How to Copy an Entire Text Conversation on Android

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Save copies of your texts on Android
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Do you need to copy that text and keep it for proof later? Does your friend want a copy of your text history? It's super frustrating that the default Android Messages app cannot copy multiple messages, but some easy workarounds include the free backup app called SMS Backup & Restore. This wikiHow article teaches you how to copy text conversations on Android.

Copying Texts & Full Conversations on Android

  • You can copy individual messages in the default Messenger on Android by tapping and holding the conversation.
  • Use SMS Backup & Restore to easily copy multiple messages in a conversation.
  • All messages and phone calls backed up with SMS Backup & Restore are timestamped.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Saving an Entire Conversation with SMS Backup & Restore

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    Tap the app icon that looks like an analog clock face inside two curved arrows.
    • Since you can't select an entire conversation with the default Messages app on Android, using SMS Backup & Restore is the best and easiest way to back up multiple chats in conversations and save them so you can see them elsewhere.
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    You'll see this button near the top of the page.
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    It's at the bottom of the page and will expand more options.
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    This option will allow you to pick specific conversations so the backup doesn't copy everything.
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    By default, 0 conversations are selected. You'll need to change that before you can continue.
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    You can select 1 or multiple different conversations.
    • Once you're done, tap the back arrow to go back to the other page.
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    You'll see this at the bottom of the page.
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    Toggle the switches for "Google Drive'", "Dropbox", "OneDrive", or "Your phone" to save the backup in those locations.
    • Once you tap a switch for a cloud service, you'll need to log in with that service if you aren't logged in. Simply tap Log In to continue.
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    Tap Yes if prompted.
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    It's at the bottom right corner of your screen.
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    Tap the toggle to turn off scheduled backups, or choose if you want your information backed up every day, week, or hour.
    • So your phone doesn't back up continuously for an older conversation that's no longer used, you can turn off the toggle.
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    You'll see it in the lower right corner of your screen.
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    Go to your cloud service, if you selected one, or open the .xml file on your computer or phone to see your backup.
    • If you're using the app on your phone, tap the three-line menu in the top left corner and select View backups . Tap the service where you saved the backup, then tap the SMS tile. Finally, tap the conversation, and you'll see each timestamped message in that conversation.
    • If you're on your computer, go to your cloud service and save the file to your computer. If it downloads a ZIP folder, extract the .xml file . Go to https://synctech.com.au/view-backup/ , click Select , and select the .xml file. Once the file has been uploaded, click the All messages tile and click a conversation to view it. All chats in a conversation will be timestamped! [1]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Copying Individual Messages

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    The default SMS app on your Android might be named something else (like Samsung Messages or Google Messages), but it should feature an icon of a chat bubble.
    • You cannot copy entire messages at once using the default messages app. You can, however, copy one at a time if the conversation isn't that long.
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    When you open the app, you'll see a list of conversations.
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    A menu will pop up at your finger.
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    The text is copied to your clipboard so you can paste it anywhere (like an email).
    • Repeat this copy and pasting process to copy all the text messages you want.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://textra.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/249611-how-to-backup-my-messages

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