How to use Android's built-in SMS Backup Many phones (including Pixel phones) have a built-in automatic SMS backup, courtesy of Google, in the messaging app.

SMS spam is proliferating fast, but your phone's settings or a handy app can help stem the tide.

On Messages for Android, a blue dot or chat icon indicates that the specific conversation or contact you're talking to has ...

Android's default messaging app offers no options to block incoming SMS texts, but you can install a third-party app such as smsBlocker to block incoming messages from certain numbers.

Settings Apps & notifications Advanced Default apps SMS app Select Android Messages First, head into the Settings menu by pulling down the notification shade and tapping on the gear icon.

Jason Cipriani/CNET For those Android users lucky enough to have already received Android 4.4 KitKat on their preferred device, changing the default SMS app is possible, but very hidden.