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.
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