How to Transfer Text Messages from Android to Computer 2023

In today’s highly connected world, smartphones have become indispensable in our daily lives. Among the many functions they serve, text messaging remains one of the most popular means of communication. With Android devices being among the most widely used smartphones, users often find themselves needing to transfer their text messages from their Android phone to a computer for various reasons, such as backup, organization, or even legal purposes. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about transferring Android text messages to a computer in 2023.

The Benefits of Transferring Android Messages to Computer

There are several benefits to transferring text messages from an Android device to a computer, including:

• Backup: Keeping a backup of your important text messages on your computer ensures that you will not lose valuable information in case your phone is lost, damaged, or replaced.
• Organization: Organizing and managing your text messages on a computer can be more efficient than doing so on a small phone screen.
• Data preservation: Archiving text messages on a computer can serve as a record of important conversations or transactions.
• Legal purposes: In some cases, text messages may be required as evidence in legal disputes, and having them stored on a computer can facilitate easy retrieval and presentation.
• Accessibility: Having your messages stored on a computer allows you to access them from multiple devices, making it easier to share or reference them as needed.

The Difference between Android SMS Backup and Export

It’s important to understand the distinction between backing up your Android text messages and exporting them to a computer. SMS backup refers to creating a copy of your text messages and storing them in a secure location, usually in a format that can be easily restored on a different device. Exporting, on the other hand, refers to the process of transferring your text messages from your Android device to a computer, where they can be viewed, edited, or saved in various file formats.

Why You Can’t Directly Copy All Messages on Android Phone?

Transferring text messages from an Android phone to a computer isn’t as simple as copying files from one device to another. This is because text messages are stored in a database format on Android devices, making them inaccessible through traditional file management methods. To transfer text messages from an Android device to a computer, you’ll need to use specialized tools or methods that can access and export the data stored within the SMS database.

Method 1: Transfer Text Messages from Android to Computer Using DroidGeeker

TunesBro DroidGeeker is a powerful and user-friendly desktop application designed to help Android users manage their data effectively. One of its key features is the ability to transfer text messages from an Android device to a computer seamlessly. The application is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, ensuring a wide range of users can benefit from its features.

How to Transfer Text Messages from Android to Computer Using TunesBro DroidGeeker:

Step 1: Download and install TunesBro DroidGeeker on your computer from the official website.

Step 2: Launch the TunesBro DroidGeeker application on your computer.

Step 3: Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable. Ensure USB debugging is enabled on your phone (Settings > Developer options > USB debugging).

Step 4: Once connected, TunesBro DroidGeeker will automatically detect your Android device and display its details on the main interface.

Step 5: On the left panel of the application, click on the "Messages" tab. This will display all your text messages on the right side of the interface.

Step 6: Select the messages you wish to transfer by checking the boxes next to each message. Alternatively, you can click the "Select All" option to transfer all messages.

Step 7: Click the "Export" button at the top of the interface and choose the desired file format (CSV, XLSX, or TXT).

Step 8: Choose the destination folder on your computer where you want to save the text messages and click "Save."

TunesBro DroidGeeker will now transfer the selected text messages to your computer in the chosen format. Once the transfer is complete, you can access and view the text messages using the appropriate program or app on your computer.

Pros and Cons of TunesBro DroidGeeker:

Pros:

• Easy to use with a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Support a variety of file formats, allowing users to choose the most suitable format for their needs.
• Compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
• Able to transfer other types of data, such as contacts, photos, and videos.
• Offer additional features, such as data backup and restoration, app management, and device optimization.

Cons:

• TunesBro DroidGeeker is a paid software, and users need to purchase a license to access all its features.
• Users need to enable USB debugging on their Android device, which may be a concern for those worried about security risks.

Method 2: Email Text Messages and Copy Them on a Computer

Emailing text messages is a straightforward and accessible method for transferring text messages from an Android device to a computer. This approach involves manually forwarding your text messages to an email address, which can then be accessed from a computer. While this method may not be ideal for transferring a large number of messages, it can be useful for selectively saving important conversations or individual messages.

