There’s an argument to be made that SMS is no longer as prominent as it used to be. However, it remains a primary method of communication that we all use from time to time.
We all use messages for different reasons. However, it becomes a tad difficult to move messages around for reference. Several Android devices now come with built-in SMS backup services, as well as tools that you can use to migrate messages to a new phone upon setup.
We’ll look into some of the options available to show how to backup text message on Android without an app.
The Built-In SMS Backup
Ever since Android 8.1 came out, users have been able to restore backed-up data from initial setup. This included SMS messages as well. It’s worth noting that this isn’t a manual process. You can only find it in the “Finish setting up” screen that you find at the tip of your settings page. Just hit the “Finish Setup” button and you’ll be able to perform the same restoration move that you would usually find on the initial setup.
This can include backing up previous SMS messages as well.
Most of the available data comes from the automatic backups your device performs. These data are stored on the Google Drive, and you can view them through the Android app. To manually trigger the backup process, go to Settings>System>Backup.
As explained, you enjoy the fact that this process is automatic. However, it is of limited use if you don’t have a way to manually trigger the restoration process or view all backed up content. For instance, you won’t be able to read the messages off the device. You also won’t be able to save them for the long term since backups eventually expire on the Google Drive.
While this might be limited, there are some alternatives you could pick as well to help improv your backup process. Let’s take a quick look at some:
SMS Backup+
SMS Backup+ is a tool that can allow you to sign in and integrate Gmail by default. The service is most likely your best choice if you want to keep your messages around – but not particularly have access to them. SMS Backup+ is open-source, and it allows you to backup various correspondence to your Gmail account – including MMS, SMS, and your call history.
The app is entirely free, and it has remained pretty prominent for years. Here’s how you set it up
- The first step will be to do some prep. Flip Gmail to allow IMAP access by going to Settings -> Forwarding and POP/IMAP. From there, click on “Enable IMAP” and hit “Save Changes.”
- Make an app password for SMS Backup+ by going to https://security.google.com and selecting “App passwords.” You will need to sign in once more.
- You’ll find a pair of drop-down lists for categorizing the app password you want to make. Select “Other” from the list on the left-most part and give the password a name, so you know what it is
- Click on “Generate”
- Google will give you a sixteen-character password. Save and protect it.
- Install SMS Backup+, fire it up, and go to the main app. Tap “Advanced Settings,” then “Custom IMAP Server.”
- You’ll be taken to the IMAP setup process. Hit “Authentication,” then select “Plain text” to allow you enter your information.
- Tap “Server address” and set it to “imap.gmail.com:993.” Press “OK,” so that the app knows where it should log in. tap “Username” and enter your Gmail address. Tap “Password” and enter the app password you generated earlier. Tap “OK,” then ensure that the settings in “Security” are set to “TLS”
- Go back to the app’s main screen, and you should find the backups working. By tapping the “Backup” button, you should be able to trigger a backup easily.
iSkysoft Toolkit
iSkysoft Toolkit is an interesting and highly nifty new tool that makes it easy for you to backup your data. The tool is compatible with all forms of data, including but not limited to messages, videos, music, pictures, applications, and even your call history.
This product is available for both iOS and Android, and one of its most interesting features is ease of use. Instead of having to jump through hoops and ladders, you can get your SMS back with just a few steps.
All you would have to do is launch iSkysoft Toolkit and download it on your computer Connect your device to it, and the tool will immediately recognize it. On your computer, click on “Backup.” It will show you the data options available to you, and you can select “Messages.”
Once done, start the backup process. The backup might take a while, depending on how much data you’re saving. iSkysoft Toolkit will notify you when it’s done, and you’re ready to go.