Android users can now easily copy entire text conversations using the free SMS Backup & Restore app, providing a simple workaround for the default Android Messages app’s limitation.
Before proceeding, users need to download and install the SMS Backup & Restore app from the Google Play Store and have login credentials for their preferred cloud storage service. It is essential to note that backing up messages to the cloud or local storage creates a permanent record, so users must keep the backup file secure to protect sensitive personal data.
To save an entire conversation, users can follow a series of steps within the SMS Backup & Restore app. First, they need to open the app and tap “Set Up A Backup” near the top of the screen. Then, they should tap “Advanced Options” at the bottom of the page to access more settings. By selecting “Selected conversations only,” users can choose specific chats to back up instead of their entire message history. Tapping “Change” allows them to select the desired conversations, and once they are done, they can tap the back arrow to return to the previous screen.
Users can then tap “Next” at the bottom of the page and select their preferred storage location, including Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or their phone’s local storage. If they choose a cloud service, they will need to log in to their account. After tapping “Save” and confirming their choice, users can proceed to the next step. They can then decide whether to enable scheduled backups or turn them off, with the recommendation being to disable the schedule toggle to prevent backing up older, unused conversations.
Once the backup is complete, users can view their saved conversations by accessing their cloud service or opening the .xml file on their computer. If they prefer to use the app, they can tap the three-line menu in the top left, select “View backups,” and choose the desired conversation to view timestamped messages. Alternatively, they can download the .xml file from their cloud service, extract it if necessary, and upload it to the designated website to view their backed-up conversations.
For users who only need to copy a specific text message, the default Messages app can be used. By opening the conversation, tapping and holding the desired chat bubble, and selecting “Copy text,” users can copy the text to their clipboard for further use.
A useful tip for users is that they can copy all text messages at once in the SMS Backup & Restore app by selecting “All messages” instead of “Selected Conversations” during the setup process. With their conversations backed up, users can easily share the .xml file or generate a shareable link through their cloud storage service. Additionally, setting up a regular backup schedule can help users maintain a running archive of their messages, ensuring they never lose important data in the future.