How to Transfer Text Messages from Android to Computer Using Email:

• Step 1: On your Android device, open the messaging app containing the text message(s) you want to transfer.
• Step 2: Locate and tap on the specific text message or conversation you wish to email.
• Step 3: Press and hold the message or conversation to select it. If you want to select multiple messages within a conversation, tap on each message after selecting the first one.
• Step 4: Once you have selected the desired messages, tap on the "Share" button or icon, typically represented by three connected dots or an arrow symbol.
• Step 5: From the sharing options, choose the "Email" option. This will open your default email app with the selected text messages included in the email body.
• Step 6: Enter your email address in the "To" field, add a subject line if desired, and send the email.
• Step 7: To access and view your text messages on a computer, sign in to your email account using a web browser or email client, locate the email containing your text messages, and open it.

Pros:

• Simple and easy-to-use method that does not require any additional apps or tools.
• Ideal for selectively saving important conversations or individual messages.
• Accessible across different devices, as long as you have access to your email account.

Cons:

• Not suitable for transferring a large number of text messages, as it can be time-consuming and tedious.
• Not support an organized or structured format for storing and managing text messages.
• May not be the most secure method for transferring sensitive or confidential messages, as email accounts can be vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access.

Method 3: Transfer Text Messages from Android to Computer Using ADB

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a versatile command-line tool that enables communication between an Android device and a computer. ADB is part of the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) and allows developers and advanced users to perform various tasks on their Android devices, including transferring text messages to a computer. Using ADB, users can extract text messages in a readable format and save them as a file on their computer.

How to Transfer Text Messages from Android to Computer Using ADB:

Step 1: Download the Android SDK Platform Tools package containing ADB from the official Android developer website and extract the contents to a folder on your computer.

Step 2: Enable USB debugging on your Android device by navigating to Settings > About phone > Software information > Tap on "Build number" 7 times > Go back to Settings > Developer options > Toggle on USB debugging.

Step 3: Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 4: Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer and navigate to the folder containing the extracted ADB files.

Step 5: Type the following command to ensure your device is connected and detected by ADB:

adb devices

Step 6: If your device is detected, type the following command to create a backup of your text messages:

adb backup -f sms.ab -noapk com.android.providers.telephony

A prompt will appear on your Android device asking you to confirm the backup. Tap on "Back up my data" without entering a password.

Step 7: Once the backup is complete, you will have an "sms.ab" file in the ADB folder. To convert this file into a readable format, download the Android Backup Extractor tool from GitHub (https://github.com/nelenkov/android-backup-extractor) and extract the contents to a folder on your computer.

Step 8: Using the command prompt or terminal, navigate to the folder containing the extracted Android Backup Extractor files and execute the following command to convert the "sms.ab" file:

java -jar abe-all.jar unpack path/to/sms.ab sms.tar

Extract the contents of the "sms.tar" file using a file archiver like 7-Zip or WinRAR. You will find an "mmssms.db" file, which is an SQLite database containing your text messages.

Step 9: To view the text messages, download an SQLite browser like DB Browser for SQLite (https://sqlitebrowser.org/) and open the "mmssms.db" file. You can now browse, search, and export your text messages as needed.

Pros and Cons of ADB:

Pros:

• A powerful and versatile tool that allows users to perform various tasks on their Android device, including transferring text messages.
• Does not require the installation of any apps on your Android device.
• Offers a high level of control over the data transfer process, making it suitable for advanced users.

Cons:

• The process can be complex and intimidating for users with limited technical knowledge.
• Require multiple steps and tools, making it less convenient compared to other methods.
• May not be suitable for users who prefer a simple, user-friendly interface for transferring text messages.

Method 3: Transfer Text Messages from Android to Computer Using SMS Backup+ App

SMS Backup+ is a popular and highly-rated Android app that allows users to transfer text messages from their Android device to a computer by backing them up to their Gmail or Google Workspace account. The app automatically syncs text messages (and optionally call logs) with the connected Gmail account, enabling users to access, view, and manage their messages from a computer with ease.

How to Transfer Text Messages from Android to Computer Using SMS Backup+:

• Step 1: Download and install SMS Backup+ from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
• Step 2: Open the SMS Backup+ app and grant the required permissions for the app to access your text messages and Gmail account.
• Step 3: In the app, tap on "Connect" to link your Gmail or Google Workspace account. You will be prompted to sign in to your account and grant permission to the app.

• Step 4: Once connected, you can choose to backup text messages, MMS, and call logs by toggling the respective options in the app settings.
• Step 5: Tap on "Backup" to start the process. The app will sync your text messages with your Gmail account, creating a new label called "SMS" in your Gmail account.
• Step 6: To access and view your text messages on a computer, sign in to your Gmail account on a web browser.
• Step 7: In the left panel, click on the "SMS" label to display all your backed-up text messages. You can now view, search, and manage your text messages from your computer.

