What’s the Best Way to Transfer Text Messages from Android to Android?
What’s the Best Way to Transfer Text Messages from Android to Android?
4 Answers

So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of transferring text messages from one Android phone to another. We’ve all been there—getting a new phone and the dread of losing your precious messages. But fear not, there are some straightforward ways to do this without pulling your hair out.
First up, Google Backups. When you set up your new phone, signing into your Google account kicks off an automatic backup, including your text messages.
Here’s how you roll with this: grab your old phone, dive into ‘Settings,’ hit up ‘Google,’ and nudge the ‘Backup’ option. Make sure the right Google account is in the mix and flick on ‘Backup by Google One.’ Your data will back itself up like magic. On your brand-new phone, sign into the same Google account and click ‘Restore.’ Let it do its thing, and soon your text messages will be right where you want them.
- Pros? It’s built right into the phone, so no need for extra apps.
- However, beware—slow internet or running out of Google Drive space could slow you down.
Now, if you’re all about options, SMS Backup & Restore is your jam. It’s a nifty app that helps you stash your messages on cloud storage or your local storage and then haul them to your new phone.
Here’s what to do: slap the app on both phones. On the old phone, open it up, get the permissions sorted, and select ‘Transfer.’ Hit ‘SEND FROM THIS PHONE’ and choose your new device. On the newbie, open the app and pick ‘RECEIVE ON THIS PHONE,’ then click ‘Accept and Restore.’
- The upside? You get loads of flexibility—pick your backup location and only shuffle the messages you care about.
- Downsides? You gotta install the app and deal with a bit more manual work.
For Samsung peeps, Samsung Smart Switch is a lifesaver. Just pop it onto both devices and choose your weapon—USB cable or wireless. Start the transfer and watch your messages slide into the new phone.
- The best part? It’s like magic for Samsung phones.
- The hitch? Not so much with other brands, though it’s doable.
Google Messages? If you’re knee-deep in Google accounts, sign into the relevant one on the new phone, and your texts will sync up in no time.
Quick Share anyone? A lot of Android phones have this Bluetooth feature, which lets you flick messages between phones. Just turn it on and choose what you want to send. Easy-peasy for one-off messages but a slog for big batches.
Feeling adventurous? MobileTrans and MobiKin Transfer for Mobile give you a full-throttle way to switch SMS, multimedia files, and more between phones. Set these up on both devices and follow the app’s lead.
Got a SIM card? Yeah, you can save your texts there. Handy but don’t get carried away—SIMs only hold so much.
If you prefer the hands-on approach, there’s always the computer way. Copy text messages from your old phone to a computer, then transfer them to your new device using a USB. Sure, it involves more steps, but it gives you control, especially if you dig using a PC or Mac.
So, in the end, pick what suits you best. For Samsung users, Smart Switch is a no-brainer. Google Backups or Messages are clutch if you’re already in the Google world. Big message hauls? Dive into those third-party apps. For just a few texts, Quick Share or SMS Backup & Restore will do the trick. No Internet? Stick with a SIM or your computer.
Some tips before you go: juice up those batteries and ensure there’s enough space on your phones to avoid a breakdown mid-transfer. Backing up data isn’t a must but it’s smart, you know? And if you’re using third-party apps, choose wisely to keep your info safe and sound.
At the end of the day, follow instructions and enjoy the seamless transfer! If you hit a snag, pop into the app’s help or bug their support.

You’ve got a new Android phone, and if you’re like me, the thought of leaving all those text messages behind can be a bit daunting. Thankfully, moving your texts to your new device is a breeze—just follow these steps and you’re golden!
First Up: Backing Up Your Messages
Let’s dive right into it. Grab your old Android phone and head over to the Settings app. It’s that trusty spot for all things phone-related. Scroll down until you see “Google” and tap on it—you’re looking for those nifty Google services.
Once you’re in, find the “Backup” option. Here’s the kicker—make sure “Backup by Google One” is turned on. This tool is your best friend for backing up your SMS and MMS messages. Double-check to see if your messages are included in the backup list—can’t hurt to be sure, right? Then tap “Back up now,” and let it do its thing while you’re connected to Wi-Fi. Skip the data charges!
Next: Setting Up the New Phone
Now, let’s talk about your shiny new phone. Power it up and follow those setup instructions. Make sure to connect to Wi-Fi straight away—this makes the whole process run smoother. When prompted, log in using the same Google account as your old phone. It’s like a key unlocking all your saved goodies!
Time to Restore Those Messages
Here’s where the magic happens. During setup, you’ll be asked if you want to restore data. Yes, please! Choose “Restore,” then select the stuff you’re keen to get back—like those SMS and MMS messages. Continue through the setup and voila!
Finally: Check Your Messages
Once setup is sorted, pop open your messaging app and see if your texts are all there. It’s like greeting old friends again.
A Sneaky Alternative with Third-Party Apps
Feeling adventurous or stuck with your backup options? Try third-party apps like SMS Backup & Restore. Download the app on both phones—it’s easy peasy from the Google Play Store.
On your old phone, get the app up and running, and make a backup file of your messages. Store it locally or shoot it up to cloud storage, like Google Drive. Then, slip that backup file over to your new phone through email, USB, whatever floats your boat. Fire up SMS Backup & Restore on the new device, choose “Restore,” find your backup, and let the app do its thing.
And there you have it, folks—a smooth and stress-free move of your text messages with nothing left behind. Happy texting on your new Android device!

