This tutorial shows you how to forward incoming SMS messages from your Android device to your own API server — allowing you to store, process, or use them in any way you want.
- ✅ Simple and lightweight
- 🔒 Privacy-friendly (no data collection)
- 🧼 Safe for Work (SFW)
- 🤖 Android-only
To begin, install the SMS Forward app on your Android device. It will automatically forward all incoming SMS messages to the API server you set up.
Note: The app is freemium — it includes both free and paid features. This tutorial covers free usage only.
You’ll need a server (a VPS or local server with public access) to receive the forwarded messages. The API code is included in this repository under the API folder.
git clone https://github.com/9v2/sms-forwarderGo to the project directory
cd sms-forwarder/APIInstall dependencies
python3 -m pip install -r requirements.txtStart the server
uvicorn main:app --port 9999 --host 0.0.0.0Congrats! You have now the API on your own server! Now, we need to setup the Android APP to make it runs with the API.
Now let’s connect the SMS Forward app with your API server.
- Download and open the SMS Forward app
SMS Forward App - Accept the Rules & Policies when prompted.
- Tap the "+" button at the bottom of the home screen.
- Choose "Incoming SMS/RCS" as the trigger.
- Tap the "+" icon at the top.
- Select "URL" and set the method to GET.
In the URL field, enter your server URL like this:
http://your-server:9999/forward?msg={msg}&time={time}&in-number={in-number}&filter-name={filter-name}
Replace
your-serverwith your actual server IP or domain.
- Tap "OK" to save the action.
- Tap "Next" until you reach the Summary screen.
- Tap "Done" to complete the setup.
Once set up, all forwarded SMS messages will be stored in memory and viewable at:
http://your-server:9999/messages
You’re now forwarding SMS messages from your Android device to your own FastAPI server.
Want to expand this project? Add database support, or anything you want! — feel free to contribute or open issues!