Short Message Service (SMS) archiving is a little-known way to keep text message histories safe. It offers surefire ways to keep a record of those priceless pieces of information you thought might be gone forever. Different SMS archiving software also lets users keep an intact record of all of our future SMS, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and call histories.
Android apps are usually able to sink their hooks deep into the phone’s operating system. This allows for easier access and export of your messages. You are also allowed to switch your current SMS client unlike the messaging service in iPhones.
Chomp SMS
The first step is to call your current SMS client to check if they have any export or backup options on hand. The default Android messaging application doesn’t have one but other third-party SMS apps like Chomp SMS allow for wonderful back-up and restore services.
Chomp SMS has been in the game for several years and has only improved ever since. The free app also allows prioritizing conversations and app locking — something that may give you reason to switch.
SMS Backup+
SMS Backup+ might be one of the best when it comes to archiving your text messages. Simply download and install the app, log on to your Google account, you’re done. The app will automatically archive all sent and received text messages into your Gmail inbox, with their own nifty labels to boot.
SMS Backup+ combines the powers of your Gmail account with your text history so that all of your text messages are easily searchable. Moreover, it seamlessly integrates with your Gmail contacts. If you need to switch to a new device, SMS Backup+ can restore your text history on that as well. It is not a particularly polished app but it still does the job better than most SMS archiving apps out there.
SMS Backup & Restore
Another popular app is SMS Backup & Restore. Rather than backing up to your Gmail or email threads, it uses local storage such as Dropbox or Google Drive to store text messages. The app is easy to configure and also handles MMS messages and call history.
It’s actually quite similar to SMS Backup+, in that both apps are free to use and feature scheduled back-ups. It’s just a matter of whether you prefer having your message history stored in your Gmail account or your local storage such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
IFTTT
Another recommended option is called If This Then That or IFTTT, a web service that allows you to plug all kinds of services and apps into each other. The free service includes support for Android messages wherein texts received or sent act as a trigger, with the subsequent action being entirely up to you.
Users can choose to add the text details onto a Google spreadsheet, forward it to a chosen e-mail address, save as a text file in Dropbox, or select another option. It takes more time to set up but you get more flexibility in how you archive your SMS.
The variety of apps and services available makes archiving text messages a smooth process. You only have to choose the one that best serves your needs and you’re good to go.