Let me start with a quick story. One day, I told Taifa, “Hey, remember you said this and that? Look — here’s the screenshot.” She replied, “Wow, how did you even find that old message? You changed your phone almost a year ago!”
Back in 2021, my mother gifted me a Xiaomi Redmi Note 10. Before that, I was using an Oppo A3s. That’s when I started using the SMS Backup & Restore app — and it’s been a lifesaver ever since.
What is the SMS Backup & Restore app?
SMS Backup & Restore is an Android app that lets you export and import all your text messages between phones. So when I switched to my new Redmi, I used it to copy every single message over from my old Oppo.
Today I’ll walk you through my full experience with this app. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out or message me on my Facebook page — I’ve disabled the comment section here because of an overwhelming amount of spam. (Speaking of which, I’ll write about how to block spam comments on WordPress in a future post.)
Where to get the SMS Backup & Restore app
You can download the SMS Backup & Restore app from the Google Play Store. I also have the APK file saved with me — so if it’s ever removed from the Play Store down the line, just message me using the contact info above and I’ll send you the APK.
Is this messaging import/export app any good?
Yes — based on my experience, it’s genuinely amazing. Definitely worth a try. You can also check out other reviews if you want a second opinion. Here’s mine:
How to use SMS Backup & Restore
- First, install the app from the Play Store. Open it and grant the permissions it asks for — typically access to your messages and contacts.
2. Tap the “Set Up A Backup” button.
3. Select Messages — and Call Logs too, if you want them backed up.
4. Tap “Your Phone” to configure the local backup location.
5. Create a dedicated folder for the backup, then select that folder.
6. Confirm “Yes” for local backup only.
Local backup warning.
7. Disable scheduled backups (we only need a one-time backup right now).
8. You’ll now see the option to start the backup. Tap it, and the app will begin exporting your messages to your folder.
9. Once it finishes, you’ll see the backup file ready in your folder.
10. Now upload the backup file to your Google Drive, then download it from Google Drive on your new phone. Alternatively, you can transfer the file directly via PC or any other method that works for you.
11. On your new phone, install the app and open it. Then tap the Restore option.
12. Select the local backup option and navigate to the folder where you saved your backup.
13. Select the backup XML file and continue.
14. Choose what you want to restore, then tap the Restore button.
15. Tap OK, then Change, and the restoration will begin smoothly. You may not see this prompt if you’re using the default messaging app — I personally use the Google Messages app.
16. The restoration will then complete automatically. Time required depends on your phone’s performance and the volume of messages being restored.
Let’s see if the SMS restoration actually worked
Thanks so much for reading my blog. Have a great day!
