How to Transfer Text Messages from Android to Computer/PC? 7 Options

Android text messages are often repositories of valuable conversations and treasured recollections. However, users may feel the need to copy texts to a computer for safekeeping, easy access, or backup purposes. Whatever the reason, knowing how to transfer text messages from Android to computer can be a vital skill.

OK, this quick guide caters to various scenarios where such a transfer becomes essential. It provides you with seven effective solutions to make a seamless copy of your SMS on Android. And you can then manage Android text messages as per your requirements.

Way 1: Transfer Text Messages from Android to Computer via Assistant for Android [All-around]

For those dealing with a large volume of messages, the optimal method to transfer them from an Android phone to a computer is through a specialized tool - MobiKin Assistant for Android (Windows and Mac). This dedicated SMS transfer program ensures a seamless and hassle-free backup and restore, allowing you to preserve tons of messages on your PC.

Remarkably, it guarantees that all your Android content remains intact in its original state and offers a versatile solution for data management.

What makes MobiKin Assistant for Android so extraordinary?

• Selectively transfer text messages from Android to computers.
• Export content into compatible file formats for further use.
• Forward, resend, duplicate, and remove Android text messages at your disposal.
• One-click to back up and restore Android SMS and other files.
• Work for various items like contacts, call logs, SMS, music, photos, videos, books, apps, and more.
• Seamlessly manage files on your computer straightforwardly.
• Easy to operate, 90-day money-back guarantee, instant technical support, etc.
• Run smoothly on 8000+ Android devices, including Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Google, TECNO, OnePlus, HTC, OPPO, Motorola, Asus, etc.
• It won't uncover your privacy.

How to import SMS from Android to PC with MobiKin Assistant for Android?

Step 1. Install and run the program

After you have downloaded and installed the program on your computer, launch it, and you will be presented with the initial interface.

Step 2. Link your Android phone to the computer

Next, connect your Android device to the computer via USB. Follow the on-screen directions to ensure the software recognizes your connected phone successfully. Once detected, you will see a brief overview of your phone displayed on the screen.

Step 3. Choose the text messages to copy

In the left panel, click the "SMS" option. The software will initiate a scan of the messages on your mobile phone and present a comprehensive list of all messages in the right panel. You can then conveniently read all your Android messages directly within the program.

Step 4. Transfer text messages from Android to the computer

To extract specific messages from your Android phone, simply select the texts you wish to export and click "Export" in the top menu. This will let you transfer the selected SMS from your Android device to your computer. After that, you can view Android texts on your PC.

Video Guide: Here's a video guide for how to use MobiKin Assistant for Android:

Way 2: Transfer Text from Android to PC via Android Backup & Restore

As a trustworthy tool designed to handle Android data backup and restoration tasks, MobiKin Backup Manager for Android (Win and Mac) (Recognized as Android Backup & Restore) primarily focuses on creating backups and efficiently restoring data from them.

Along with text messages, this product enables you to maintain a copy of a wide range of Android items, including contacts, photos, call logs, videos, music, documents, apps, and more directly to your computer.

You can easily connect your device to the PC/Mac using either a USB or Wi-Fi connection. Moreover, it boasts extensive compatibility, supporting almost all Android devices and various Android operating systems.

How to move text messages to computer from Android with Android Backup & Restore?

Step 1. Make sure the Android backup and restore program is running on your computer. Attach your Android phone to the computer via USB or Wi-Fi. (How to connect Android to PC over Wi-Fi?) Once connected, the tool will display a new screen, as shown below.

Step 2. On the main interface, locate and click the "Backup" option. This will open a list of data types available for backup. Simply select the "Messages" option to back up your texts. If desired, you can also choose other file types to be included in the backup.

Step 3. To specify a location for saving the backup messages, click on the "Browser" button. Once you have chosen the desired location, click the "Back Up" button to initiate the Android SMS backup. Afterward, you can print off messages from Android or use them for other purposes.

Way 3: Copy Text Messages from Android to PC with Google Drive

Google Drive, a cloud-based storage, allows easy access to text messages from any Internet-connected device but requires enabling Google Drive. However, the XML file format may not be as user-friendly as formats like CSV or TXT. And additional steps or tools may be necessary to view and manage texts in an organized manner. (Google Drive doesn't work on Android?)

How to download text messages from Android to computer for free via Google Drive?

