I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
It can't be that difficult, can it?

Best regards
--
Jesper

Jesper wrote on Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:13:19 +0100 :

> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
> It can't be that difficult, can it?

If you check the Android archives, it was discussed in the past.
From my recollection, you need to be rooted, but check the threads.
<https://tinyurl.com/nova-comp-mobile-android>

Jesper wrote:

> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15.

Are they stored on the phone, or are they just URLs pointing to your
operator's MMS server?

On Fri, 13 Dec 2024 14:45:09 +0000, Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk>
wrote:

>Jesper wrote:
>
>> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15.
>
>Are they stored on the phone, or are they just URLs pointing to your
>operator's MMS server?

A good question that I cannot answer. But being just URL's sounds
probable.

Best regards
--
Jesper Kaas - jesperk@neindanke.online.no

Jesper <Vitsky.kasperski@gmail.com> wrote:

> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
> It can't be that difficult, can it?

https://www.google.com/search?q=android+where+mms+stored

See the AI-generated response which may be sufficient for you to realize
those are stored in a database file which means you won't be looking
inside of them using just a file manager.

https://www.magnetforensics.com/blog/android-messaging-forensics-sms-mms-and-beyond/

Apparently mmssms.db is a SQLite database file, and is unlikely to be
encrypted, so you could look into using SQL[ite] commands to interrogate
the database. There are SQLite viewer apps for Android, or you could
copy the .db file from Android phone to your PC; however, you probably
still need to know something of the records and their structure to know
on what to search. An SMS/MMS viewer app, or backup & restore app would
likely know the structure in the database file to present you the
messages stored there, but I've never used one to recommend any.

Are you only looking for where is the database file, or how to peek
inside of it?

On 13.12.2024 20:55, VanguardLH wrote:
> Jesper <Vitsky.kasperski@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
>> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
>> It can't be that difficult, can it?
>
> https://www.google.com/search?q=android+where+mms+stored
>
> See the AI-generated response which may be sufficient for you to realize
> those are stored in a database file which means you won't be looking
> inside of them using just a file manager.
>
> https://www.magnetforensics.com/blog/android-messaging-forensics-sms-mms-and-beyond/
>
> Apparently mmssms.db is a SQLite database file, and is unlikely to be
> encrypted, so you could look into using SQL[ite] commands to interrogate
> the database. There are SQLite viewer apps for Android, or you could
> copy the .db file from Android phone to your PC; however, you probably
> still need to know something of the records and their structure to know
> on what to search. An SMS/MMS viewer app, or backup & restore app would
> likely know the structure in the database file to present you the
> messages stored there, but I've never used one to recommend any.
>
> Are you only looking for where is the database file, or how to peek
> inside of it?

I just wanted to get hold of a picture that was sent as MMS as a normal
picture file, .jpg or whatever. I first tried a long tap on the picture
in "Messages" , which did not bring up anything. Then my wife showed me
to use a short tap on the picture, which brought up icons, one of which
gave a "Share" menu. So simple. Embarrassed :-(

Best regards

--
Jesper

Jesper <Vitsky.kasperski@gmail.com> wrote:

> On 13.12.2024 20:55, VanguardLH wrote:
>> Jesper <Vitsky.kasperski@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
>>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
>>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
>>> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
>>> It can't be that difficult, can it?
>>
>> https://www.google.com/search?q=android+where+mms+stored
>>
>> See the AI-generated response which may be sufficient for you to realize
>> those are stored in a database file which means you won't be looking
>> inside of them using just a file manager.
>>
>> https://www.magnetforensics.com/blog/android-messaging-forensics-sms-mms-and-beyond/
>>
>> Apparently mmssms.db is a SQLite database file, and is unlikely to be
>> encrypted, so you could look into using SQL[ite] commands to interrogate
>> the database. There are SQLite viewer apps for Android, or you could
>> copy the .db file from Android phone to your PC; however, you probably
>> still need to know something of the records and their structure to know
>> on what to search. An SMS/MMS viewer app, or backup & restore app would
>> likely know the structure in the database file to present you the
>> messages stored there, but I've never used one to recommend any.
>>
>> Are you only looking for where is the database file, or how to peek
>> inside of it?
>
> I just wanted to get hold of a picture that was sent as MMS as a normal
> picture file, .jpg or whatever. I first tried a long tap on the picture
> in "Messages" , which did not bring up anything. Then my wife showed me
> to use a short tap on the picture, which brought up icons, one of which
> gave a "Share" menu. So simple. Embarrassed :-(

I still get screwed by apps that require sliding left or right to commit
an action. For one app, I contacted support to ask how to remove an
item. Their app incorrectly sizes its window, so the bottom is
truncated, and that's where they put the Remove button, so it is not
visible. The rep said to slide the item to the left to see a Remove
option. Simple, but I wouldn't have thought of that since it was a new
feature in a recent version.

