Where Are Text Messages Stored on Android [Best Answered]
by Jenefey Aaron Updated on 2024-10-12 / Update for Android Recovery
Does anyone know where are text messages stored on galaxy s7? I need to have the messages from an SMS conversation to copy/paste into a word."
- from Quora
Text messaging (SMS) remains one of the most popular and traditional ways of communication, storing vital data, confirmations, and more. If you're wondering where are text messages stored on Android, it’s important to know how to locate them, especially if you wish to export or print them.
In this article, we'll explain where are deleted text messages stored on android phones and how you can export those messages to your computer. Additionally, we'll guide you through how messages are saved as part of your phone's stored media, and how you can back them up or manage them on your Android device.
- Part 1. Where Are Text Messages Stored on Android?
- Part 2. Where Does Android Store Pictures from Text Messages
- Part 3. How to Save Messages from Android Phone to Computer (without Root) HOT
- Part 4. Where are Deleted Text Messages Stored on Android
- Bonus Tip: How to backup Text Messages on Android
Part 1: Where Are Text Messages Stored on Android?
Where did my text messages go Android? The Android text messages folder location is in the internal memory of the Android phone and the locations on different Android OS are a little different. You can find where are text messages stored on Android file system as below.
Android 4.3 or older:
Open the Files app, then proceed to Internal Memory > data > data > com.android.providers > telephony > databases > mmssms.db.
Android 4.4 or later:
Open the Files app and go to Internal Memory > data > data > com.android.providers.telephony > databases > mmssms.db.
Android 7.0 and above:
Open the Files app on your phone, then navigate to Internal Memory > data > user_de > 0 > com.android.providers.telephony > databases > mmssms.db.
This is where are messages stored on Android but all those files are in unreadable format and can only be accessed on a rooted phone.
Part 2. Where Does Android Store Pictures from Text Messages
MMS messages and pictures are stored in a database in your data folder located on your phone’s internal memory as well. But you can manually save the pictures and audios in your MMS to your Gallery app.
- Press on the image on the messages thread view.
- Select a save option such as Save attachment, Save to SD card, Download Attachment, etc.
- This will download to "Download" folder on SD Card and the gallery will should see it.
Part 3. How to Save Messages from Android Phone to Computer (without Root)
As we mentioned above, the messages are stored on the devices internal memory under app/data which requires root access. So how you can access and save messages on Android phone? Don’t worry! Tenorshare UltData for Android is able to serve as Android files extractor to help you export and save messages from Android to computer without rooting.
Why We Choose Tenorshare UltData?
- Direct message recovery: You can retrieve and export deleted or existing messages to your computer without root or backup your device.
- Supports various file types: In addition to messages, it can recover photos, videos, call history, and more.
- Google Drive support: It also allows you to recover data directly from your Google Drive backup if needed.
Download and launch the software. Then connect your Android phone to the computer and select the feature "Android Data Recoevry".
Enable USB Debuggingthat can be done by following the on-screen instructions.
When your device is connected, select the message and then click "Start" to scan your device.
After scanning, you can view all the messages displayed by list and select the messages you want to save and click Recover to save messages in .TXT, .XML, .XLS files.
Part 4. Where are Deleted Text Messages Stored on Android
Where are deleted text messages stored on android？When you delete SMS messages on an Android phone, they aren't completely erased from the device. Instead, their space is marked as available for other data to overwrite. The messages themselves remain in the phone’s memory, but their reference in the File Allocation Table is removed. While Android doesn't offer a recycle bin for these deleted files, this doesn’t mean the messages are entirely gone.
Technique:
To recover deleted SMS, you'll need a professional data recovery tool like Android Data Recovery. It enables you to easily locate and recover both deleted and existing text messages without needing to root your phone.
Video Guide: How to Access Messages Stored on Media
Bonus Tip: How to backup Text Messages on Android
There are many different ways to backup text messages on Android device. SMS Backup+ can be of great help for backing up text messages on Android.
Login to your Google Account on your PC. Then, go to Settings
Now go to Forwarding and POP/IMPAP and enable IMAP
- Install the SMS Backup+ App from Google Play store.
Open the app, and connect it to your Google Account. When asked, select your Google/Gmail account, and connect. When it will ask for allow access, then tap "Allow".
You can now backup the text messages to your Gmail account. Just tap "Backup," and it will be done
Once done you can see the log within the app as you can see above on the right screen.Now, go to your Gmail account.Now, in the search bar, type label:smsand hit Enter. You will see the backed up text messages there listed.
Conclusion
Now, you have a clear idea about where are texts stored on Android? And, with Tenorshare UltData for Android, we need not worry as to where are text messages stored on Android phone as no matter where they are, you can recover them effortlessly when deleted or lost.