📱 Message Archive

Keep your message history when switching from Android to iPhone

Download

iOS iPhone App

View and search your archived messages on iPhone

Download on App Store

Android Export App

Export your SMS/MMS messages from Android

Download APK View Source Code

How It Works

Step 1: Export from Android

  1. Download the Android APK Download MessageExporter.apk from the releases page above
  2. Enable installation from unknown sources Go to Settings → Security → Enable "Install from Unknown Sources"
  3. Install the app Open the downloaded APK and install
  4. Grant permissions Allow SMS and Storage permissions when prompted
  5. Export your messages Open the app and tap "Export Messages". Wait for it to complete.
  6. Find your archive The archive folder will be saved to your device storage

Step 2: Transfer to iPhone

Transfer the archive folder using one of these methods:

Step 3: View on iPhone

  1. Download the iOS app Get Message Archive from the App Store
  2. Import your archive Open the app and tap "Import Messages"
  3. Select the archive folder Navigate to where you saved it in Files app
  4. Choose storage option Select "Save to Device" (full offline) or "Link Only" (saves space)
  5. Browse your messages Search, read, and view your archived conversations

Features

Requirements

Android Export App

iOS Viewer App

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my data safe and private?

Yes! Your messages never leave your device. There are no cloud services, no data uploads, and no tracking. The Android app exports locally, and the iPhone app reads locally. Your data is completely under your control.

What's the difference between "Save to Device" and "Link Only"?

Save to Device: Copies the entire archive to your iPhone's storage. Works offline, but uses device storage space.

Link Only: Links to the archive in iCloud or Files. Saves storage space, but requires the archive folder to remain accessible.

Can I import messages into my iPhone's Messages app?

No. iOS doesn't allow apps to import messages into the native Messages app. Message Archive is a viewer for your archived messages - a separate read-only archive of your Android message history.

How large will my export be?

Export size depends on your message count and media. Text messages are small (a few KB each), but photos/videos add up. 10,000 messages with 1,000 photos might be 2-5GB.

Do I need to keep the Android app installed?

No. Once you've exported your messages and transferred the archive to your iPhone, you can uninstall the Android app.

Can I export from multiple Android devices?

Yes, but each export creates a separate archive. You can import multiple archives on iPhone, but they'll be separate - Message Archive doesn't merge archives.

What message types are supported?

SMS and MMS messages, including text, photos, videos, and other attachments. Group messages are supported. RCS messages stored as SMS/MMS will be exported, but RCS-specific features may not be preserved.

Is the app really free?

Yes! Both apps are free. The iOS app may offer optional tips in the future, but all core functionality will remain free.

The Android APK won't install. Why?

Make sure you've enabled "Install from Unknown Sources" in Settings → Security. Some Android devices call this "Install Unknown Apps" or similar. You may need to grant permission specifically to your browser or file manager app.

Export is taking a long time. Is that normal?

Yes. If you have thousands of messages and lots of media, export can take 10-30 minutes or more. Keep the app open and your phone plugged in during export.

Support

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