"Where are my eyeglasses?"
"On top of your head."

In comp.mobile.android, on Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:13:19 +0100, Jesper
<Vitsky.kasperski@gmail.com> wrote:

>I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
>are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
>suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
>Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
>It can't be that difficult, can it?
>
>Best regards

You can find where thigns were with lipstick, talcum powder, or smoke.

Wait, wrong ng.

Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:

> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
> It can't be that difficult, can it?

For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.

Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader
of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
custom ROM.

--
Arno Welzel
https://arnowelzel.de

Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> wrote:
> Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:
>
> > I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
> > are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
> > suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
> > Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
> > It can't be that difficult, can it?
>
> For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
> storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
> don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
> have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
> all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.
>
It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a
**user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more
reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be
able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why
should I be prevented from using it from another program?

--
Chris Green
·

On 14.12.24 13:08, Chris Green wrote:
> Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> wrote:
>> Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:
>>
>>> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
>>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
>>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
>>> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
>>> It can't be that difficult, can it?
>>
>> For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
>> storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
>> don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
>> have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
>> all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.
>>
> It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
> system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a
> **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
> readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more
> reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be
> able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why
> should I be prevented from using it from another program?

Think about it. Even you can find that out. This system is smarter than
you think given the disaster prone Windows.

--
"Roma locuta, causa finita." (Augustinus)

On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
> Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:
>
>> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
>> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
>> It can't be that difficult, can it?
>
> For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
> storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
> don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
> have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
> all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.
>
> Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader
> of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
> not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
> custom ROM.
>
>

I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
just a few directories from the system that are not readable.

--
Cheers, Carlos.

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:
> On 14.12.24 13:08, Chris Green wrote:
> > Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> wrote:
> >> Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:
> >>
> >>> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
> >>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
> >>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
> >>> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
> >>> It can't be that difficult, can it?
> >>
> >> For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
> >> storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
> >> don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
> >> have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
> >> all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.
> >>
> > It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
> > system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a
> > **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
> > readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more
> > reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be
> > able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why
> > should I be prevented from using it from another program?
>
> Think about it. Even you can find that out. This system is smarter than
> you think given the disaster prone Windows.
>
Windows? What's that?

--
Chris Green
·

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
> On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
> > Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:
> >
> >> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
> >> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
> >> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
> >> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
> >> It can't be that difficult, can it?
> >
> > For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
> > storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
> > don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
> > have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
> > all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.
> >
> > Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader
> > of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
> > not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
> > custom ROM.
>
> I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
> cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
> just a few directories from the system that are not readable.

Indeed. The same is the case if you connect the Android device [1] via
a USB-cable to a Windows system. All normal folders and specifically
\Android\* (data, media, obb , obj) are accessible in (Windows) File
Explorer. Of course this isn't a scurity/privacy issue, because you need
physical access to the device and the device must be unlocked.

As Chris Green noted, the Android model, of not letting a user access
their own data, is rather silly for users used to normal/real computers.
But it's probably the result of the design choice to only have a normal
user and not some kind of administrator/root. Whether that design choice
is a reasonable/sane/etc. one, is left up to the reader. As Android is
Linux-like under the hood, you probably can guess my position! :-)

[1] Android device: smartphone, tablet, etc..

On 14.12.24 15:57, Chris Green wrote:
> Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:
>> On 14.12.24 13:08, Chris Green wrote:
>>> It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
>>> system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a
>>> **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
>>> readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more
>>> reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be
>>> able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why
>>> should I be prevented from using it from another program?
>>
>> Think about it. Even you can find that out. This system is smarter than
>> you think given the disaster prone Windows.
>>
> Windows? What's that?

What 70%+ on this planet are using as desktop-OS and create nothing but
huge problems!

--
"Roma locuta, causa finita." (Augustinus)

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:
> On 14.12.24 15:57, Chris Green wrote:
> > Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:
> >> On 14.12.24 13:08, Chris Green wrote:
> >>> It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
> >>> system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a
> >>> **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
> >>> readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more
> >>> reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be
> >>> able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why
> >>> should I be prevented from using it from another program?
> >>
> >> Think about it. Even you can find that out. This system is smarter than
> >> you think given the disaster prone Windows.
> >>
> > Windows? What's that?
>
> What 70%+ on this planet are using as desktop-OS and create nothing but
> huge problems!
>
Well I'm a 70+ and I'm not using it! :-)

