COPY TEXT CONVERSATIONS ON ANDROID

Do you need to copy an entire text conversation on your Android phone for proof, archiving, or sharing? It is frustrating that the default Android Messages app cannot copy multiple messages at once, but there is a simple workaround using the free app SMS Backup & Restore. This guide will show you how to save full conversations with timestamps using this tool.

Before you start: Download and install the SMS Backup & Restore app from the Google Play Store. You will also need login credentials for any cloud services you intend to use for storage.

Warning: Backing up to the cloud or your local storage creates a permanent record of your messages. Ensure you keep the backup file secure, as it contains sensitive personal data.

How to save an entire conversation with SMS Backup & Restore

Follow these steps to select and back up specific or multiple text conversations to your preferred storage location.

Open SMS Backup & Restore. Tap the app icon that looks like an analog clock face inside two curved arrows.
Tap Set Up A Backup near the top of the screen.
Tap Advanced Options at the bottom of the page to expand more settings.
Tap Selected conversations only to choose specific chats instead of backing up everything.
Tap Change. By default, 0 conversations are selected.
Tap to select the conversations you want to include. You can choose one or multiple conversations.
- Once you are done, tap the back arrow to return to the previous screen.
Tap Next at the bottom of the page.
Select where you want to save your backup. Toggle the switches for Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Your phone.
- If you select a cloud service, tap Log In and sign in to your account.
Tap Save. Tap Yes if prompted.
Tap Next at the bottom right corner.
Select if you want to back up your data continuously. Tap the toggle to turn off scheduled backups, or choose a frequency (every day, week, or hour).
- To prevent your phone from backing up older, unused conversations, it is recommended to turn off the schedule toggle.
Tap Back Up Now in the lower right corner.
View your backup. Go to your cloud service or open the .xml file on your computer.
- If using the app: Tap the three-line menu in the top left and select View backups. Select the service, tap the SMS tile, and select a conversation to view timestamped messages.
- If using a computer: Download the file from your cloud service. If it downloads as a ZIP folder, extract the .xml file first. Go to https://www.synctech.com.au/sms-backup-restore/view-backup/, click Select, and upload the .xml file. Click the All messages tile and select a conversation to view it.

Method 2: Copying individual messages

If you only need a specific text rather than a full history, use the default app.

Open Messages (the default SMS app, which may be named Samsung Messages or Google Messages).
Navigate to the conversation containing the text you want to copy.
Tap and hold a chat bubble in the conversation.
Tap Copy text. The text is copied to your clipboard so you can paste it elsewhere.

Pro tip: If you want to copy all text messages at once in the SMS Backup & Restore app, simply select “All messages” instead of “Selected Conversations” during the setup process.

Now that you have your conversation backed up, you can easily share the .xml file with friends, family, or legal professionals who need a record of the chat. If you used a cloud service like Google Drive, you can generate a shareable link to the file directly from that service’s app.

Additionally, consider setting up a regular backup schedule if you want to keep a running archive of your messages. You can return to the app’s settings at any time to adjust the frequency or add other conversations to your backup list. This ensures you never lose important data in the future.