Pros and Cons of  SMS Backup+:

Pros:

• Simple and easy-to-use app with a straightforward setup process.
• Automatic syncing of text messages, allowing for seamless backups without user intervention.
• Free and open-source app, making it a cost-effective solution for users.
• Ability to backup MMS and call logs in addition to text messages.
• Messages are easily accessible through Gmail, which many users are already familiar with.

Cons:

• Require a Gmail or Google Workspace account to function, which may not be ideal for users who prefer not to use Google services.
• The app does not support transferring text messages in file formats like CSV or XML, limiting the options for users who may want to save their messages in a specific format.
• Privacy concerns may arise as text messages are stored in Gmail, which could be an issue for users with sensitive or confidential messages.
• The app relies on an internet connection to sync messages, potentially resulting in slower transfer speeds or data usage concerns for some users.

Method 5: Transfer Text Messages from Android to Computer Using Google Drive

Google Drive is a widely-used cloud storage service that allows users to store, share, and access files across various devices. To transfer text messages from an Android device to a computer using Google Drive, you can create a backup of your messages and save them as a file on Google Drive. This method requires an app to create the backup, like SMS Backup & Restore, and a Google account with Google Drive enabled.

How to Transfer Text Messages from Android to Computer Using Google Drive:

• Step 1: Download and install SMS Backup & Restore from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
• Step 2: Open the SMS Backup & Restore app and grant the required permissions for the app to access your text messages and Google Drive.
• Step 3: In the app, tap on "Set Up a Backup" and select "Messages" to create a backup of your text messages.
• Step 4: Choose the "Google Drive" option as your backup location and sign in to your Google account. Grant the necessary permissions for the app to access your Google Drive.
• Step 5: Configure the backup settings as desired, such as including MMS, emojis, or selecting specific conversations.
• Step 6: Tap on "Back Up Now" to start the backup process. The app will create a backup of your text messages and save it as an XML file on your Google Drive.
• Step 7: To access and view your text messages on a computer, sign in to your Google Drive account using a web browser.
• Step 8: Locate the XML file containing your text messages, download it to your computer, and open it with an appropriate app or program, like Notepad++ or an XML viewer.

Pros and Cons of using Google Drive:

Pros:

• Cloud-based storage allows for easy access to text messages from any device with internet access.
• Secure storage, as Google Drive offers encryption and advanced security features.
• SMS Backup & Restore provides a simple and user-friendly interface for creating backups.
• Compatible with other Google services, making it convenient for users already using the Google ecosystem.

Cons:

•  Google account and Google Drive should be enabled, which may not be ideal for users who prefer not to use Google services.
• The XML file format may not be as accessible or easy to read as other file formats like CSV or TXT.
• Need additional steps or tools to view and manage text messages in a structured and organized manner.

Frequently Asked Questions about Android SMS Transfer

Q 1: Can I transfer text messages from any Android device to a computer?

A: Most methods and tools mentioned above support a wide range of Android devices. However, compatibility may vary depending on the device model, operating system version, and the specific tool being used.

Q2: Can I transfer text messages from Android to a Mac computer?

A: Yes, several methods and tools mentioned above, such as cloud storage services and third-party desktop applications, are compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.

Q3: Will transferring text messages to my computer delete them from my Android device?

A: No, transferring text messages to a computer will not delete them from your Android device unless you choose to do so manually.

Q4: Can I transfer text messages from Android to a computer without using third-party apps or tools?

A: While using third-party apps or tools is the most efficient way to transfer text messages, you can also use methods like emailing your text messages or using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require additional apps.

Q5: Can I transfer multimedia messages (MMS) along with my text messages?

A: Some methods and tools, such as SMS backup and restore apps or third-party desktop applications, support the transfer of multimedia messages (MMS) in addition to text messages. Be sure to check the specific features of the tool you’re using.

The Bottom Line

Transferring text messages from an Android device to a computer can be beneficial for various reasons, including backup, organization, data preservation, legal purposes, and accessibility. While you can’t directly copy text messages from an Android device due to their database storage format, there are several methods available to facilitate the transfer process. These methods include using SMS backup and restore apps, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), emailing your text messages, using cloud storage services, and employing third-party desktop applications. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to transfer your text messages from your Android device to a computer with ease.