So, you need to move your text messages from one Android phone to another, huh? It can be a bit of a head-scratcher because, unlike photos or contacts, there’s no straightforward way to transfer SMS on Android. But don’t sweat it—I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve that can help!
Getting Your Head Around SMS Transfers
First up, transferring text messages isn’t as simple as it sounds. Why, you ask? Well, Google hasn’t exactly made it a cakewalk. There’s no direct sync option like there is for everything else. Plus, every manufacturer seems to have their own way of doing things—Samsung, Google Pixel, etc. And SMS isn’t stored in a friendly format you can easily get to without some help.
The Google Messages Method (Your Best Bet)
Perfect if you’re into automatic and cloud-based solutions. You’ll need both phones to use the Google Messages app, a Google account, and internet access—easy-peasy, right? On your old phone, make sure Google Messages is up to date, dive into the settings, and flick on those fancy ‘Chat features.’ Also, don’t forget to enable ‘Backup to Google Drive.’
Switching to your new gadget, install Google Messages, sign in with the same Google account, and hit ‘Restore’ when it pops up. Heads up: older MMS attachments might not come through reliably with this method.
SMS Backup & Restore Apps
Got a ton of SMS/MMS, including attachments, to transfer? Try using apps like SMS Backup & Restore—totally free unless you mind the ads. On your old phone, grant necessary permissions, let the app create a backup, then toss it onto Google Drive or do a USB transfer.
Hop over to your new phone, find the backup file, and hit ‘Restore.’ For hefty backups, make sure you’re on Wi-Fi—you don’t want extra charges, right?
Manufacturer-Specific Tools
If both your phones are from the same line-up, like Samsung to Samsung, you can use tools like Samsung Smart Switch. Just install it and let it work its magic. With Google Pixel or OnePlus, there’s a ‘Copy apps & data’ tool that gets the job done.
Manual Backup Via Computer
Feeling tech-savvy? Connect your old phone to a computer, enable USB debugging (which involves some tapping around to get to Developer Options), and yoink out the SMS database file. You’ll need root access to paste it on the new device, though—pretty heavy-duty stuff that some might find daunting.
Carrier Services as Last Resort
If all else fails, some carriers offer their own SMS backup tricks. They’re not top-tier, but hey, it’s better than nothing. Check with your carrier for specifics.
Troubleshooting and Tips
A few bumps might pop up along the way. Things like MMS not transferring, incomplete backups, or app crashes. If that happens, maybe try using SMS Backup & Restore or clearing the app cache. Always make sure both devices are powered up to at least 50% before kicking off the transfer, and once you’re done, get rid of old backups to free up space.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a juggling act—but stick to these steps, and you’ll have all your text messages on your new Android without losing a single “Remember to pick up milk” text!

Transferring text messages from one Android phone to another might sound like a hassle, but it’s actually a piece of cake once you’ve got the right steps down. Let’s dive into some cool ways to get this done:
Method 1: Using Google Backup
First thing’s first, let’s back up those messages from your old phone using Google Backup. Head over to Settings, then System, and hit Backup. Just flip the switch for ‘Back up to Google Drive’ and make sure ‘SMS messages’ is ticked. If you’re feeling impatient, you can tap ‘Back up now’ to speed things up.
Next, it’s time to move over to your new phone. While you’re setting it up, you’ll see an option to restore data from your Google account. Pick the latest backup and follow the steps—your texts should be back where they belong in no time.
Method 2: Using SMS Backup & Restore App
Not feeling the Google route? No worries, there’s an app for that! Go ahead and install SMS Backup & Restore from the Google Play Store on both of your phones.
Fire up the app on your old device and choose ‘Backup’, making sure to include ‘Text Messages (SMS)’ in the mix. Follow the app instructions and get your backup ready to roll.
Now, zip over those files to your new device however you like—email, Google Drive, or whatever floats your boat. Open the app on your new phone, hit ‘Restore’, choose your backup file, and kick off the restore process.
Method 3: Manufacturer Tools (e.g., Samsung Smart Switch)
If you’re rocking a Samsung or another specific brand, they’ve probably got their own transfer tool. Grab it from the Google Play Store and install it on your devices. Just follow the steps they lay out, and you’ll have your texts transferred in no time flat.
Honestly, these methods are super user-friendly and will make sure your SMS messages land safely on your new Android device without a hitch.