--
Chris Green
·

On 14.12.24 20:50, Chris Green wrote:
> Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:
>> On 14.12.24 15:57, Chris Green wrote:
>>> Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:
>>>> On 14.12.24 13:08, Chris Green wrote:
>>>>> It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
>>>>> system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a
>>>>> **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
>>>>> readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more
>>>>> reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be
>>>>> able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why
>>>>> should I be prevented from using it from another program?
>>>>
>>>> Think about it. Even you can find that out. This system is smarter than
>>>> you think given the disaster prone Windows.
>>>>
>>> Windows? What's that?
>>
>> What 70%+ on this planet are using as desktop-OS and create nothing but
>> huge problems!
>>
> Well I'm a 70+ and I'm not using it! :-)

70%+ not 70plus ... :-D

--
"Roma locuta, causa finita." (Augustinus)

Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:
> On 14.12.24 20:50, Chris Green wrote:
> > Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:
> >> On 14.12.24 15:57, Chris Green wrote:
> >>> Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:
> >>>> On 14.12.24 13:08, Chris Green wrote:
> >>>>> It's weird isn't it! It's only on mobile phones that this strange
> >>>>> system is applied. On any computer system access is controlled for a
> >>>>> **user** and programs run by that user can access any data that is
> >>>>> readable by that user. The computer model for access seems much more
> >>>>> reasonable to me. Surely if I have (say) an address list I want to be
> >>>>> able to use that from other programs on my device, it's my data, why
> >>>>> should I be prevented from using it from another program?
> >>>>
> >>>> Think about it. Even you can find that out. This system is smarter than
> >>>> you think given the disaster prone Windows.
> >>>>
> >>> Windows? What's that?
> >>
> >> What 70%+ on this planet are using as desktop-OS and create nothing but
> >> huge problems!
> >>
> > Well I'm a 70+ and I'm not using it! :-)
>
> 70%+ not 70plus ... :-D
>
Ah, OK, sorry! :-)

--
Chris Green
·

Carlos E.R., 2024-12-14 15:59:

> On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
>> Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:
>>
>>> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
>>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
>>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
>>> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
>>> It can't be that difficult, can it?
>>
>> For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
>> storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
>> don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
>> have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
>> all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.
>>
>> Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader
>> of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
>> not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
>> custom ROM.
>>
>>
>
> I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
> cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
> just a few directories from the system that are not readable.

Yes - that's a *backup*. But *backup* is not "access files with a file
manager on the device" and not all apps allow to backup their data.

--
Arno Welzel
https://arnowelzel.de

Frank Slootweg, 2024-12-14 16:50:

> Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
>> On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
>>> Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:
>>>
>>>> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
>>>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
>>>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
>>>> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
>>>> It can't be that difficult, can it?
>>>
>>> For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
>>> storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
>>> don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
>>> have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
>>> all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.
>>>
>>> Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader
>>> of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
>>> not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
>>> custom ROM.
>>
>> I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
>> cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
>> just a few directories from the system that are not readable.
>
> Indeed. The same is the case if you connect the Android device [1] via
> a USB-cable to a Windows system. All normal folders and specifically
> \Android\* (data, media, obb , obj) are accessible in (Windows) File
> Explorer. Of course this isn't a scurity/privacy issue, because you need
> physical access to the device and the device must be unlocked.

And "normal folders" are *not* private app storage folders. For example
you can *not* read the contact database this way.

--
Arno Welzel
https://arnowelzel.de

On 2024-12-15 23:32, Arno Welzel wrote:
> Carlos E.R., 2024-12-14 15:59:
>
>> On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
>>> Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:
>>>
>>>> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
>>>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
>>>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
>>>> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
>>>> It can't be that difficult, can it?
>>>
>>> For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
>>> storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
>>> don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
>>> have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
>>> all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.
>>>
>>> Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader
>>> of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
>>> not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
>>> custom ROM.
>>>
>>>
>>
>> I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
>> cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
>> just a few directories from the system that are not readable.
>
> Yes - that's a *backup*. But *backup* is not "access files with a file
> manager on the device" and not all apps allow to backup their data.

I seem to recall that filemanagers in Android need a special permission
to be able to see "everything". Or most things, anyhow.

--
Cheers, Carlos.

Arno,

>> I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
>> cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
>> just a few directories from the system that are not readable.
>
> Yes - that's a *backup*. But *backup* is not "access files with a file
> manager on the device" and not all apps allow to backup their data.

Has the OP mentioned anywhere a restriction to any method for accessing that
data ? If not, don't complain that someone suggested a viable one you
didn't think of.

Also, your compaint that "not all apps allow" ... well, not what the OP
asked for is only good as a "it might not work" remark, but certainly not as
rejection of what Carlos suggested. And no, he wasn't suggesting that the
OP should make a backup. But you already knew that.

IOW, you would throw a perfectly good suggestion (solution?) away because
you think that there "is a chance" that it would not work ? Thats
downright stupid.

