Getting Started
How do I create a Gmail App Password?
App Passwords are required when 2-Factor Authentication is enabled on your Google account:
- Go to Google Account Security
- Under "Signing in to Google," click 2-Step Verification
- At the bottom, click App passwords
- Enter a name like "sms2email" and click Create
- Copy the 16-character password (spaces are okay)
- Paste it into the sms2email app
What permissions does the app need?
sms2email requires the following permissions:
- Read SMS - To access incoming text messages
- Receive SMS - To be notified when new messages arrive
- Run in background - To forward messages when you're not using the app
- Notifications - To show the monitoring status
Why doesn't it forward RCS/iMessage?
sms2email can only forward traditional SMS text messages. RCS (Rich Communication Services) and iMessage are encrypted end-to-end and stored differently than SMS. Android does not provide apps access to RCS message content for privacy reasons.
Tip: Ask your contacts to send regular SMS if you need those messages forwarded.
Troubleshooting
Messages not being forwarded
If SMS messages aren't appearing in your email:
- Check that the notification "Monitoring for incoming SMS" is visible
- Verify your Gmail app password is correct (regenerate if needed)
- Ensure the target email address is correct
- Check your email's spam folder
- Make sure the message was SMS, not RCS (look for "Chat" features)
- Disable battery optimization for sms2email in Settings
App keeps getting killed
Some phone manufacturers aggressively kill background apps:
- Go to Settings → Apps → sms2email → Battery
- Select "Unrestricted" or "Don't optimize"
- On Samsung: Also check Device Care → Battery → App power management
- On Xiaomi: Check Security app → Permissions → Autostart
- Lock the app in recent apps (swipe down on the app card)
Authentication error
If you see "Auth failed" errors:
- Make sure you're using an App Password, not your regular Gmail password
- The sender email must be a Gmail address (ending in @gmail.com)
- Regenerate the app password and try again
- Check that 2-Factor Authentication is enabled on your Google account
Orange clock icon (pending status)
The orange clock means the message is saved but couldn't be forwarded:
- Check your internet connection
- Verify your email configuration is complete
- The app will automatically retry failed messages
- Check the error message shown below the SMS
Still need help?
Contact our support team and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
support@text2box.com