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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Samsung will discontinue its messaging app in July.
- Users with Android 12 or later must migrate to Google Messages.
- Save your messages to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive before the shutdown.
The end is near — well, almost. Samsung has officially announced it will retire its Messages app and transition users to Google’s platform. If you’re using a Samsung phone with Android 12 or a newer version, you’ll need to switch over by July if you haven’t already.
This marks the close of a nearly 16-year chapter for Samsung’s own messaging service, which has developed a loyal fanbase over the years. Still, this move shouldn’t catch anyone off guard. Two years ago, Samsung started preloading Google Messages as the default app on its newest Galaxy devices. More recently, the Samsung Messages app has been completely unavailable for download on newer models like the Galaxy S26 series.
Also: Samsung is ending Messages in July: 5 replacements I’d switch to now
So why the change? While there are plenty of unofficial explanations floating around, the most widely accepted reason is straightforward: Samsung no longer wants the responsibility of running its own messaging infrastructure. It’s far more practical to let Google take over, especially since Google’s platform already serves billions of Android users worldwide. From a security, cost, and operational standpoint, the decision is a logical one for Samsung.
That said, if you’re someone who wants to preserve important conversations from over the years, you still have time. Below, I’ll walk you through the most trustworthy backup methods — skipping any third-party tools that could compromise your personal data.
1. Backing up your messages locally
The safest way to back up your messages is by transferring them directly to an external storage device, such as an SSD. Before you start, consider how many months or years of messages you plan to save and make sure your drive has enough space to hold everything.
This is also a great opportunity to go through your conversations and clear out anything you no longer need — things like two-factor authentication codes, one-time passcodes, transaction records, and old receipts.
To save your Samsung Messages, plug your SSD into your phone, then open the Smart Switch app by navigating to Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch. Tap the storage icon in the upper right corner, choose Back up, and then select Messages. Your phone will then compile your texts into a readable file.
2. Backing up your messages to the cloud
Cloud backups might feel daunting to some, but they’ve become far more dependable and convenient in recent years, especially with improved security from tools like Samsung Knox, which is built into most current Samsung devices. Cloud backup is also a seamless way to save and restore not just your text messages but all your files when you eventually upgrade to a new phone.
Also: How I saved myself $1,200 a year in cloud storage – in 5 sobering steps
Two built-in cloud services are available for backing up your Samsung Messages: Samsung Cloud and Google Drive. I’d personally recommend Google Drive, since it works across a wider range of phones and computers — including non-Samsung devices. Google Drive also offers 15GB of free storage compared to Samsung’s 5GB, in case you haven’t been making use of that perk.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you choose. And if you’d like extra peace of mind, there’s nothing stopping you from backing up to both services.
| Feature | Samsung Cloud | Google One/Drive |
| Ideal for | Galaxy-to-Galaxy transitions | Multi-device and cross-brand sync |
| Free storage amount | 5GB (varies by region/plan) | 15GB (shared with Gmail/Drive) |
| Photos/videos | Synced via Microsoft OneDrive | Managed via Google Photos |
| Device settings | Deep backup of Home screen, alarms, etc. | Basic Android settings backup |
| App support | Samsung apps (Notes, Calendar) | Google apps and third-party app data |
| Accessibility | Best on Samsung devices | Accessible on web, iOS, and Android |
For either service, you can back up your messages by going to Settings > Accounts and backup > Back up data under Samsung Cloud and/or Google Drive. You’ll need to sign in with your Samsung account or Google account, depending on which service you choose.
Once the backup is complete, the settings page should display the date of your most recent backup — ideally today’s date.
What happens next?
With your messages safely saved, I’d suggest giving Google Messages — or another messaging platform — a try now so you can find the one you like best before Samsung shuts down its app in July. The company hasn’t announced the exact shutdown date, but there’s no harm in getting ready early.
Also: How to use Google Messages’ new Trash feature to recover texts you accidentally deleted
For my part, I’m making the switch to Google Messages. It may not offer the same level of customization as Samsung’s app, but it comes with its own strengths — including a more widely compatible RCS system that works across all carriers, handy Gemini AI integrations, smart reply suggestions, built-in AI image creation, and, in my experience, a more effective spam filter. We might even see some exciting new features rolling out as early as this month.