• On your Android device, navigate to "Settings".
• Swipe up to access additional options, select "Google", and proceed to "Backup".



• Tap on "Back Up Now" to initiate the backup process, following the onscreen instructions.
• The backup will include App Data, Call History, Contacts, Device Settings, SMS, etc.
• To access the backup on your PC, open a web browser and visit the Google Drive website.
• Locate the backup file and download it once found.

Way 4: Copy SMS Messages from Android to PC via SMS Backup & Restore

SMS Backup and Restore is a top-notch mobile app for downloading Android SMS transfer to a PC. It enables easy backups that include only SMS messages, which can be stored in any storage drive. Simply follow the simple steps to export text messages from Android with SMS Backup & Restore:

• Install SMS Backup and Restore from the Google Play Store.
• Open the app and tap "Get Started". Follow the instructions and allow the required permissions.
• Tap the big green button labeled "Set up a backup".
• Select "Messages" to back up, then click "Next".
• Choose to store the backup on "Your phone" for transferring Android SMS to PC, then tap "Next".
• You can decide whether to schedule backups or not. For now, tap "BACK UP NOW".



• Connect your Android device to the PC and access "This PC" or "My Computer".
• Open the drive that represents your connected Android cell phone.
• Identify and select a file with the .xml extension.
• Copy the chosen file and paste it onto your computer.

Way 5: Pull Texts from Android Phone to PC Using SMS Backup+

SMS Backup+ is a top-rated Android app that lets users transfer text messages to a computer by backing them up to their Gmail or Google Workspace accounts. This app can back up Android messages to Gmail, making it easy to access and manage messages from a computer.

How to back up SMS from Android to PC with SMS Backup+?

• Get SMS Backup+ from the Play Store and install it on your Android device.



• Connect your Android phone to the computer using a USB cable.
• Launch the SMS Backup+ app and log in to your Gmail account.
• Ensure that IMAP is enabled in Gmail settings.
• Click on the "Backup" tab at the top to initiate the backup process.
• After the backup is finished, you can access the folder on your computer to view the exported files.

Way 6: Save Text Messages from Android to Computer over Email

Is there a way to download text messages from Android to PC without apps? Yes! Emailing texts is a simple and accessible way to make it. By forwarding the texts to an email address, you can easily access them on your computer. Though not suitable for large volumes of messages, it's handy for saving specific conversations or individual messages. Learn how to do it via Email:

• Open the Messages app on your Android phone.
• Locate and select the SMS you want to transfer.
• Click the menu icon in the top right corner and choose "More" >  "Share".



• Select "Email" from the options.
• Enter your email address as the recipient and tap "Send".
• On your computer, log in to your email account.
• Download the text messages that have been sent to your email.

Way 7: Transfer SMS from Android Phone to Computer with Smart Switch [Samsung Only]

Samsung Kies was the earlier tool for managing Samsung devices, but it's become outdated. Smart Switch, on the other hand, is the modern, updated solution for Samsung devices in terms of data backup and transfer. This tool is generally the recommended choice over Kies, especially for backing up text messages. Here are the steps to store text messages on a computer via Smart Switch:

• Download and install the Smart Switch on your computer from the official Samsung website.
• Use a USB cable to connect your Samsung phone to your computer.
• Open the Smart Switch application on your computer.
• In Smart Switch, click on the "Backup" tab.



• Ensure that "Messages" is selected for backup.
• Click "Backup" to start the process.

FAQs about Text Messages on Android:

Q1: Where are text messages saved on Android?

Regarding text messages on Android smartphones, they are stored within the default text message app on the device's internal memory. To know more about this topic, just refers to this page - Where are text messages stored on Android?

Q2: Will transferring messages to a computer delete them from Android?

NO! It creates a backup for safekeeping without affecting the original messages on the condition that you use a reliable method or software to ensure data integrity.

Q3: How to read SMS.XML on a computer?

When transferring Android SMS to a PC, they are saved as .xml, .txt, or HTML files. You're allowed to use Notepad++ to read the SMS.xml file, but avoid editing it to prevent damage.

In a Nutshell

That's all for how to transfer your Android text messages to your computer. You are now equipped with a repertoire of efficient techniques to make the transmission effortlessly. So, just find the one that resonates with you and enjoy the journey of mastering the art of seamless data transfer. And finally, embrace the reassurance that comes with knowing your important conversations are securely preserved and readily accessible.

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