I'm backing up my Samsung Messages now - here are 2 free ways to do it

2026-05-14 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure · Depth: Novice, short

Summary

Samsung is discontinuing its proprietary Messages app in July, requiring users on Android 12 or newer Galaxy phones to transition to Google Messages. This move follows Samsung's strategy of shipping new Galaxy phones with Google Messages as the default for the past two years, and the app is no longer downloadable on newer devices like the Galaxy S26 series. The prevailing theory suggests Samsung aims to offload the burden of managing its own messaging servers to Google, citing practical, security, and financial benefits. Users are advised to back up their existing messages before the July shutdown, with options including local transfer to an external drive via Smart Switch or cloud backups to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.

Key takeaway

For Samsung Galaxy users on Android 12 or newer, you must transition from Samsung Messages to Google Messages by July. Back up your message history using either Samsung Smart Switch for local storage or cloud services like Google Drive (recommended for its 15GB free storage and cross-device accessibility) or Samsung Cloud. Proactively test Google Messages now to familiarize yourself with its features, including RCS and Gemini integrations, before the mandatory switch.

Key insights

Samsung is sunsetting its native Messages app, consolidating messaging to Google Messages for Android 12+ users.

Principles

• Consolidate services to reduce operational burden.
• Prioritize cross-platform accessibility for user data.

Method

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

In practice

• Use Google Drive for broader accessibility and 15GB free storage.
• Delete unwanted messages before backing up to save space.
• Test Google Messages before the July shutdown.

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.