Yes, you will likely lose text messages when switching phones unless you actively back them up and restore them, as they're stored on the device, not the SIM card, though modern Android and iPhone setups offer built-in cloud backup (Google One, iCloud) or direct transfer during setup that can include messages. Without using these features or a third-party app like SMS Backup & Restore, your message history won't automatically move.
Changing carriers (or removing your SIM) normally does not erase those locally stored messages. If you switch from one device type to another (Android ↔ iPhone) or replace the phone, messages won't automatically appear on the new device unless you transfer them or restore a backup.
Use Google Drive
Google Drive syncs your data across devices that are logged into the same Google account. Your backed up texts will be restored if you reset your phone, or log in to a new one.
Go to your old phone Install sms backup and restore and backup your texts and calls to Google drive or email and then download the app on your new phone and click restore after you download the backups from your email on your new phone.
Switching Phones? 4 Steps to Protect Your Data
Make sure you are grabbing the following before you reset your old phone to factory settings:
You can insert your SIM card into an unlocked phone and it will function seamlessly, allowing you to continue using your existing phone number and cellular service. The first indication that the phone is unlocked is that it detects the SIM card by connecting to the network and finding reception.
Check the Recycle Bin in Messages. Check the Archived section in Google Messages. Recover messages from Google backup. Check if Google Backup is turned on under Settings > System > Backup.
To transfer everything to your new phone, charge both devices, connect to Wi-Fi, and use the on-screen setup prompts to copy data wirelessly or with a USB cable from your old phone (Android to Android) by signing into your Google Account and restoring a backup or directly transferring apps, contacts, photos, and settings, with app-specific data like WhatsApp often needing separate in-app backups.
Install SMS Backup and Restore on both phones, then use it to back up your SMS history on your old phone, move the backup to Drive, import it to your new phone and restore it there.
Smart Switch will begin scanning the old phone for transferable content. After the scan, you can choose between Everything; Just accounts, calls, contacts, and messages; or Custom. Select the data you want to move, then tap Next or Transfer.
retrieve accidentally deleted text messages
Yes, photos will be available and all text messages will remain on the phone unless you erase it.
Use a cable.
Sync your contacts
If you already use contacts in your Google Account, like in Gmail, they automatically show on your new Android device after you sign in. If your contacts are on a SIM card, learn how to import contacts from a SIM card.
iMessage, text (SMS), and MMS messages
If you haven't turned on Messages in iCloud, your messages are included in iCloud Backup. If you use Messages in iCloud, your messages automatically sync to iCloud so they aren't included in your daily backup.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the best methods to move your data without losing valuable information or exposing your personal details.
Contacts or calendar events
Only contacts and calendar events that aren't synced to an account are transferred. If it's synced to an account, it won't transfer during setup. To re-sync the information to your Android device, sign in to your associated account in Settings.
Transfer your data to the new device by choosing Settings > Accounts > Add Account > Google. Sign in to your Google account where your data is backed up. You will be asked if you would like to download your synced information, select Yes. Depending on the amount of data backed up it may take a while to download.
Recover Deleted Text Messages by Backup and Restore Function
How Long Do Cell Phone Companies Keep Text Message Records? Cellular service providers have different policies regarding the duration they keep messages and other existing data. On average, this data is typically stored between one and seven years, but it most likely does not include the content of the texts.
To transfer everything to your new phone, charge both devices, connect to Wi-Fi, and use the on-screen setup prompts to copy data wirelessly or with a USB cable from your old phone (Android to Android) by signing into your Google Account and restoring a backup or directly transferring apps, contacts, photos, and settings, with app-specific data like WhatsApp often needing separate in-app backups.
Your photos, videos, contacts, apps, ringtones… everything else that isn't your phone number, will still be on your phone after you remove the SIM card. Obviously, you won't be able to call or text those contacts without a phone number, and some apps may not work without a network connection.
Inspect the SIM card
Check for signs of wear or damage like scratches, cracks, or dirt. Even minor damage can prevent your phone from reading the card properly.