With SMS backup + we will have a very practical application for make backup copies of our SMS, MMS and call logs thanks to its perfect synchronization with our Google account. Never lose any important data again with this useful application that you can download for free in the Play Store.
Remember the days when we had to copy our contacts from our phone to our SIM card and vice versa every time we got a new device? After that, we thought we had it all when we could just transfer our text messages to our computer, and now, thanks to our smartphones, it's a matter of seconds to transfer all our information to the cloud. The only problem we can complain about these days regarding backups is probably the huge number of apps We have to choose from among them. And, although there are many that save our backups to an SD card, the most popular among users are, without a doubt, those that offer various services for saving our data in the cloud.
The backup of SMS is, however, a rarity among Backup applications, and it is true that many of us keep valuable information among the messages that we would not want to lose: phone numbers, addresses, reservation confirmations, etc. So today we come with a very useful recommendation for those lazy people who want to have a good backup of your SMS and not worrying about having to do it themselves every so often: SMS Backup +, an app in which your cloud is none other than the giant Google.
SMS Backup + is an intelligent application that allows us to make backup copies of our SMS, MMS and call log in a very simple way. The process that follows consists of turn those items into tagged items in our Gmail account. So once registered with our Google account, the messages from our device will be synchronized directly with the folder or label called by default 'SMS', in our Gmail tray, which we can also access from our computer.
Of course it also offers the option of restore, so in case of loss, or reset, or if we simply want to retrieve our messages in a new terminal, simply reinstall the application and enter our google account again to retrieve our messages.
Another advantage is that if we use two or more phones, we can collect the messages of both in our same Google tag; It would then be enough to install the application with the same Google account on both phones.
In addition, SMS backup+ allows us define the regularity with which our copy should be made security, as well as making an instant copy with the push of a button.
What is SMS Backup+ and how does it work?
SMS Backup + is a project of open source, without ads or trackers, supporting SMS, MMS and calls in Gmail and Google Calendar Using IMAP, it converts each message into a labeled email (by default, “SMS”) and each call into a “Call log.” It is essential to enable IMAP in Gmail or use your own IMAP server if you prefer full control. Restoration is possible for SMS and calls; MMS are usually left out of the restoration due to system limitations.
Advantages, limits and good practices
Among its strengths are the programmable automation, advanced search messages from Gmail and the possibility of group multiple phones under the same label. As limits, Gmail can skipping climbs if there are too many messages, group chats/MMS They are not always reconstructed as threads and the RCS Some apps are not backed up in the same way as traditional SMS. Recommendations: temporarily disable “Chat/RCS Features” during backup, mark uploaded emails as “read” to avoid confusion and use “skip already uploaded” to prevent duplicates.
Reliable alternative methods
In addition to SMS Backup+, there are complementary options depending on your goal:
- Google One / Integrated copy of Android: Backup SMS to restore them to the initial setup from the phone. It is ideal for device changes, although does not allow reading SMS in the cloud. Some of the content is figure in transit and at rest; some data is encrypted with your unlock method.
- SMS Backup & Restore: creates copies in XML and allows you to climb to Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive, schedule backups, filter conversations, Do Fast Wi‑Fi Direct transfers and browse/view backups. It only restores backups created by the app itself, and it's a good idea to keep a backup. off the phone before a reset.
- iDrive: A cloud-based solution with SMS backup as an add-on. It's managed from the app and allows you to restore your "SMS" folder.
- desktop tools , the Android Transfer o Coolmuster Android Assistant: designed for export, view and print conversations (PDF, HTML, CSV), and even send them to Gmail as attachments; very useful if you need audit or archive off the mobile.
- SMS Backup (Loopvector): generates local files and can upload them to Google Drive. allow export to CSV (not valid for restore) and does not recover deleted SMS if there was no previous copy.
Why make automatic backups and what to consider
SMS contain critical information (confirmations, addresses, 2FA codes). Device failures, accidental deletion, or a change of phone can lead to loss. Scheduling backups ensures continuous protection, data updated y tranquility. With the evolution of RCS, system changes and increased data volume, it is key to use tools that maintain compatibility and enable reliable restores between different devices.
Quick Setup and Recovery Guide
- Enable IMAP in Gmail and link your SMS Backup+ account with “Connect”.
- Define what to back up: SMS, MMS and/or calls; fixes the frequency and mark as read if you wish.
- run a manual initial copy to upload your history. Check the “SMS” label in Gmail.
- To restore, install the app on the new phone, set it as default SMS app If the system requests it and executes “Restore”. Remember that MMS may not be restored.
Troubleshooting common problems
- Messy group chatsThreads can appear as individual messages; disable RCS and use the same SMS app for both the source and destination messages to improve consistency.
- Missing recent messages: force one manual copy and check that the Gmail label is not reaching quota or filter limits.
- “There is nothing to back up”: Check permissions, that SMS Backup+ is the default SMS app during restore and that IMAP remains active.
- Duplicates: active “skip already uploaded”, marks what has already been migrated as read and avoids running multiple backup apps simultaneously.
Beyond its simplicity, SMS Backup+ shines by combining automation, search in Gmail y control via IMAP. If you're looking for cloud storage and archiving, this is a great choice; if you need cross-cloud restores or advanced exports, the alternatives outlined extend the scope to cover virtually any scenario.