Database Users

[SOLVED] How to restore SMS in Android 4.4 / Hangouts

Edit: SMS Backup and Restore was updated to support 4.4, an even restoring from backups that were created before updating works fine.
Original post said:
Does anyone know a method or an app that is able to restore SMS in Android 4.4 KitKat? I'm running this N5 port, which works great, but I cannot find a single app that is updated to support restore on Android 4.4. With SMS Backup & Restore I am able to restore into the 4.3 stock messaging app that I pushed via adb, but all messages are empty afterwards. And they are not shown at all in Hangouts.
I know that Google said SMS backup apps need to be updated in order to support KitKat (read 3rd section on this blogpost), but I can't believe there is no single updated app or other method yet.
Any advices, guys?
Edit: Here's the relevant section of the Android Developer Blog post:
Advice for SMS backup & restore apps
Because the ability to write to the SMS Provider is restricted to the app the user selects as the default SMS app, any existing app designed purely to backup and restore SMS messages will currently be unable to restore SMS messages on Android 4.4. An app that backs up and restores SMS messages must also be set as the default SMS app so that it can write messages in the SMS Provider. However, if the app does not also send and receive SMS messages, then it should not remain set as the default SMS app. So, you can provide a functional user experience with the following design when the user opens your app to initiate a one-time restore operation:
1. Query the current default SMS app's package name and save it.
Code:
String defaultSmsApp = Telephony.Sms.getDefaultSmsPackage(context);
2. Request the user change the default SMS app to your app in order to restore SMS messages (you must be the default SMS app in order to write to the SMS Provider).
Code:
Intent intent = new Intent(context, Sms.Intents.ACTION_CHANGE_DEFAULT);
intent.putExtra(Sms.Intents.EXTRA_PACKAGE_NAME, context.getPackageName());
startActivity(intent);
3. When you finish restoring all SMS messages, request the user to change the default SMS app back to the previously selected app (saved during step 1).
Code:
Intent intent = new Intent(context, Sms.Intents.ACTION_CHANGE_DEFAULT);
intent.putExtra(Sms.Intents.EXTRA_PACKAGE_NAME, defaultSmsApp);
startActivity(intent);
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

After a reboot, my SMS were disapeared.

Mine too. So back to square one :/
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

sms backup just got an update today .. it works :good:

Yep, works perfectly now, even with backups that were done before updating the app. So... Solved again.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

I'm trying to restore on my N5 but no new messages show up in my hangouts even with the newest SMS backup and restore version.
It has set my hangouts back as default SMS app but still nothing there.

electric0ant said:
I'm trying to restore on my N5 but no new messages show up in my hangouts even with the newest SMS backup and restore version.
It has set my hangouts back as default SMS app but still nothing there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here...

janoliver said:
Same here...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, same here

I had the same issue on my Nexus 5 with stock Kitkat 4.4 , so this may help.
- SMS Back and Restore made copy of texts on my Nexus 4
- copied backup to my Nexus 5
- restored messages, setting SMS Backa and Restore and def. SMS app when prompted, and then set Hangouts as def. app after
No text messages in Hangouts. Rebooted phone, still not text messages in Hangouts. I performed a test backup with SMS Backup and Restore, and it showed a bunch of messages being backed up, so it seems the messages WERE restored but just not showing.
I then went in Settings > Apps > All
Selected Hangouts, and cleared Cache and then Cleared all Data
I loaded Hangouts and all of a sudden, all my text messages were there.
Hope this helps, if so, don't be shy to hit that Thanks button below

uberNoobZA said:
I then went in Settings > Apps > All
Selected Hangouts, and cleared Cache and then Cleared all Data
I loaded Hangouts and all of a sudden, all my text messages were there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! This did the trick

