How to copy selected text in an SMS message

Question

what I would like to do is be able to take a text message and copy a PORTION of it to use somewhere else. This comes in handy if an email address or phone number wasn't automatically picked up. Especially if it's part of a long text.

The problem is that I can only copy the entire text message, and the text selection arrows never show up. I have used several sms apps and they all seem to do this.

Usually, I long press on the message, then a screen pops up asking me what I want to do. I select copy, and now all the text is in my clipboard. However, as stated above, I only want a portion of that text, not all of it.

If you are wondering, I have an HTC One, running Android 4.4.2 and HTC Sense 5.5.

If anyone knows a way to do this, please let me know. I'm open to using a different SMS app if that's what it takes. Thanks.

Answer 1

This is not a direct solution, but a workaround.

You could forward the message (but not send it); this is a feature the stock Messaging app supports. When you forward a message, it puts that message into edit mode, as if you were sending a new message. From here, you can select the text that you want to copy.

Answer 2

I copy entire message and paste it as a reply. And from there I copy what I need. Mostly passwords. Then I remove rest of the text so it won't stay as a draft.

Answer 3

With Textra SMS you can copy selected text

Answer 4

Since I only need to modify a standard SMS answer, I found that : swipe the model/standard message to the right then menu copy text works, then open new SMS and paste in it; then delete whatever is not appropriate anymore.

Answer 5

for anyone still having this issue like I did; try double-tapping on a message, on oxygenOS it opens the message in a new view and selecting becomes possible.