How I'm backing up my Samsung Messages before the service ends in July - local and cloud options

2026-05-05 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure, Mobile Technology · Depth: Novice, short

Summary

Samsung is discontinuing its proprietary Messages app in July, requiring users on Android 12 or newer to transition to Google Messages. This move concludes a nearly 16-year run for Samsung's messaging platform, with the company having already set Google Messages as the default on new Galaxy phones for the past two years. The primary reason for this shift is believed to be Samsung's desire to offload the burden of managing its own messaging servers to Google. Users are advised to back up their existing messages before the July deadline, with options including local transfer to an external SSD via the Smart Switch app or cloud backups to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.

Key takeaway

For Samsung phone users running Android 12 or newer, you must migrate from Samsung Messages to Google Messages by July. Back up your message history using Smart Switch for local storage or Google Drive for cloud access, as Google Drive offers 15GB free storage and better cross-device accessibility than Samsung Cloud. Start testing Google Messages now to familiarize yourself with its features, including RCS, Gemini integrations, and improved spam detection.

Key insights

Samsung is sunsetting its Messages app, consolidating Android messaging under Google Messages.

Principles

• Consolidate services to reduce operational burden.
• Prioritize cross-platform compatibility for user experience.

Method

To back up Samsung Messages: use Smart Switch for local SSD transfer, or navigate to Settings > Accounts and backup > Back up data for Samsung Cloud or Google Drive cloud storage.

In practice

• Back up messages to Google Drive for broader accessibility.
• Delete unnecessary messages (2FA, OTA codes) before backup.

Topics

• Samsung Messages App
• Google Messages
• Message Backup
• Samsung Smart Switch
• Samsung Cloud

Best for: General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.