In my journey to self hosting and Degoogling, one thing I’ve missed is being able to access my phone on a computer. Is there a self hosted solution that allows syncing between text messaging and a PC/web interface?
I don’t necessarily need a sophisticated Features like customer management or automation. I just want to access my messages from another device, and of course have a server based backup. The ability to reply to messages from the computer is a plus but not necessary. Is there a good option for this?
KDE Connect, works pretty well.
For a backups I think QUIK SMS on F-Droid has a backup option.
Strangely enough, for me reinporting the backup didnt work
There’s also one called SMS Import / Export that I haven’t tested, but looks pretty simple.
Tested SMS Import/Export (installed from F-droid), works fine.
I just used that for export, but I have yet to try import on it. But I’m assuming it works well, it has good reviews as far as I remember.
I’ve always backed up my SMS to my E-Mail inbox. With something like SMS Gate or SMS Backup+. I think it’s nice to have all messages in my mail program. Of course that only does one way. To reply and get immediate notifications, I use KDEConnect (or GSConnect which is the same thing for GNOME.)
For backup check out SMS Backup/Restore. I have 10+ years of sms backup with it, all readable as text or using Excel.
I’ve never found a good solution to this SMS problem - there’s seems to be nothing out there (probably because FOSS devs think SMS needs to die, and I agree).
I did find my solution last year: JMP.chat - I think they’re considered a virtual cell provider. Port your number to them, then all your SMS/MMS gets piped into XMPP, which you can access with an XMPP client on any device - Gajim on Windows/Linux, Cheogram and Monocles (plus others) on Android, Snikket and others on iOS. My SMS works even if my phone is off. Prices are really good, so good that I use a different SIM in my phone for a data connection, as I no longer need an SMS/voice connection (calls are routed via VOIP in Cheogram/XMPP).
probably because FOSS devs think SMS needs to die, and I agree
Be that as it may, people send 23 billion text messages every day. If you’re at all involved with the public, it’s absolutely unavoidable.
But, no Foss dev wants to do anything about it because SMS sucks balls.
So regardless of how many messages are sent FOSS devs aren’t interested.
I use SMS Backup/Restore, it saved my ass during my divorce.
I’d love a FOSS version that can handle RCS…
I’ve had a couple conversations on here about FOSS RCS and it looks like it’s just not possible because of Google’s obstruction. Pretty disappointing.
Yeah, so I’ve heard 😕
If you’re using KDE, look at KDE Connect: https://community.kde.org/KDEConnect
KDEConnect supports Windows.
I might try that. I have to use windows through my employer, which is really where the need lies. I may try to set up WSL.
Support is loose term on Windows. KDE and GS connect work excellent on Linux, KDE connect on Windows seems highly broken
Good to know! I guess I should admit I’ve ditched windows entirely ever since I got a Steam Deck.
Welcome to the club :)
GSConnect also works for Gnome.
I’ve used MyPhoneExplorer
Looks interesting, thanks.
I’m a bit curious. I don’t get many SMS. Maybe 10 a year. Mostly 2FA from companies who are too dumb to implement TOTP. And got only 1 MMS in my life.
What do you need SMS/MMS for?
It sounds like you are an outlier. Believe it or not, it’s still one of the most popular messaging systems in the world. People send 23 billion text messages every day.
My job in life are public facing, so it is absolutely essential, whether I like it or not.
@gedaliyah @suzune I read your initial question. For access you can have nextcloud + the SMS extension and app on your mobile.
To send and read SMS from anywhere, you can use a Matrix bridge.I just wanted to know what those SMS are about. This year I got 1 SMS from an actual human being. Obviously he forgot that I read emails 1000x more often than messages.
@gedaliyah @suzune I too a like suzune. I only got 1 MMS in my whole life. SMS usage is dropping more and more. I could say a receive 0 to 2 messages every month and send about the same. Same thing for people I know. Some of my friends don’t ever read SMS and get surprised when I send them something via SMS.
