How to Use SMS Backup+ with Gmail: A Comprehensive Guide

SMS Backup+ is a brilliant, albeit slightly aged, tool that allows you to automatically back up your SMS messages, MMS messages, and call logs to your Gmail account. Think of it as a digital time capsule, preserving your crucial communications right alongside your emails. The beauty lies in its simplicity and integration with a platform you already use and trust – Gmail. Here’s a detailed guide on how to set it up and use it effectively:

Setting Up SMS Backup+

The core of using SMS Backup+ lies in configuring the app to access your Gmail account and defining what data to back up. Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Download and Install: Begin by downloading SMS Backup+ from the Google Play Store.

2. Connect to Gmail: Open the app. The first screen will prompt you to connect to your Gmail account. Tap “Connect.”

3. Grant Permissions: SMS Backup+ will ask for permissions to access your SMS messages, call logs, and contacts. Grant these permissions for the backup process to function correctly. These permissions are crucial for the app to read and save the data you wish to back up.

4. Choose Backup Folder: You’ll be asked to select a Gmail folder to store your SMS messages and call logs. The default folder is “[SMS Backup+],” but you can change this by tapping “Advanced settings” and then “Custom folder.” Creating a custom folder, such as “SMS Archives,” can help you organize your Gmail account.

5. Enable Auto Backup: To automate the backup process, enable “Auto backup.” This feature will automatically back up your data at regular intervals. You can configure the backup schedule by tapping “Auto backup settings.”

6. Configure Auto Backup Schedule: Within the auto backup settings, you can define the frequency of backups. Options include backing up every few hours, daily, or weekly. You can also specify that backups only occur when the device is charging or connected to Wi-Fi to conserve battery and data.

7. First Backup: After configuring the settings, tap “Backup” to initiate the first backup. This may take some time, depending on the size of your SMS and call log history.

8. Verify Backup: After the backup is complete, log in to your Gmail account through a web browser. Navigate to the folder you specified for backups. You should see your SMS messages and call logs organized within this folder. SMS messages are typically formatted as emails, with the sender’s phone number as the sender and the message content as the email body.

Restoring SMS Messages and Call Logs

While the primary function of SMS Backup+ is backup, it also offers a restoration feature. Keep in mind that restoring can be a bit clunky and may not perfectly replicate your original SMS conversations. Here’s how to attempt a restore:

1. Ensure SMS Backup+ is Installed: Make sure SMS Backup+ is installed on the device you want to restore to.

2. Connect to Gmail: Connect the app to the same Gmail account where the backups are stored.

3. Grant Permissions: Grant the necessary permissions to access SMS messages and call logs.

4. Tap “Restore”: In the main screen of SMS Backup+, tap the “Restore” button.

5. Confirm Restore: The app will prompt you to confirm the restore process. Be aware that restoring SMS messages will potentially overwrite existing messages on your device.

6. Wait for Restore to Complete: The restore process can take a significant amount of time, depending on the size of your backup.

7. Verify Restoration: After the restore is complete, check your SMS messaging app and call logs to verify that the data has been restored.

Important Considerations for Restoring:

• Compatibility: SMS Backup+ may not be fully compatible with the latest versions of Android, which can impact the reliability of the restore process.
• Root Access (Sometimes Required): In some cases, restoring SMS messages may require root access to your device. This is because Android restricts third-party apps from directly writing to the SMS database.
• Alternative Restoration Methods: If SMS Backup+ fails to restore correctly, consider using alternative SMS backup and restore apps, but remember to always exercise caution when granting permissions to third-party applications.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a straightforward app like SMS Backup+, you might encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Backup Not Working:
  • Check Permissions: Ensure that SMS Backup+ has the necessary permissions to access your SMS messages, call logs, and contacts.
  • Check Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is required for backups to work.
  • Check Gmail Account: Make sure you are logged in to the correct Gmail account.
  • Examine Backup Schedule: Verify that the auto backup schedule is properly configured and that the backup interval is not too infrequent.
• Restoration Not Working:
  • Compatibility Issues: Ensure that SMS Backup+ is compatible with your Android version.
  • Root Access: If prompted, consider granting root access if you are comfortable doing so.
  • Check for Conflicts: Ensure that no other SMS apps are interfering with the restoration process.
• Spam Folder:
  • Check Gmail Spam: Sometimes, backed-up messages might end up in your Gmail spam folder. Mark them as “Not spam” to prevent future backups from being flagged.

FAQs About SMS Backup+

Here are some frequently asked questions about SMS Backup+ to further enhance your understanding:

1. Is SMS Backup+ Safe to Use?

SMS Backup+ is generally considered safe, but it’s crucial to grant permissions cautiously. Since it hasn’t been actively updated in quite some time, the security landscape might have shifted. Always use reputable apps and regularly review your app permissions.

2. Does SMS Backup+ Backup MMS Messages?

Yes, SMS Backup+ can back up MMS messages. However, the multimedia content (images, videos, audio) is often stored as links or attachments within the email.

3. Can I Backup WhatsApp Messages with SMS Backup+?

No, SMS Backup+ is specifically designed for SMS, MMS, and call logs. You need to use WhatsApp’s built-in backup feature or other dedicated WhatsApp backup solutions.

4. Does SMS Backup+ Use Data?

Yes, backing up your SMS messages and call logs consumes data. To minimize data usage, configure the app to back up only when connected to Wi-Fi.

5. How Do I Change the Gmail Account Used for Backups?

Go to the SMS Backup+ app settings and disconnect the current Gmail account. Then, reconnect and select the desired Gmail account.

6. Can I Filter Which SMS Messages Are Backed Up?

SMS Backup+ doesn’t offer granular filtering options for individual contacts or conversations. It backs up all SMS messages or none.

7. What Happens if I Uninstall SMS Backup+?

Uninstalling the app will stop future backups, but the messages already backed up in your Gmail account will remain there.

8. Is There a Limit to the Number of SMS Messages I Can Backup?

Gmail has storage limits, but they are generally quite generous. For most users, the limit will not be a concern for SMS backups.

9. Can I View Backed-Up SMS Messages on My Phone?

No, SMS Backup+ stores the messages in your Gmail account, not on your phone’s SMS app. To view the messages, you need to access your Gmail account through a web browser or email client.

10. Does SMS Backup+ Backup Call Logs?

Yes, SMS Backup+ backs up your call logs along with SMS and MMS messages. These logs are also stored in your Gmail account.

11. How Do I Delete Backed-Up SMS Messages from Gmail?

You can manually delete the backed-up SMS messages from your Gmail account, just like any other email. Navigate to the SMS Backup+ folder and delete the desired messages.

12. What Are Some Alternatives to SMS Backup+?

Several alternative SMS backup and restore apps are available, including:

• Super Backup & Restore: A popular option with a wider range of features.
• SMS Backup & Restore: A simple and reliable app focused solely on SMS backup and restore.
• Google One: If you’re a Google One subscriber, it offers device backup including SMS, MMS, and call logs.

In conclusion, while SMS Backup+ is a useful tool for archiving your SMS messages and call logs in Gmail, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations and potential compatibility issues. If you’re seeking a more modern and feature-rich solution, explore the alternative apps mentioned above. Remember to prioritize your data privacy and security by carefully reviewing app permissions and choosing reputable backup solutions.