How to Save Text Messages on Android

One of the benefits of Android as an operating system is the flexibility and customizability of its features and apps. One such feature is the ability to back up your phone’s text messages to your e-mail account. With SMS Backup+, not only can you save and restore your texts to and from your e-mail, but you can also view your text messages as conversation threads in your inbox.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Saving Texts Messages with Gmail

1
Open Gmail on your web browser. SMS Backup+ is unique in that not only does it back up your text messages, but it sends them to your e-mail account as a readable e-mail thread (most other backup apps save your texts as a coded file that is difficult to read).^{[1]XResearch source} This is most easily done by using a Gmail account. Create a Gmail account if you do not already have one, then log into your Gmail account on your web browser.
- If you prefer not to use Gmail, you can have your Gmail sent to your preferred e-mail address. Advanced users can set SMS Backup+ to work with any e-mail address with an IMAP server.^{[1]XResearch source}
To work with Gmail, SMS Backup+ requires that a setting called "IMAP" is enabled in Gmail. IMAP access basically allows your outside programs and apps to make and receive changes from your e-mail account.^{[2]XResearch source} Click on the gear icon in the upper right area (below your profile picture and notifications) and select "Settings" from the menu that drops down.
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Click "Forwarding and POP/IMAP settings" from the menu on the top of the Gmail settings page.
Locate the IMAP Access section of the Forwarding and POP/IMAP settings page. Ensure that the circle to the left of "Enable IMAP" is selected.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the settings page and click Save Changes.
Open the Google Play Store and search for SMS Backup+ to find install the app. The correct one will show the developer name "Jan Berkel" beneath the app name.
7
Connect SMS Backup+ to your Gmail account. Open the app and tap Connect (it should be the first option below Backup and Restore. Select your Gmail account from the list of accounts presented. Your device will then ask you to grant the app access to your Google account. Tap Grant Access. If your account does not appear here, you can add it by doing the following:
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Locate the Accounts section within Settings.
- Tap "Add account" within the Accounts section.
- Tap Google on the resulting page.
- Tap Existing on the Add a Google Account page.
- Sign in with your Gmail account name and password.
Tap Backup to back up your text messages. This will take a few minutes or more, depending on the number of messages you are backing up. The app’s progress will be shown on the app itself and your phone’s notification area.
9
View your backups on Gmail. Open Gmail on your web browser and click on the SMS label. The backups created by the app are sent to your Gmail inbox and labeled "SMS". Locate the SMS label on Gmail’s left pane and click on it, or type label:SMS into the Gmail search bar and press ↵ Enter.
- If you use an e-mail client such as Outlook or Thunderbird to view Gmail, or you are forwarding your Gmail to another e-mail account, your saved texts will appear there.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Saving Text Messages without Gmail

1
Find your e-mail server addresses and port numbers. While it is much easier to use a Gmail account to save and view your text messages, advanced users can configure the backup app to work with any e-mail provider that uses IMAP to send and receive mail. IMAP access basically allows your outside programs and apps to make and receive changes from your e-mail account.^{[2]XResearch source} Your IMAP server and port number can be found by searching online (search for something like Hotmail IMAP settings or Comcast IMAP settings). If you are using an e-mail client such as Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail, it can also be found in your Account Settings in the "Incoming mail server" field.
- Common IMAP server names include imap-mail.outlook.com for Microsoft-based e-mail addresses and imap.mail.yahoo.com.
- Most IMAP servers use the socket number 993.
SMS Backup+ is unique in that not only does it back up your text messages, but it sends them to your e-mail account as a readable e-mail thread (most other backup apps save your texts as a coded file that is difficult to read).^{[1]XResearch source} Open the Google Play Store and search for SMS Backup+ to find install the app. The correct one will show the developer name "Jan Berkel" beneath the app name.
Open the app and tap "Advanced settings" near the bottom.
Tap IMAP server settings. It should be the last option.
This will allow you to enter your e-mail settings in lieu of using a Google account.
Enter the IMAP settings you found earlier in this format: address:socket number. For example: imap-mail.outlook.com:993. Tap OK when you are done.
Enter your e-mail address here, then tap OK.
Enter your e-mail password here, then tap OK.
9
Back up your text messages. Tap Backup to back up your text messages. This will take a few minutes or more, depending on the number of messages you are backing up. The app’s progress will be shown on the app itself and your phone’s notification area.
- If you get an "Unknown certificate" error during backup, go back to the IMAP server settings and tap Security, then tap "SSL (option/trust all)".^{[1]XResearch source}
Open your e-mail. The backups created by the app are sent to your e-mail and filed in a folder named "SMS". You can also find your saved texts by running a search in your e-mail for SMS with.
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Question
Where are my responses in text messages?
Community Answer
They are usually at the left of the screen. Also, they tend to be a different color then the other person's text messages.
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