Text messages often contain irreplaceable memories, important information, and sentimental value. Losing those messages, whether due to a lost or broken phone, accidentally deleted conversations, or switching devices, can be devastating. That‘s where Verizon Message+ Backup comes in.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about backing up your messages with Verizon, including how it works, setting it up on Android and iOS, managing your backups, retrieving messages, and more. By the end, you‘ll be a Verizon Message+ Backup pro, with the peace of mind that your cherished messages are safe and secure.
What is Verizon Message+ Backup and How Does It Work?
Verizon Message+ is the default messaging app that comes pre-installed on most Verizon Android devices. It offers enhanced features compared to standard SMS, like larger group conversations, customizable backgrounds, location sharing, and more.
One of the key features is Verizon Message+ Backup, which allows you to automatically save all your text messages and conversations to the cloud. This means even if something happens to your physical device, your messages are safely stored and easily retrievable.
On Android devices, Verizon Message+ Backup works by syncing your messages to Verizon Cloud, a secure cloud storage solution. As long as you have Verizon Cloud set up and enabled, your messages will continuously backup in the background without any extra effort on your part.
For iOS devices, Verizon leverages Apple‘s iCloud service to backup your messages. Unlike with Android, Verizon Message+ is not the default messaging app. However, you can still use iCloud to backup your iPhone‘s native Messages app, ensuring your texts are protected.
Setting Up Verizon Message+ Backup on Android
Enabling Verizon Message+ Backup on your Android device is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Open the Message+ app on your Android phone
- Tap the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner
- Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu
- Tap "Backup & sync"
- Make sure the "Auto sync" toggle is turned on
- Tap "Sync now" to perform your first backup
That‘s it! Your messages will now automatically backup to Verizon Cloud. You can check the status of your backups and manage your cloud storage anytime from the same Backup & sync menu.
Keep in mind, you‘ll need an active Verizon Cloud subscription to use Message+ Backup. We‘ll cover the pricing and options later on.
Setting Up iCloud Message Backup on iPhone
For iPhone users, backing up your messages requires enabling iCloud sync for the Messages app. Here‘s how:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Tap your name/Apple ID at the top
- Select "iCloud"
- Scroll down and make sure the "Messages" toggle is turned on
With iCloud Messages enabled, your texts will automatically backup to the cloud whenever your iPhone is connected to power, locked, and on Wi-Fi.
You can see the status of your Messages backup under the "iCloud Storage" section of the iCloud settings page. Tap "Manage Storage" and then "Messages" to see when your last backup occurred and how much space your messages are using.
Backing Up Verizon Messages to an SD Card
In addition to cloud backups, you can also manually export Verizon messages to an SD card on compatible Android devices. This is a good option if you want a local, physical copy of your messages for added peace of mind.
To back up Verizon messages to an SD card:
- Insert an SD card into your Android device
- Open the Message+ app
- Tap and hold on a conversation you want to backup
- Tap the checkmark icon at the top to select that conversation
- Tap the three-dot menu icon
- Choose "Export"
- Select "Export to SD card"
- Choose a location on your SD card to save the messages
- Tap "Export" to finish
The selected conversation will be saved as an XML file on your SD card. You can repeat this process for any other conversations you want to backup.
Keep in mind, exporting to SD card only captures the currently selected messages. For a more complete, ongoing backup solution, we recommend using Verizon Cloud.
Managing and Deleting Messages After Backup
A common question is what happens to your Verizon messages on your phone after you‘ve backed them up. The good news is, backed up messages are independent from what‘s on your device. This means you‘re free to delete conversations from your phone without affecting your cloud backup.
In fact, regularly deleting old messages can help free up storage space on your device. And with Verizon Message+ Backup, you can do so confidently, knowing you can always retrieve those messages if needed.
To delete a conversation in Message+, simply tap and hold the conversation, then select "Delete" from the pop-up menu. You can also delete individual messages within a conversation by tapping and holding on the specific message.
