FAQs for SMS Backup

What is SMS Backup?

SMS Backup is a service for storing a virtually unlimited number of SMS (text) messages online. If you're a mobile user, you can back up your text messages and retrieve them later in Yahoo! Mail. The messages are stored in a folder 'SMS Backup' created specifically for your backed-up SMS messages.

Why do I need to back up SMS messages?

Many mobile devices have limited storage capacity for saving messages. If you have been deleting important messages, use SMS Backup now to store your treasured SMS messages on Yahoo! Mail.

How do I start backing up SMS messages?

To begin using SMS Backup, you have to register your mobile phone. There are two ways to register your phone.

Forward an SMS message to 582438243. We'll send registration instructions to your mobile phone. You must complete registration on a computer with an Internet connection.

Or,

you can go to the SMS Backup page, click on Register, and follow these steps:


After registering, you can forward SMS messages to 582438243. The messages will be stored in the specially created 'SMS Backup' folder of your Yahoo! Mail box. (If you registered by sending an SMS message, you'll find your message in that folder.)

Where can I find my backed-up SMS messages?

Just go to your Yahoo! Mail box. You'll find your backed-up SMS messages in the SMS Backup folder.

Registering for this service is free. However, normal Value Added Service (VAS) rates apply for each backed-up SMS message.

Do I need a Yahoo! ID to use SMS Backup?

Yes, a Yahoo! ID is required to use this service. If you do not have one, you can create one for free here.

Can I register two mobile numbers on one Yahoo! ID?

Yes, you can register more than one mobile number on one Yahoo! ID. Be sure to have the mobile device with you when you register it because we'll send the confirmation code required to register to that device.

My mobile number has changed. How do I register my new mobile number?

Deregister your old mobile number, and then register your new mobile number.

I changed my Yahoo! ID. How do I register the same mobile number for my new ID?

A mobile device can be associated with only one Yahoo! ID. If you change your Yahoo! ID, deregister your mobile number from your old Yahoo! ID, and then register it with your new Yahoo! ID.

Can I get information about the sender of a message I backed up?

Unfortunately, when a message is forwarded, information about the sender (such as mobile number and name) is lost. So we can't include that information with backed-up messages. We are exploring ways to include sender information in future versions of SMS Backup.

Can I put the backed-up SMS message on my mobile phone?

Not at this time. After you back up a message, you can't download it to your mobile phone. We are investing ways to include this feature in future versions of SMS Backup.

Can I back up picture messages and MMS messages?

Not at this time. Only SMS messages can be backed up.