To backup text messages, use Google’s phone backup (Backup by Google One) on Android and Messages in iCloud or iCloud Backup on iPhone. Both run automatically once switched on, and both keep your M-Pesa and bank SMS along with everything else.
Android: Google backup of SMS
Android’s built-in backup includes your SMS and MMS.
- Open Settings > Google > (All services) > Backup. On some phones it’s under Settings > System > Backup.
- Switch on Backup by Google One and make sure SMS & MMS messages is listed.
- Tap Back up now.
It backs up automatically when the phone is charging and on Wi-Fi. The catch: SMS restore is offered during a new phone’s setup, when you sign in with the same Google account and choose your backup. Skip it and there’s no simple way to pull messages back later without resetting.
Samsung phones can also use Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch to a computer; either is fine as a second copy. Wider backup advice: how to back up your phone.
iPhone: iCloud Messages
You have two options:
- Messages in iCloud: Settings > [your name] > iCloud > See All > Messages in iCloud > turn on Use on this iPhone. Texts sync to iCloud and appear on any Apple device you sign in to. Deleting a message on one device deletes it everywhere.
- iCloud Backup: if Messages in iCloud is off, your texts are saved inside your regular iCloud Backup instead. See backing up an iPhone to iCloud.
Without iCloud: back up the iPhone to a computer with iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Messages are included in that backup.
Free iCloud storage is small (5 GB), so the backup may stop when it’s full.
Export to a file
Want a copy you can open or keep outside the phone?
- Android: free apps such as SMS Backup & Restore save all messages to a file on the phone, Google Drive or a computer. Only install well-known apps with good reviews, as message apps can read your SMS (including M-Pesa codes).
- iPhone: there’s no built-in export. Screenshots of key messages, or a computer backup, are the safe options.
Keep M-Pesa messages
M-Pesa confirmation SMS are often used as proof of payment for rent, school fees and business deals. Protect them:
- Keep your phone backup on, as above.
- Don’t rely on SMS alone. Request an official M-Pesa statement for free through the M-PESA app or by dialling *334# (My Account > M-PESA Statement). It arrives by email as a password-protected PDF, with the password sent by SMS.
- For one important payment, screenshot the confirmation message and save it to Google Photos or iCloud.
Accidentally deleted messages on an iPhone? See recovering deleted messages on iPhone.
Quick answers
Turn on Backup by Google One in Settings > Google > Backup. SMS and MMS are included and restore during a new phone’s setup.
Turn on Messages in iCloud, or leave it off and your messages are included in iCloud Backup.
Yes. Back up the iPhone to a computer with iTunes or Finder; messages are included.
