Stock SMS app on Pixel 4a does not have this option and you need alternative methods.
Use SMS Backup and restore
- Option 1 : Take a complete backup of your SMSes and from the app see "Backed up (time)" and tap view details. It will list SMS Backup. Tap on that to view conversations and all your conversations are listed. From the 3 dots menu against the conversation you want select print conversation and it will be printed as a PDF file with date and time stamps. Example below (You can get sent and received. I chose a conversation that doesn’t reveal personal details). From the pdf you can copy and paste wherever needed.
- Option 2: From settings → backup settings → selected conversations only, choose the conversation you want and repeat steps in Option 1 to get a print, share or copy to clipboard.
I am not affiliated to this app but it's likely the best of it's kind.
For those who have MMS messages also and need the same solution , this solution will not work but you have an alternate solution here
Answer from beeshyams on Stack ExchangeGoogle
guidebooks.google.com › android › getstarted › backupyourmessages
Backup your messages on Android - Guidebooks with Google
We cannot provide a description for this page right now
Reddit
reddit.com › r/androidapps › backup for android text and sms messages
r/androidapps on Reddit: Backup for Android Text and SMS Messages
March 1, 2025 -
I used to have a really good backup application for Android and SMS messages but it was depreciated years ago and quit working within the last year.
I am looking for an application that allows me to backup my text messages and SMS messages. Some things though:
It should allow me too an option to back up a set of specific conversations or everything.
It should maintain the contact name, message date, and contact number for each message.
Messages that are backed up should be displayed in date (conversational) order. I don't want some bullshit where I need to put it together like a puzzle in order to read the conversation.
It should back up all attachments and maintain them in the conversation. If the backup is an HTML document then they can be displayed. If it's an excel document, then clickable links should be inserted into the attachments location within the conversation.
It should allow me to restore any previously saved conversations, including attachments, to my Android phone.
MyPhoneExplorer used to be one of my go tos for this but has since stopped working. I think it was due to a change on the Android OS side. https://www.fjsoft.at/en/
sms - How can I copy entire chain of text messages (not just a single one) with the stock Android messages app? - Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange
Referring to the title. note that Android doesn't have the stock messaging app, instead each manufacturer may use their own messaging apps. For example: Google Nexus and Pixel series use Google Messages, while Samsung uses Samsung Messages. Andrew T. – Andrew T. 2023-07-21 08:06:01 +00:00 Commented Jul 21, 2023 at 8:06 ... Stock SMS app on Pixel 4a does not have this option and you need alternative methods. ... Option 1 : Take a complete backup ... More on android.stackexchange.com
how do i save messages from my phone and put them on to my computer - Google Messages Community
RCS is now available for texting between Android and iPhones. More on support.google.com
How to Transfer Text Messages from iPhone to Android?
Step 3 : Now, look at the file ... The SMS backup is be named as "3d0d7e5fb2ce288813306e4d4636395e047a3d28". If you have trouble finding this file, then simply copy the text and paste it on the search bar. If you feel difficult, try this:How to Transfer Text Messages from iPhone to Android... More on discussions.apple.com
Does Google messages backup text messages?
You have to enable device backup to your Gmail account. That's how you can restore mails, convos (messages, whatsapp etc), contacts (assuming you save them in your Gmail account) .. More on reddit.com
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January 24, 2024Videos
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How to Backup Text Messages on Android (tutorial) - YouTube
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How To Backup Text Messages In Android - YouTube
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How to Backup Text Messages to Google Drive (tutorial) - YouTube
03:46
How to backup SMS messages [] How to backup Text message - YouTube
00:44
How To Backup Text Messages On Android - Full Guide - YouTube
05:06
How to Transfer Text Messages from Android to Android (Easiest ...
Google Play
play.google.com › store › apps › details
SMS Backup & Restore - Apps on Google Play
To view the contents of the backups, visit https://www.synctech.com.au/view-backup/ For questions or issues please visit our FAQ at: https://synctech.com.au/sms-faqs/ APP FEATURES: - Backup SMS (text) messages, MMS and call logs in XML format. - Local device backup with options to automatically upload to Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive. - Choose a recurring scheduled time to automatically backup. - Option to select which conversations to backup or restore. - View and drill into your local and cloud backups. - Search backups. - Restore/transfer backup to another phone. Backup format is independent of the Android version so the messages and logs can be easily transferred from one phone to another, irrespective of the version.
Google Support
support.google.com › android › answer › 2819582
Back up or restore data on your Android device - Android Help
Your Google One backup can take up to 24 hours. When your data is saved, “On” will be displayed below the data types you selected. ... On your Android device, open your device's Settings app.
Wide Angle Software
wideanglesoftware.com › blog › backup-sms-android.php
3 Ways to Backup Text Messages from Android
... Launch Droid Transfer on your PC. Open the Transfer Companion app on your phone and connect via Wi-Fi or USB. Click the "Messages" tab in Droid Transfer and select the conversations you wish to save.
