inside the archive. However, when restored, the pictures may not be automatically displayed in the gallery, but will remain available only within the messages application. To securely save photos, it is better to upload them separately to cloud storage.
What to do if, after restoration, messages are displayed incorrectly?
Try clearing the cache of the Messages application on your new phone via Settings → Applications → Messages → Storage → Clear cache. If this doesn't help, make sure that the default messaging app on your new device is compatible with the format of the imported data (it's best to use the standard Google Messages).
Is it safe to store SMS backups in cloud?
Google encrypts data on its servers, but for maximum confidentiality it is recommended to use local copies (on a PC or flash drive) and protect them with a password. Never store copies with two-factor authentication codes in public clouds without additional protection.
☑️ Checklist before starting the transfer
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If you do not find the specified item, use the search in your phone settings.