A recent update to Google Messages (around May/June 2026) introduced a bug where outgoing RCS messages are no longer written to the phone’s messaging database. SMS Backup & Restore reads from that database, so your sent RCS messages are missing from backups. This is a bug in Google Messages — our app is working correctly.

What’s affected
Only outgoing (sent) RCS messages are affected. Incoming RCS, outgoing SMS, incoming SMS, and MMS messages all continue to back up normally.

Are my sent messages lost?
No. Your messages are still visible inside the Google Messages app — they just aren’t being copied to the shared database that backup apps can read. If you restore a backup to a new phone, however, sent RCS messages from the affected period won’t be included.

Can SMS Backup & Restore fix this?
No — we have no access to Google Messages’ private storage. The fix must come from Google.

Help get it fixed — report the bug to Google
Google prioritises fixes based on how many users report an issue. To report it: open Google Messages → tap your profile icon → Messages settings → Help & feedback → Send feedback. Describe the issue as: “Outgoing RCS messages are not being saved to the Android SMS/MMS database, preventing third-party backup apps from backing up sent RCS messages.”