Android Messages backup & restore

[rocko1290]

Hi, I have a Google Pixel 2 XL and I have used the Android Messages app for all my SMS/MMS messages since I first got the phone. I currently have the latest version of the app, which is 3.3.044. I am planning to factory reset my phone, but before I do so, I'm trying to ensure that I will be able to restore all of my SMS/MMS conversations afterwards. Some of the messages are extremely important to me and I'm not willing to risk losing them. How can I ensure that I get all my conversations back intact, with both SMS and MMS included, just as they appear on my phone now? I know that Pixel 2 backs up my SMS messages to Google Drive, however it specifically states that this does not include MMS messages, which poses a problem for me. I need my conversations to remain intact, in order, exactly the way they are now, with both SMS and MMS messages included. I was excited when I learned of Android Messages for Web, and thought this may solve my problem. I noticed every single conversation appears on Messages for Web exactly as it does on my phone, including both SMS & MMS. This initially led me to believe that Messages for Web has stored a backup all of my SMS/MMS conversations online, but then I came across where it says 'Stay connected to your phone. Messages for Web connects to your phone to sync messages' on Messages for Web. Does this mean that if I factory reset and delete everything on my phone, a backup will not be stored on the Android Messages for Web? How can I ensure that I retain all my SMS/MMS conversations intact upon factory resetting my phone and reinstalling the Android Messages App? Thank you very much in advance for your help, I greatly appreciate it.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! I'm not sure if anything gets backed up using Messages on the Web -- I think that only syncs and shows what's currently on the phone. Try SMS Backup & Restore instead.

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

Hi, I have a Google Pixel 2 XL and I have used the Android Messages app for all my SMS/MMS messages since I first got the phone. I currently have the latest version of the app, which is 3.3.044. I am planning to factory reset my phone, but before I do so, I'm trying to ensure that I will be able to restore all of my SMS/MMS conversations afterwards. Some of the messages are extremely important to me and I'm not willing to risk losing them. How can I ensure that I get all my conversations back intact, with both SMS and MMS included, just as they appear on my phone now? I know that Pixel 2 backs up my SMS messages to Google Drive, however it specifically states that this does not include MMS messages, which poses a problem for me. I need my conversations to remain intact, in order, exactly the way they are now, with both SMS and MMS messages included. I was excited when I learned of Android Messages for Web, and thought this may solve my problem. I noticed every single conversation appears on Messages for Web exactly as it does on my phone, including both SMS & MMS. This initially led me to believe that Messages for Web has stored a backup all of my SMS/MMS conversations online, but then I came across where it says 'Stay connected to your phone. Messages for Web connects to your phone to sync messages' on Messages for Web. Does this mean that if I factory reset and delete everything on my phone, a backup will not be stored on the Android Messages for Web? How can I ensure that I retain all my SMS/MMS conversations intact upon factory resetting my phone and reinstalling the Android Messages App? Thank you very much in advance for your help, I greatly appreciate it.

You need the following app sms backup

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riteshsahu.SMSBackupRestore

It can backup to cloud and you must run it before you delete or rest your phone. Then once you have a new phone or a reset phone make sure you install it again and restore the backup from the cloud and your messages should reappear. Has worked for me several times. I set mine to auto backup every single day.

 

[thunderup]

Re: Android Messages backup & restore

Welcome to Android Central! I'm not sure if anything gets backed up using Messages on the Web -- I think that only syncs and shows what's currently on the phone. Try SMS Backup & Restore instead.

I agree with this recommendation. I've used that app multiple times and always had great success. Backs up and restores all SMS and MMS perfectly.

 

[Almeuit]

I use Pulse SMS. This way I can access all of my messages on the web, PC, phone, etc. And it backs it up. The lifetime is only like 11 bucks but highly worth it IMO.