help
uberNoobZA said:
I had the same issue on my Nexus 5 with stock Kitkat 4.4 , so this may help.
- SMS Back and Restore made copy of texts on my Nexus 4
- copied backup to my Nexus 5
- restored messages, setting SMS Backa and Restore and def. SMS app when prompted, and then set Hangouts as def. app after
No text messages in Hangouts. Rebooted phone, still not text messages in Hangouts. I performed a test backup with SMS Backup and Restore, and it showed a bunch of messages being backed up, so it seems the messages WERE restored but just not showing.
I then went in Settings > Apps > All
Selected Hangouts, and cleared Cache and then Cleared all Data
I loaded Hangouts and all of a sudden, all my text messages were there.
Hope this helps, if so, don't be shy to hit that Thanks button below
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, how did you set SMS B&R how def. sms app? When i prompt the app, it does not require to be def. sms app, so i cannot restore my sms. Please help...

eziotroito said:
Sorry, how did you set SMS B&R how def. sms app? When i prompt the app, it does not require to be def. sms app, so i cannot restore my sms. Please help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install the latest SMS Backup and Restore, and it will prompt you when you perform a restore. If not, then I do not know, as I was prompted to set is as default SMS app when I did a restore.

help
uberNoobZA said:
Install the latest SMS Backup and Restore, and it will prompt you when you perform a restore. If not, then I do not know, as I was prompted to set is as default SMS app when I did a restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, i was running an other WRONG app, so i download the right and now it ask me to be def. sms app, but now i have another issue:
my .xml file come from TITANIUM BACKUP, so now SMS B&R, see my xml file, but if I tap to VIEW SMS, it tell me there is no conversation, ALSO IF IT SEE MY XML FILE! How is it possible? Maybe titanium backup xml file are wrong for this app? Xml file are not all the same for any app?!? Please help, 'cause titanium backup is not up to date, so does not ask to be def. app and not restore anything!

eziotroito said:
Yep, i was running an other WRONG app, so i download the right and now it ask me to be def. sms app, but now i have another issue:
my .xml file come from TITANIUM BACKUP, so now SMS B&R, see my xml file, but if I tap to VIEW SMS, it tell me there is no conversation, ALSO IF IT SEE MY XML FILE! How is it possible? Maybe titanium backup xml file are wrong for this app? Xml file are not all the same for any app?!? Please help, 'cause titanium backup is not up to date, so does not ask to be def. app and not restore anything!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to restore data from a backup made with titanium backup, you need to use titanium backup.

uberNoobZA said:
If you want to restore data from a backup made with titanium backup, you need to use titanium backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem, titanium bckp does not ask to be def sms app, i hope in an update , thank u very much

Has anyone got things working usings SMS Backup+? I used to use B&R but switched to SMS Backup+ b/c I liked the gmail search-ability. SMS Backup+ goes through the restore process and states it restored 500 messages (current restore setting) but nothing shows up. I'm guessing this has to do with the KitKat and the whole "primary SMS app" thing?

mcubed45 said:
Has anyone got things working usings SMS Backup+? I used to use B&R but switched to SMS Backup+ b/c I liked the gmail search-ability. SMS Backup+ goes through the restore process and states it restored 500 messages (current restore setting) but nothing shows up. I'm guessing this has to do with the KitKat and the whole "primary SMS app" thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same Issue with SMS Backup+
Will probably have to wait for the developer to update.

Same issue here, with SMS Backup+

Add me to the SMS Backup+ not restoring texts.

worked perfectly for me!
thanks uberNoobZA!!!!
uberNoobZA said:
I had the same issue on my Nexus 5 with stock Kitkat 4.4 , so this may help.
- SMS Back and Restore made copy of texts on my Nexus 4
- copied backup to my Nexus 5
- restored messages, setting SMS Backa and Restore and def. SMS app when prompted, and then set Hangouts as def. app after
No text messages in Hangouts. Rebooted phone, still not text messages in Hangouts. I performed a test backup with SMS Backup and Restore, and it showed a bunch of messages being backed up, so it seems the messages WERE restored but just not showing.
I then went in Settings > Apps > All
Selected Hangouts, and cleared Cache and then Cleared all Data
I loaded Hangouts and all of a sudden, all my text messages were there.
Hope this helps, if so, don't be shy to hit that Thanks button below
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Backing up SMS & MMS messages?