Published 1 week ago
Messente
messente.com › blog › sms-backup-and-restore
SMS Backup and Restore: Best Methods and Apps for 2025
This article explains how the process works and highlights some of the best SMS downloader apps you can use to protect your data. You can backup SMS messages and restore them through your phone's built-in functionality or via a third-party app. How do I back up and restore my SMS messages on Android? If you're using Android 8 or later, you can manually or automatically backup Android text messages, call logs, media and app data to your Google Drive account.
Android Police
androidpolice.com › home › applications › how to back up your old android text messages
How to back up your old Android text messages
2 weeks ago - With larger backup sizes and no easy way to view them online, SMS Backup & Restore is more suited to one-time backups or migrations. If your carrier allows it, enabling RCS chat has improved texting on Android. Otherwise, WhatsApp is a great alternative to Google Messages.
Google Support
support.google.com › messages › thread › 244445671 › how-do-i-save-messages-from-my-phone-and-put-them-on-to-my-computer
how do i save messages from my phone and put them on to my computer - Google Messages Community
RCS is now available for texting between Android and iPhones.
Decipher Tools
deciphertools.com › blog › save-text-messages-forever
The Best Ways to Save Text Messages Forever - Android and iPhone
Click Export Current Conversation > PDF to save the text messages forever. ... Open a Gmail email account if you don't have one. Enable the IMAP feature. Launch SMS Backup+ and select Connect.
Published May 7, 2024 Views 2K
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255245432
How to Transfer Text Messages from iPhone to Android?
Locate the backup file and find the file named 3d0d7e5fb2ce288813306e4d4636395e047a3d28 (it's the SMS database) and copy it to your computer. Use 'iSMS2droid' to convert this file into an Android-readable format and import it into your Android's messaging app.
Samsung
samsung.com › us › support › answer › ANS10003660
Transfer, backup, or restore Messages on Galaxy phones
From the conversation thread in your messaging app, select your desired message or messages, and then tap Share. Tap Quick Share, and then select the device or contact to share with.
Microsoft Community Hub
techcommunity.microsoft.com › microsoft community hub › communities › products › windows › windows insider program
How can I transfer text messages from Samsung to computer Windows 11? | Microsoft Community Hub
I recently encountered a problem and would like to ask you for help. I use a Samsung phone (Android OS) and now want to back up the text messages on my phone...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/androidapps › does google messages backup text messages?
r/androidapps on Reddit: Does Google messages backup text messages?
January 24, 2024 -
If yes then I am unable to backup, if not then any app that can backup text messages?
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I don't trust their backups. You have no control, and no assurance that you will be able to restore. Use SMS Backup & Restore instead. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riteshsahu.SMSBackupRestore
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You have to enable device backup to your Gmail account. That's how you can restore mails, convos (messages, whatsapp etc), contacts (assuming you save them in your Gmail account) ..
Cloudwards
cloudwards.net › cloud computing › cloud storage › cloud storage tutorials & guides
How to Backup Texts on Android 2025 [Save Your Text Messages]
April 6, 2025 - We’ll use the “SMS Backup & Restore” app for this guide, as it’s a popular, easy-to-use program. However, options like “SMS Backup+” and “Super Backup & Restore” are also great ways to create your backups. Here is how to save text messages to an SD card on Android:
Wikihow
wikihow.com › education and communications › communication skills › phone skills › texting › how to backup text messages on android (with pictures) - wikihow
How to Backup Text Messages on Android (with Pictures) - wikiHow
This wikiHow teaches you how to back up your Android SMS and MMS messages using a free app called SMS Backup & Restore. ... Type sms backup and restore into the search bar. A list of matching results will appear.
Published February 24, 2025 Views 105
SimpleTexting
simpletexting.com › home › how to back up text messages
How to Back Up Text Messages for iPhone and Android | SimpleTexting
July 12, 2023 - Scroll down to ‘Backups’, ‘This Computer’, followed by ‘Back Up Now’ (4). The backup process will start. You may need to leave and come back to your computer, as this can take a short time. You can use Google Drive or a third-party app ...
Wondershare
mobiletrans.wondershare.com › android-transfer › backup-text-messages-on-android.html
How to backup text messages on Android? [2025]
August 25, 2025 - Then, connect your android phone with the PC using the USB cable. Next, launch the tool by double-clicking the tool icon. ... In the home screen, select the ‘Backup’ module to proceed with the SMS backing up process. ... Check in the text message from the list and hit the ‘Start’ button to continue the procedure.
Quora
quora.com › How-do-you-backup-and-restore-your-text-messages-on-Android
How to backup and restore your text messages on Android - Quora
You’ll usually find it on the home screen or in the app drawer. 2. Type sms backup and restore into the search bar. A list of matching results will appear. 3. Tap SMS Backup & Restore.