If you want to delete multiple conversations at once, tap the checkmark icon at the top of the Message+ inbox view. Then select the conversations you want to remove and tap the trash icon.
How Far Back Does Verizon Message+ Backup Go?
When you first enable Verizon Message+ Backup, it will initially sync your messages from the last 90 days. However, once that first backup is complete, Verizon Cloud will capture and store all your new incoming and outgoing messages going forward.
So while you may not have access to messages older than 90 days from when you first set up backup, you‘ll still have a comprehensive archive of your texts moving forward. The longer you‘ve had backups enabled, the further back your saved messages will go.
It‘s worth noting the 90 day limitation only applies to the initial sync. If you‘ve been using Verizon Message+ Backup for several years, for example, you‘ll likely have messages going back that entire time, not just the last 90 days.
Retrieving Backed Up Verizon Messages from the Cloud
The whole point of backing up your Verizon messages is to be able to access them when needed. Fortunately, retrieving your backed up messages from Verizon Cloud is a straightforward process.
On your Android device:
- Open the Message+ app
- Tap the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner
- Select "Settings"
- Tap "Backup & sync"
- Tap "Restore"
- Select the device and backup you want to restore from
- Choose whether to restore all messages or just certain conversations
- Tap "Restore" to begin the process
Your backed up messages will then be downloaded and restored to the Message+ app on your phone. Keep in mind this process requires an active internet connection.
To view your backed up messages from a web browser:
- Go to https://cloud.verizon.com and sign in
- Click on the "My Verizon" tab
- Select "Text Online"
- Accept the Terms & Conditions
- Click on a conversation to view the backed up messages
From here, you can read, search, and even reply to messages right from your computer. It‘s a convenient way to access your texts without needing your phone.
Verizon Cloud Pricing and Subscription Options
To use Verizon Message+ Backup, you‘ll need a Verizon Cloud subscription. Verizon offers a few different storage tiers to fit your needs and budget:
- 600 GB for $5.99/month
- 2 TB for $9.99/month
- Unlimited storage for $19.99/month
The 600 GB and 2 TB plans support a single user, while the Unlimited plan includes storage for up to 5 users. All Verizon Cloud plans let you backup unlimited devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
For most users, the 600 GB plan offers ample storage for backing up messages, photos, videos, and other files. However, if you have a large family or need to backup lots of high-resolution media, stepping up to the 2 TB or Unlimited plan may be worth it.
Verizon Message+ Backup vs. Other Solutions
Verizon Message+ Backup is just one of many ways to safeguard your text messages these days. Other popular options include:
- Google One (for Android)
- iCloud (for iPhone)
- Third-party apps like SMS Backup & Restore or iMazing
Google One and iCloud are similar to Verizon Cloud in that they offer general cloud storage and backup solutions. The main difference is they‘re tied to your Google or Apple account, respectively, rather than your carrier.
Third-party apps, on the other hand, are solely focused on backing up your messages. They often provide more granular control and advanced options compared to the all-in-one cloud solutions.
So which method should you use? Ultimately, it comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
If you‘re already a Verizon subscriber, using Message+ Backup can be the simplest, most integrated option. Your backups are tied directly to your Verizon account and easily accessible across devices. Plus, Verizon Cloud includes extra features like contact and media backup.
However, if you frequently switch carriers or prefer to keep your backups separate from your mobile provider, using a third-party app or your phone‘s built-in cloud solution may be the better choice. You‘ll have more flexibility and ownership over your data.
Best Practices for Backing Up Verizon Messages
No matter which backup method you choose, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:
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Enable automatic backups – Set up your chosen backup solution to automatically sync your messages on a regular basis. This way, you‘ll always have an up-to-date backup without having to remember to manually initiate the process.
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Check your backup status regularly – Take a moment every few weeks to verify your backups are running smoothly. Check the date of your last successful backup and ensure there are no errors or warning messages.