Hey everyone!
I'm currently using Paranoid Android 4.4.2 beta 12/15 and I was wondering, which app do you use to backup SMS & MMS messages? I used to use MyBackup Pro but the only bad thing is when the app backs up the messages they all get their dates reset to the date that you backed up. I tried backing up Hangouts with titanium and restored data after doing a fresh install and the messages appear and when I continue texting all the messages disappear. Go Backup doesn't seem to work either.
Should I just do a Nandroid backup, install the fresh updated beta and then restore my data? Or would that still be considered a 'dirty' flash and restore some of the old files from the previous build (like whatever was fixed in the new beta would be replaced with the files nandroid backup)?

xxxrichievxxx said:
Hey everyone!
I'm currently using Paranoid Android 4.4.2 beta 12/15 and I was wondering, which app do you use to backup SMS & MMS messages? I used to use MyBackup Pro but the only bad thing is when the app backs up the messages they all get their dates reset to the date that you backed up. I tried backing up Hangouts with titanium and restored data after doing a fresh install and the messages appear and when I continue texting all the messages disappear. Go Backup doesn't seem to work either.
Should I just do a Nandroid backup, install the fresh updated beta and then restore my data? Or would that still be considered a 'dirty' flash and restore some of the old files from the previous build (like whatever was fixed in the new beta would be replaced with the files nandroid backup)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SMS Backup+
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zegoggles.smssync
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk

I backup my messages with Titanium Backup. Has worked great across every ROM I've ever used on any phone.

Hangouts archive... use to use that ^^

I used to use this: http://goo.gl/Kn4Vp but I've moved on to hangouts.
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

I've tried a bunch and always comeback to Helium

Thanks for the suggestions, I tried Titanium and the messages restore but then with a reboot they disappear. Sometimes I don't have to reboot, If I text after the restore the messages just "disappear"

Try Sms backup & restore on play
Inviato dal mio LG-D802 utilizzando Tapatalk

xxxrichievxxx said:
Thanks for the suggestions, I tried Titanium and the messages restore but then with a reboot they disappear. Sometimes I don't have to reboot, If I text after the restore the messages just "disappear"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which restore method are you using? XML or Snapshot?

Transfer messages from Jellybean to Kitkat

I'm currently running CM10.1.3 (Android 4.2.2) and I'm having problems transferring messages when flashing any 4.4 ROMs. I tried numerous apps like SMS Backup, Titanium, My Backup Pro but none are restoring my SMS messages (not too bothered about MMS). I've tried ROMs with both Hangouts and other message apps and clearing said caches after restoring but still nothing.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Sent from my Transformer using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

michael_duvalle said:
I'm currently running CM10.1.3 (Android 4.2.2) and I'm having problems transferring messages when flashing any 4.4 ROMs. I tried numerous apps like SMS Backup, Titanium, My Backup Pro but none are restoring my SMS messages (not too bothered about MMS). I've tried ROMs with both Hangouts and other message apps and clearing said caches after restoring but still nothing.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Sent from my Transformer using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm lead to believe that Titanium Backup would backup and restore sms messages. I've never tried tho.
Sent with my Nexus® 10 minus 3

Have always been using Super Backup from store to backup and restore sms, contacts and call logs among different android devices and never let me down.
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk

Are you sure about Titanium Backup? I always use it to restore message!
Try XML backup with it.
Open Titanium Backup, go to MENU on the top right corner, then scroll down to Backup data to XML, then choose Message (SMS & MMS).
Then when you want to restore them use the Restore data from XML.
It works flawlessly countless time, at least for me.

