Use Samsung Smart Switch to move text messages from your old phone to a new Galaxy: open Smart Switch on both devices, connect them wirelessly or with a compatible cable, include Messages in the transfer selection, and start the transfer. Check important conversations on the new phone before wiping or trading in the old one.
Before you start
- Charge both phones and keep them close together.
- Install or open Samsung Smart Switch on both Android phones. Samsung’s US instructions call for Smart Switch on both devices for a wireless transfer: Samsung Smart Switch transfer guide.
- If you plan to connect the phones by cable, check that the cable fits both. Some phone-and-cable combinations require a USB-OTG adapter.
Transfer messages with Smart Switch
- Open Smart Switch on both phones. On the old phone, choose the option to send data; on the new Galaxy, choose the option to receive it.
- On the new phone, identify the old device as a Galaxy/Android phone, or choose the appropriate source category for your device. Labels can vary by software version.
- Choose Wireless or connect the phones by USB cable. Follow the connection prompt on the old phone and allow Smart Switch to scan it.
- On the receiving Galaxy, select Messages. If you choose a custom selection, make sure it includes messages. Then start the transfer. Samsung’s message-specific instructions also show selecting Messages on the receiving device before tapping Transfer: Samsung’s Smart Switch instructions.
- Leave both phones available until Smart Switch finishes. Open several conversations on the new phone, including older threads and messages you particularly need, before retiring the old device.
Samsung says Smart Switch does not delete data from either phone, and content already on the receiving phone remains when transferred data is added. Still, keep the old phone until you have checked the messages that matter to you.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose wireless or cable
| Method | When it makes sense | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | Best when you do not have a suitable cable or have a large message history. | Samsung recommends wireless for large transfers or years’ worth of text messages; both phones can stay plugged into chargers during the process. Samsung transfer guide |
| USB cable | Useful if the phones can be connected directly and you prefer a wired transfer. | The cable from the old phone may not fit the new Galaxy. Depending on the devices and cable, a USB-OTG adapter may be needed. Samsung transfer guide |
Computer backup and restore is another option if you cannot transfer directly from phone to phone. It requires a Smart Switch backup made on a computer first; Samsung provides instructions for backing up and restoring Galaxy data: Smart Switch backup and restore guidance.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat transfers—and what may not
Smart Switch supports migration from Android and iOS devices to a Galaxy phone or tablet, but available content depends on the connected devices and supported content. Samsung lists messages among the transferable items; that does not establish that every source model, messaging app, attachment, or message format will transfer identically. See Samsung’s Smart Switch compatibility and content guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
If you are moving from an iPhone, select the iPhone/iPad source option in Smart Switch and follow Samsung’s current instructions for that source. Verify your message history on the Galaxy before giving up access to the iPhone.
Some information associated with synced accounts may reappear after you sign in rather than being copied by Smart Switch. Account-synced content and messages stored locally are handled differently, so check both the transfer selection and the relevant account on the new phone. Samsung describes this distinction in its content and account guidance.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
If messages are missing or the old phone is gone
Smart Switch finished, but messages are missing
- Check that Messages was selected on the receiving phone.
- Allow the transfer to complete, then check the relevant conversations again.
- If the problem continues, use Samsung’s Smart Switch troubleshooting guide. The right diagnosis depends on the source phone, messaging app, software, and any error displayed.
You no longer have the old phone
Recovery depends on whether a compatible backup was made and which messaging app you used. Samsung documents restoring from a Smart Switch computer backup and discusses other backup options in its recovery guidance. Do not assume a backup exists: confirm that you previously created one and that it contains the messages you need.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
