How to Setup

Homepage Contact us

Below are the setup steps for configuring SMS2VPS on your Android device and server.

Step 1: Grant SMS Permissions and Set SMS2VPS as Default SMS App

Accept Terms
Immediately after installation, when you open the app, you will be presented with a welcome screen where you can view and accept these Terms of Use ('Terms') and this Privacy Policy ('Policy').
Select SMS app
The App must be set as your phone's default text messaging (SMS) application in order to use it. In your phone's default apps section, select the SMS app.
Choose SMS2VPS
Here you will see all apps available for use as your default SMS app. Select the SMS2VPS application.

Step 2: Configure VPS Settings

Navigate to VPS Settings
To enable sending messages to your VPS, navigate to the VPS Settings view by tapping the logo icon in the top-right corner of the home screen.
Enter VPS credentials
Fill in the VPS IP address, username, storage path, password, and port. The default storage path is /root/sms and the default port is 22. After entering all fields correctly, press the SAVE button so the app remembers your settings. Note that these details are required to securely send messages to your VPS using SSH authentication.

Helpful VPS Commands

Use these commands on your VPS to find the required connection details:

#Get IP address (external)
curl -s https://api.ipify.org
#Get IP address (internal)
hostname -I | awk '{print $1}'
# Get the username of the current logged-in user
whoami
# Get the home directory path of the VPS root user (common storage path)
echo $HOME
# Get the root directory path of the VPS (usually /)
pwd

💻 Can I Synchronize SMS to My Windows 11 Computer?

Yes, absolutely! SMS2VPS can synchronize your Android SMS messages directly to your Windows 11 computer by leveraging the built-in OpenSSH Server feature. This transforms your Windows PC into a receiving server for your text messages, eliminating the need for a traditional Linux VPS.

🔧 Step-by-Step Setup Guide for Windows 11

Step 1: Enable OpenSSH Server on Windows 11

  1. Open Settings → System → Optional features
  2. Click "View features" next to "Add an optional feature"
  3. Search for "OpenSSH Server" and check the box
  4. Click "Next" then "Install"
  5. Wait for installation to complete (may require restart)

Step 2: Start and Configure OpenSSH Service

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
  2. Find "OpenSSH SSH Server" in the list
  3. Right-click → Properties
  4. Set Startup type to "Automatic"
  5. Click "Start" to start the service immediately
  6. Click "Apply" and "OK"

Step 3: Configure Windows Firewall

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall → Advanced settings
  2. Click "Inbound Rules" in the left panel
  3. Find "OpenSSH SSH Server (sshd)" rule
  4. Ensure it's enabled (green checkmark)
  5. If not present, create a new inbound rule for port 22

Step 4: Find Your Windows PC's IP Address

  1. Open Command Prompt (press Win + R, type cmd)
  2. Type ipconfig and press Enter
  3. Look for "IPv4 Address" under your active network adapter
  4. Note this IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)

Step 5: Create a Destination Folder for SMS Messages

  1. Create a folder on your Windows PC, e.g. C:\SMS_Backup
  2. Right-click the folder → Properties → Security tab
  3. Ensure your Windows account has Full control
  4. Note the full path for SMS2VPS configuration

Step 6: Configure SMS2VPS App Settings

  1. Open SMS2VPS app on your Android device
  2. Go to VPS Settings
  3. Enter details:
    • Host: Your Windows PC IP (192.168.x.x)
    • Port: 22
    • Username: Your Windows account name
    • Password: Your account password
    • Remote Directory: /c/SMS_Backup
  4. Tap "Test Connection"
  5. Tap "Activate SMS Sync"

⚠️ Important Considerations

  • Works best on the same local network (WiFi)
  • Use a strong Windows password
  • Some antivirus blocks SSH temporarily
  • PC must remain powered ON
  • Use Unix-style paths (/c/folder)
  • Consider setting a static IP

💡 Advantages

  • No VPS subscription cost
  • Instant local access
  • Total data control
  • Easy browsing via File Explorer
  • Can integrate with your Windows scripts
  • Offline availability

🔍 Troubleshooting

Connection Refused:

  • Check OpenSSH service
  • Check Firewall inbound rule
  • Ensure same network

Authentication Failed:

  • Incorrect username or password
  • User must have SSH access

Permission Denied:

  • Folder must exist
  • Correct Unix path: /c/SMS_Backup

This guide turns your Windows 11 PC into a secure SMS backup server without VPS costs.