How to export and print Android text messages for court

Before you start

You need the Android phone that contains the messages and SMS Backup & Export to PDF installed. Allow the message access requested during setup, then check that the conversation you want appears in the app before purchasing Premium.

SMS and MMS export depends on the messages accessible on your device. RCS availability varies by phone and messaging setup. The app cannot recover messages deleted before the export, and this guide does not cover iPhone or WhatsApp conversations.

Step 1

Select the conversations you need

Open Conversations and select the thread you want to export. You can select more than one. Tap Export selected; the number in parentheses shows how many conversations you selected.

The Export conversations sheet lets you choose the format and options for those conversations. Check the selection count before continuing, especially if you only need one thread.

Step 2

Choose PDF or Legal export

Choose PDF under Free for a readable conversation document you can print or share. Choose Legal export under Premium when you want the additional document details shown in the court-ready sample.

If you choose Legal export and do not have Premium, the app will prompt you to upgrade. You do not need Premium just to print a standard PDF.

Cover sheet

Message pages

Step 3

Set the date range and export details

Tap Date range to choose the period you want to include. Leave All messages selected to export the full available conversation, or use Reset to all messages to clear a filter. Date filtering is available with the free PDF option too.

Choose a period that includes the surrounding conversation you need to review. After exporting, check that the first and last messages match the period you intended.

With Legal export selected, Export details lets you optionally add a Case or matter reference, Custodian name, Custodian phone number and Bates prefix. The custodian is the person whose phone the messages came from. The app prints these details as entered; it does not verify them. Leave fields blank if you do not need them or do not know what to enter.

If you also need the original photos, videos or audio files, review Include attachment files, a Premium option. A printed PDF cannot play video or audio, so check the exported files as well as the document when those attachments matter.

Step 4

Export and review the PDF

Tap Start export and wait for Export complete. Read any notice about skipped messages before using the result.

Open Backups, select the export you just created, and open the conversation’s PDF. Review the sender information, timestamps, date range and page sequence. Check any attachment notes and confirm that the messages you expected are present.

The Share action in the completion dialog shares the backup ZIP. To send just the PDF, open that PDF first and use Share in its viewer.

Step 5

Print or share your text messages

With the PDF open in the app’s viewer, choose Print. Android’s print dialog lets you select a printer and adjust settings such as paper size and page range. Check the preview before printing.

If a printer does not appear, check your phone’s printing settings and the setup instructions for your printer. Google’s Android printing guidance explains how print services work; menu names can vary by device.

You can also use Share in the PDF viewer to send the file to your lawyer or transfer it to a computer for printing. You do not need a printer connected to your phone to create or share the PDF.