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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Samsung is ending its messaging app someday in July.
- Android 12 or newer customers should swap to Google Messages.
- Again up your messages to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.
The reckoning is right here. Effectively, nearly right here, and possibly rather less dramatic than I am describing. Samsung not too long ago confirmed that it will be shuttering its own Messages app in favor of Google’s, requiring customers on Samsung phones working Android 12 or newer to make the swap in July in the event that they have not performed so already.
This sunsetting marks a virtually 16-year run for the proprietary communication platform, one which has constructed fairly the cult following over time. However nobody must be shocked to see this coming. Simply two years in the past, Samsung started transport its newest Galaxy telephones with Google Messages set because the default messaging app. Extra not too long ago, you would not even be capable to obtain the Samsung Messages app on telephones just like the Galaxy S26 sequence.
Additionally: Samsung is ending Messages in July: 5 replacements I’d switch to now
So, what offers? There are many unofficial theories behind the transition, however the prevailing assumption is easy: Samsung now not desires the burden of managing its personal messaging servers. It makes extra sense handy the reins to Google, which has steadily constructed a platform residence to billions of Android customers. Between the sensible, safety, and monetary ramifications, the transfer simply is smart for the enterprise.
That stated, in the event you’re like me and wish to again up any vital messages from through the years, you’ve got received choices. I am going to go over essentially the most dependable ones beneath, forgoing those that contain third-party companies that will put your private info in danger.
1. Backing up your messages regionally
Your most safe backup possibility is a neighborhood switch to an exterior storage drive, or SSD. Relying on what number of months’ or years’ value of messages you will be transferring, you will wish to ensure that the drive has sufficient reminiscence to host the info.
That is typically a very good time to look over your varied threads and conversations and delete those you don’t need (or have) to retailer, akin to 2FA and OTA codes, transaction histories, and receipts.
To again up your Samsung Messages texts, join your SSD to your telephone, open the Sensible Change app by going to Settings > Accounts and backup > Sensible Changechoose the storage icon within the prime proper nook, then Again upand faucet Messages. The telephone ought to start packaging your texts right into a readable file.
2. Backing up your messages to the cloud
It may be intimidating for some, however cloud backups are far more dependable and helpful than they was once, because of safety enhancements to companies like Samsung Knox, which comes in-built on most trendy Samsung telephones. It is also an intuitive approach to again up and restore information — not simply textual content messages — while you ultimately swap to a brand new system.
Additionally: How I saved myself $1,200 a year in cloud storage – in 5 sobering steps
There are two native cloud companies you can again up your Samsung Messages to: Samsung Cloud and Google Drive. Personally, I would suggest the latter, because it’s extra accessible throughout telephones and PCs, together with non-Samsung gadgets. Google Drive additionally comes with 15GB of free storage, versus Samsung’s 5GB, in case you have not been making the most of that profit.
This is the breakdown of the 2 companies that can assist you higher resolve. If it helps, there’s an argument for backing as much as each companies.
| Characteristic | Samsung Cloud | Google One/Drive |
| Excellent for | Galaxy-to-Galaxy transitions | Multi-device and cross-brand sync |
| Free storage quantity | 5GB (varies by area/plan) | 15GB (shared with Gmail/Drive) |
| Photographs/movies | Synced by way of Microsoft OneDrive | Managed by way of Google Photographs |
| Machine settings | Deep backup of Dwelling display, alarms, and many others. | Fundamental Android settings backup |
| App assist | Samsung apps (Notes, Calendar) | Google apps and third-party app knowledge |
| Accessibility | Finest on Samsung gadgets | Accessible on net, iOS, and Android |
For each companies, you’ll be able to again up your texts by opening Settings > Accounts and backup > Again up knowledge below Samsung Cloud and/or Google Drive. You may be required to sign up to both your Samsung account or Google account, relying on the service.
If the method is completed correctly, the respective settings pages ought to present your final backed-up timestamp, which must be at this time’s date.
What occurs subsequent?
Along with your textual content messages backed up, I would suggest you begin testing Google Messages, or various communication platforms, to see which one you’d choose earlier than Samsung finally pulls the plug in July. Whereas the corporate hasn’t confirmed the precise date of the sunsetting, it by no means hurts to organize your self forward of time.
Additionally: How to use Google Messages’ new Trash feature to recover texts you accidentally deleted
Personally, I am switching to Google Messages. It could not have the identical personalization options as Samsung’s, however it has its benefits, like a extra common RCS system that is not restricted to any particular provider, some helpful Gemini integrations, good replies and native AI picture technology, and, from what I’ve skilled, a extra dependable spam detector. We could even see some newer options as quickly as later this month.
