How to Transfer Text Messages to a New Android Phone

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Initiate a cloud backup on your current device

   Open the Settings app on your old phone and tap Google. Select Backup and ensure 'Backup by Google One' is toggled on. Tap 'Back up now' to upload your SMS and MMS data to your Google account.

   Note: Ensure your device is connected to a power source during the backup process.
2. 2 min

   Verify Google Messages cloud synchronization

   Open the Messages app on your old device. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner and select 'Messages settings'. Confirm that 'Message organization' and cloud sync features are active to ensure all threads are captured.

3. 1 min

   Begin the setup process on the new device

   Power on your new device and proceed through the initial setup screens. When prompted to 'Copy apps & data', select 'Next' and choose the option to restore from a cloud backup.

4. 2 min

   Select the backup for restoration

   Sign in with the same Google Account used on your previous device. Choose the most recent backup from the list provided. Ensure 'Messages' is checked in the restoration menu before proceeding.

   Note: Restoration speed depends on your internet connection and the volume of media attached to your messages.
5. 1 min

   Confirm message migration

   Once the setup is complete, open the Messages app on your new device. Allow the app a few minutes to index and download your conversation history from the cloud. Your existing threads will populate automatically.