How to Back Up Android Text Messages

1. Open the Android Marketplace by touching its icon on your phone.

2. Search for and download a text message backup app such as Txtract, SMS Backup + or Sprite Backup for Android.

3. Open the backup app by tapping its icon. In Sprite Backup, tap 'Backup.' Choose where you want to save the texts, such as to the device's memory, a flash card or an online backup account such as Dropbox. Choose 'SMS' and 'MMS' as the files you want saved. Click 'Backup' in the upper right corner.

4. Tap 'Advanced Settings,' then 'Backup Settings' if you're using the SMS Backup app. Choose a save location, such as your phone's memory or your Gmail or Google Calendar accounts, then close 'Advanced Settings.' Be sure to enter your personal Gmail info under 'Advanced Settings' if you opt to save to Gmail or Google Calendar. Tap the 'Backup' button to backup the SMS messages.

5. Check the box next to 'Txtract' and any other data boxes you want to save, then tap 'Extract' if you're using the Txtract app. The text messages are compiled into a single HTML file and saved on the phone's microSD card. If your phone doesn't have a microSD card, you must use a different app.