- SMS Backup & Restore stops working when upgrading to Android 14 due to sub_id value errors.
- Fix by editing the backup XML file to change all sub_id values to 1 or -1 as needed.
- Follow steps to locate backup file, modify sub_ids in text editor, save changes, and restore fixed XML file.
Many Android users rely on SMS Backup & Restore to keep a record of their text messages and call history. This popular third-party app provides a simple way to back up your conversations so you can restore them if you ever switch devices or experience data loss.
However, some users upgrading to Android 14 have reported that SMS Backup & Restore is no longer functioning as expected. The app fails to properly back up or restore SMS and call log data on devices running Android 14, leaving users frustrated.
In this blog post, we will walk through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve SMS Backup & Restore problems on Android 14. We will cover common error messages you may encounter, solutions like granting permissions and clearing app data, and workarounds like trying another SMS backup app.
With the help of this guide, you can get SMS Backup & Restore working again on your Android 14 device. We will provide actionable tips to diagnose the underlying issue and fix it, so you can reliably keep a backup of your text messages. Read on to learn how to get this useful app functioning properly after upgrading to the latest version of Android.
The underlying issue that causes SMS Backup & Restore to malfunction on Android 14 has to do with the sub_id values in the XML backup file. To resolve this, you will need to edit the SMS backup XML file directly on a computer:
- Download and install a text editor app like Notepad++ on your Windows PC or TextEdit on your Mac. This will allow you to easily edit XML files.
- Locate the SMS backup XML file that SMS Backup & Restore created and copy it over to your computer. This is usually stored in the SMSBackupRestore folder on your Android device.
- Open the XML file in your text editor app.
- Use the Find/Search function to look for all instances of “sub_id” in the file.
- The sub_id values are likely set to -1. You need to change all occurrences of -1 to 1.
- Save the changes you made to the XML file.
- Transfer the modified XML file back to your Android device.
- Now when you restore this XML file using SMS Backup & Restore, it should work without issues on Android 14.
Note that on some devices, the sub_id values may originally be set to 1 instead of -1. In that case, you would need to change them to -1 in the edited XML file before restoring. The key is making sure the sub_id values in the XML file match what’s expected by your Android 14 device.
Conclusion
In summary, SMS Backup & Restore can be made functional again on Android 14 by editing the backup XML file to adjust the sub_id values. This simple fix tricks the app into working properly when restoring SMS and call log data. While an official fix from the developer is still pending, manually changing the sub_ids provides a usable workaround for now. With the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to reliably back up and restore your text messages even after upgrading to Android 14. Just be sure to modify the XML file as needed before restoring it. Going forward, we can hope an update to SMS Backup & Restore will permanently address this issue and make the app fully compatible with the latest Android version.
Disclaimer: The SMS backup file editing process described here involves accessing and modifying app data files on your device. While this guide provides steps to fix issues with SMS Backup & Restore on Android 14, be advised that editing system files comes with inherent risks. Make sure to create backups before modifying any data. We cannot guarantee these steps will work for every user or device. Apply these tips at your own discretion and proceed with caution. The developer of SMS Backup & Restore is not affiliated with this guide. Reference this troubleshooting advice at your own risk.