OP:
Follow Carlos suggestion, connect your smartphone to a PC and see what its
filebrowser* allows you to access. :-)

* or perhaps a specialized browser for your smartphone.

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

On 16.12.2024 10:08, R.Wieser wrote:
> Arno,
>
>>> I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
>>> cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
>>> just a few directories from the system that are not readable.
>>
>> Yes - that's a *backup*. But *backup* is not "access files with a file
>> manager on the device" and not all apps allow to backup their data.
>
> Has the OP mentioned anywhere a restriction to any method for accessing that
> data ? If not, don't complain that someone suggested a viable one you
> didn't think of.
>
> Also, your compaint that "not all apps allow" ... well, not what the OP
> asked for is only good as a "it might not work" remark, but certainly not as
> rejection of what Carlos suggested. And no, he wasn't suggesting that the
> OP should make a backup. But you already knew that.
>
> IOW, you would throw a perfectly good suggestion (solution?) away because
> you think that there "is a chance" that it would not work ? Thats
> downright stupid.
>
> OP:
> Follow Carlos suggestion, connect your smartphone to a PC and see what its
> filebrowser* allows you to access. :-)

When this Android 15 smartphone is connected to my Windows11 PC via USB,
it does not show up in Windows Explorer at all. And no message on the
phone about allowing access. Therefore I use an app, Cx File Explorer,
for transfering files between Phone and PC. I have tried different
cables: one with USB-A in one end and USB-C in the other, and one with
USB-C in both ends.
My old Android 4 phone is visible in Windows Explorer on PC when
connected via USB, and files can be transferred.

>
> * or perhaps a specialized browser for your smartphone.
>
> Regards,
> Rudy Wieser
>
>

--
Jesper

Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> wrote:
> Frank Slootweg, 2024-12-14 16:50:
>
> > Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
> >> On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
> >>> Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:
> >>>
> >>>> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
> >>>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
> >>>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
> >>>> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
> >>>> It can't be that difficult, can it?
> >>>
> >>> For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
> >>> storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
> >>> don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
> >>> have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
> >>> all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.
> >>>
> >>> Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader
> >>> of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
> >>> not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
> >>> custom ROM.
> >>
> >> I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
> >> cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
> >> just a few directories from the system that are not readable.
> >
> > Indeed. The same is the case if you connect the Android device [1] via
> > a USB-cable to a Windows system. All normal folders and specifically
> > \Android\* (data, media, obb , obj) are accessible in (Windows) File
> > Explorer. Of course this isn't a scurity/privacy issue, because you need
> > physical access to the device and the device must be unlocked.
>
> And "normal folders" are *not* private app storage folders. For example
> you can *not* read the contact database this way.

True, you probably need 'adb pull' to access those. Anyway, as has
been said, things like contacts, (SMS/MMS) messages, etc. are the easy
bit, because there are lots of apps wich can can backup/export those.
The critical/difficult ones are the app-private folders and - as said - a
USB connection can access those.

Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> wrote:
> Carlos E.R., 2024-12-14 15:59:
>
> > On 2024-12-14 12:11, Arno Welzel wrote:
> >> Jesper, 2024-12-13 15:13:
> >>
> >>> I have now spent some time searching for ways to find where MMS-messages
> >>> are stored on my OnePlus 12 mobile with Android 15. There is no end of
> >>> suggestions on how to do this, but nothing I have tested works.
> >>> Referring to menus or file structure not existing on my mobile.
> >>> It can't be that difficult, can it?
> >>
> >> For security reasons *all* Apps store their data in their *private*
> >> storage by default which is *not* accessible with file managers if you
> >> don't have root access. If this would not be the case, *all* apps which
> >> have the "read files" permission could read *all* your data, including
> >> all your MMS, SMS, contacts and so on.
> >>
> >> Gaining root access usually also means you need to unlock the bootloader
> >> of your device and install at least software like Magisk. This is often
> >> not possible without wiping the whole device and even installing a
> >> custom ROM.
> >
> > I am not sure this is fully true. I make backups from Linux via USB
> > cable, and I get the WhatsApp store, the photos, many things. There are
> > just a few directories from the system that are not readable.
>
> Yes - that's a *backup*. But *backup* is not "access files with a file
> manager on the device" and not all apps allow to backup their data.

As Rudy mentioned, I don't think the OP (Jesper) said that the
information/file(s) should be accessible by a file manager *on the
(Android) device*. That's your restriction, not his.

Most, if not all, posters here have a computer. Jesper posted with
Mozilla Thunderbird, so he has a Windows or Linux (or mac?) computer
which he can use with a USB connection to his phone.

As to "not all apps allow to backup their data.": With the USB
connection, one can backup all app-private folders and files, so one
*can* backup the data of all apps. Unless there's some other kind of
restriction you're not divulging.