Get number of unread sms

Question

How can I get the number of unread sms in android?

Answer 1

Need to execute a simple query to SMS ContentProvider. Here is a working example:

final Uri SMS_INBOX = Uri.parse("content://sms/inbox");

Cursor c = getContentResolver().query(SMS_INBOX, null, "read = 0", null, null);
int unreadMessagesCount = c.getCount();
c.deactivate();

You will also need the READ_SMS permission:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.READ_SMS" />

Keep in mind that the SMS content provider isn't actually part of the SDK, and this code is not guaranteed to work on all past, present and future devices.

Answer 2

The simplest way I found out:

Cursor c = getContentResolver().query(
    Uri.parse("content://sms/inbox"),
    new String[] {
        "count(_id)",
    },
    "read = 0",
    null,
    null
);
c.moveToFirst();
int unreadMessagesCount = c.getInt(0);