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Store backups in multiple locations – Don‘t put all your eggs in one basket. In addition to your primary cloud backup, consider exporting your messages to your computer or an external drive from time to time. That way, you‘ll have multiple copies in case something goes wrong.
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Secure your backups with a strong password – Your text messages likely contain sensitive personal information. Make sure to protect your backups with a strong, unique password to prevent unauthorized access. Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security if available.
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Delete messages mindfully – Just because your messages are backed up doesn‘t mean you should never delete anything. Be mindful about keeping your message history lean and clutter-free. Delete old, unnecessary conversations to save space and make important messages easier to find.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While backing up your Verizon messages is usually a smooth process, there are a few common issues that can arise:
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Backups stuck or not progressing: If your backup seems stuck, try force closing the Message+ app and restarting your phone. Then, check your internet connection and make sure you have enough available storage space in your Verizon Cloud account.
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Error messages about file size or type: Verizon Cloud has a 25 MB limit for individual files. If you‘re trying to backup media attachments larger than that, you may encounter an error. The solution is to manually save those large attachments to your device, then back them up separately using your phone‘s file manager app.
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Conversations not syncing: If certain conversations are not showing up in your backup, first check that those messages are still on your device. If they are, try a manual sync by going to the Backup & sync menu in Message+ and tapping "Sync now."
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Backups not appearing in cloud: If your backups seem to complete successfully but you‘re not seeing them in Verizon Cloud, sign out of your account in the Verizon Cloud app or website, then sign back in. Your backups should then show up.
If you continue to have issues backing up your Verizon messages, reach out to Verizon Support for further assistance. They can access your account and provide personalized troubleshooting steps.
Why Backing Up Your Verizon Messages Matters
In our digital age, text messages have become a vital form of communication. They capture our life stories, from the mundane day-to-day logistics to the most meaningful moments and milestones.
Photos, videos, inside jokes, heartfelt words of encouragement – so much of what makes our message histories valuable is irreplaceable. And yet, our phones and the messages they hold are not invincible. No one is immune to a lost, stolen, or broken device, or an accidentally deleted conversation.
That‘s why backing up your Verizon messages is so important. It‘s not just about practicality, but preserving your memories and personal history.
Regular, reliable backups give you the freedom to live your life and use your phone without fear. You can switch devices, upgrade to the latest model, or even jump to a different carrier without worrying about losing your message archive in the process. You‘re in control of your data.
And while we hope you never need it, having a backup can be a lifesaver in the event of the unexpected. A lost phone is stressful enough without the added heartache of losing years‘ worth of messages and attachments. With a backup, you can rest assured your conversations are safe and recoverable.
Conclusion
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this ultimate guide to Verizon Message+ Backup. To recap, here are the key points to remember:
- Verizon Message+ Backup automatically saves your text messages to the cloud, protecting them in case something happens to your device.
- On Android, backups sync to your Verizon Cloud account. On iPhone, messages are backed up via iCloud.
- You can enable Verizon Message+ backup in the Message+ app settings on Android, or the iCloud settings on iPhone.
- Exporting messages to an SD card is an option for local backup on Android.
- Backed up messages can be deleted from your device without affecting the cloud backup.
- The initial backup includes the last 90 days of messages, then captures all messages going forward.
- You can view and restore your backed up messages from the Message+ app or Verizon Cloud website.
- Verizon Cloud offers plans ranging from 600 GB to unlimited storage.
- Best practices for Verizon message backup include enabling automatic backups, checking backup status regularly, storing backups in multiple locations, securing your account, and deleting unnecessary messages.
- Common issues can usually be resolved through basic troubleshooting steps like restarting your device or checking your internet connection. Verizon Support is available for further assistance.
- Regularly backing up your messages is essential for preserving your digital memories and communications.
Whether you‘re a longtime Verizon subscriber or new customer, taking advantage of Verizon Message+ Backup is a smart move. By following the steps and advice in this guide, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your texts are protected.
So what are you waiting for? Set up your Verizon Message+ Backup today and start safeguarding your digital life story. Your future self will thank you.