silv3rfox said:
Are you sure about Titanium Backup? I always use it to restore message!
Try XML backup with it.
Open Titanium Backup, go to MENU on the top right corner, then scroll down to Backup data to XML, then choose Message (SMS & MMS).
Then when you want to restore them use the Restore data from XML.
It works flawlessly countless time, at least for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant. Worked a treat.
Sent from my Transformer using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

silv3rfox said:
Are you sure about Titanium Backup? I always use it to restore message!
Try XML backup with it.
Open Titanium Backup, go to MENU on the top right corner, then scroll down to Backup data to XML, then choose Message (SMS & MMS).
Then when you want to restore them use the Restore data from XML.
It works flawlessly countless time, at least for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this mean I can uninstall Super Backup? ?
RASTAVIPER said:
Have always been using Super Backup from store to backup and restore sms, contacts and call logs among different android devices and never let me down.
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installed it, but haven't tried it out yet.
Sent with my Nexus® 10 minus 3

Berrydroidcafe said:
Does this mean I can uninstall Super Backup? ?
Sent with my Nexus® 10 minus 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup is one of the most useful apps in the play store, my first paid app I actually bought, after using the cracked version for a while. And as a flashaholic, you'd imagine how much I need to use it
So yeah, it's your ultimate backup tool.

silv3rfox said:
Titanium Backup is one of the most useful apps in the play store, my first paid app I actually bought, after using the cracked version for a while. And as a flashaholic, you'd imagine how much I need to use it
So yeah, it's your ultimate backup tool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I was being a little facetious!
Sent with my Nexus® 10 minus 3

silv3rfox said:
Are you sure about Titanium Backup? I always use it to restore message!
Try XML backup with it.
Open Titanium Backup, go to MENU on the top right corner, then scroll down to Backup data to XML, then choose Message (SMS & MMS).
Then when you want to restore them use the Restore data from XML.
It works flawlessly countless time, at least for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One question, since you used it to restore sms's in kitkat. Did you need to set titanium backup as default SMS app?
App which I used "SMS Backup&Restore" needed to be set as default SMS app before restoring.

Madfysh said:
One question, since you used it to restore sms's in kitkat. Did you need to set titanium backup as default SMS app?
App which I used "SMS Backup&Restore" needed to be set as default SMS app before restoring.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Titanium handled the restoring process independently.

michael_duvalle said:
I'm currently running CM10.1.3 (Android 4.2.2) and I'm having problems transferring messages when flashing any 4.4 ROMs. I tried numerous apps like SMS Backup, Titanium, My Backup Pro but none are restoring my SMS messages (not too bothered about MMS). I've tried ROMs with both Hangouts and other message apps and clearing said caches after restoring but still nothing.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Sent from my Transformer using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try "SMS backup and restore "... Latest version works well for Kitkat...

How to add SMS to SD

can any one tell me
How to add SMS to SD to any ROM
is it some kind of tweak.........??
A Screenshot is added

you can backup messages with "Easy Backup" app
then you can restore it

RubbaBand said:
you can backup messages with "Easy Backup" app
then you can restore it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using easy backup for quite a while now, I've also used many apps for this purpose over the years and it's the only one that seams to work 100%, especially since the last update.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Switching from Note 7 to LG V20 MMS transfer issues

Has anyone been able to transfer MMS messages? I have tried everything my backup keeps locking up and SMS backup and restore put my messages out of order doesn't make sense
If anyone has had any luck please help.
Thanks

What app are you using to backup or transfer your SMS messages

Did you try alternate restore? And enable logging so you have something for the dev?

nofroyo said:
What app are you using to backup or transfer your SMS messages
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried MyBackup and also SMS backup and Restore.
Sms backup and restore is the only one that seems to be working but it restores all my messages in a weird order.
Any other suggestions

I use GoSms, there is a back up within the app, which backups and restores SMS & mms...what i did was transfer the GoSms folder over to the new phone via computer and restore within the GoSms app... Profit...
Sent from my LG-H910

I too lost all my mms from my note 7. I'll be switching to another v20 tomorrow because of a blown speaker hopefully textra will do a better job backing up mms.
Sent from my LG-LS997 using Tapatalk

I meant alternate restore im settings of SMS backup and restore.

@rbiter said:
Did you try alternate restore? And enable logging so you have something for the dev?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this also didn't work thanks