Extracting read-ready text messages from an Android

[Jeff R]

We need to extract text messages from my wife's Android phone (specifically a Samsung Galaxy Mini of some sort) in prep for an upcoming court hearing. I haven't attempted to move text messages from a cell phone in ages but I seem to recall I did so years ago, and the relevant content was in a difficult-to-read format due to all kinds of irrelevant text breaks, inserted coding, etc.

I tried Googling it and I'm being referred to apps that I fear are loaded with malware, bots, hidden fees ...

We cannot risk losing the text messages, no matter what we do. They are crucial in regard to the outcome we seek in court.

Heeeelllppp?

[kizanski]

Go to the Google Play/Google Store on the phone itself and search for "export text messages."
There are a bunch of apps there for that.

[ZR]

We're with Verizon but I'm not sure it matters, but I have a desktop app that I can text from. So, I can also find and print out message threads as needed. I have done so with great success for use in court against non-paying tenants, I'm a landlord. Works great. 

[jim777]

3 hours ago, Jeff R said:

We need to extract text messages from my wife's Android phone (specifically a Samsung Galaxy Mini of some sort) in prep for an upcoming court hearing. I haven't attempted to move text messages from a cell phone in ages but I seem to recall I did so years ago, and the relevant content was in a difficult-to-read format due to all kinds of irrelevant text breaks, inserted coding, etc.

I tried Googling it and I'm being referred to apps that I fear are loaded with malware, bots, hidden fees ...

We cannot risk losing the text messages, no matter what we do. They are crucial in regard to the outcome we seek in court.

Heeeelllppp?

I would think you would want to keep all of the irrelevant coding bits, as that is the actual proof that the messages weren't simply typed up in a text editor. That will likely contain the originating phone #, time stamps, etc., that would/could be vital to having your point made and accepted by a court. Just my $.02

try one of these, as they are packages produced by the Android phone makers themselves, not 3rd parties: http://droiddigger.com/blog/transfer-text-messages-from-android-phone-to-pc/

[Bloozguy]

I recommend that you take the phone to a store that is owned (rather than a franchise) by your carrier and see what solutions they have. The AT&T store where I do business is quite familiar with court-ordered and other evidentiary phone dumps and has equipment/procedures to safely deal with that.

[Jakeboy]

This sounds ugly, so I have honestly prayed for you both....but beyond that, I got nothin’...

[scottcald]

If all else fails, and you have the phone, you could simply screenshot each page, it should contain the phone/carrier info as well as the messages and timestamps, or simply video you and the attorney with them and show them on screen.