If you archived a conversation in Google Messages, open the app, tap your profile icon, choose Archived, touch and hold the conversation, then tap Unarchive. If you deleted a message in Samsung Messages, look in Trash instead. The right recovery method depends on which messaging app you used and whether the conversation was archived, deleted, or included in a backup.
First, identify your Messages app and what happened
Open the messaging app you normally use and check its name: it may be Google Messages or Samsung Messages. Their recovery menus are different, and availability can vary by Galaxy model and software. Samsung’s current US notice says Samsung Messages support ended in July 2026 on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher; after July 6, 2026, sending is disabled except for emergency calls. Samsung says existing conversations transfer when switching to Google Messages. See Samsung’s US transition notice.
- Archived in Google Messages: find it under Archived and unarchive it.
- Deleted in Samsung Messages: check Trash and restore it if it remains there.
- Missing after a phone change or not in either location: check whether a Samsung Cloud, Google account, Smart Switch, or old-phone backup contains the messages.
Samsung says text messages deleted in Google Messages are permanently deleted in that app, while archived conversations can be unarchived. An independent backup made before deletion may still provide another recovery route. See Samsung’s message recovery guide.
Unarchive a conversation in Google Messages
- Open Google Messages.
- Tap your profile icon, then tap Archived.
- Touch and hold the conversation you want back.
- Tap the Unarchive icon, shown as a box with an upward arrow.
The conversation returns to your main conversation list. This route is for archived conversations, not messages deleted from Google Messages.
#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
Restore a deleted conversation from Samsung Messages Trash
- Open Samsung Messages.
- Tap More options (the three vertical dots), then tap Trash.
- Touch and hold the conversation to restore it. To restore everything available, select All.
- Tap Restore or Restore all.
This works only for items still available in Samsung Messages Trash. It is a different process from Google Messages’ Archived folder. Samsung’s recovery and transfer guidance is available in its recovery guide and message transfer guide.
Check whether a backup contains the messages
A backup can help only if it includes the messages you need. Before restoring, confirm that a relevant backup exists and that its date and contents make sense for your situation. Samsung notes that messages absent from a cloud backup may need another recovery method.
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.
Restore messages from Samsung Cloud
- On the Galaxy phone, open Settings.
- Tap Accounts and backup.
- Under Samsung Cloud, tap Restore data.
- Choose the device backup, select Messages, then tap Restore.
Samsung Cloud message backups can include enhanced messages, MMS, and SMS, but Samsung warns that some large files may not be backed up. Available options vary by model, operating system, country, and carrier; check what appears on your phone. See Samsung’s Cloud backup and restore guidance.
Restore from a Google account backup
Samsung says Google-backed data is restored during setup of a new phone or after a factory reset, rather than through a regular message viewer on Google Drive or a standalone restore button available on every phone. The destination phone must run the same Android version as the backed-up phone or a newer one. Check that a suitable backup exists before resetting a phone, because a reset erases its current data. Follow Samsung’s message recovery guidance.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
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.
Restore through Smart Switch
Samsung documents Smart Switch restoration from an old phone, a prior PC or Mac backup, or supported external storage such as an SD card, USB flash drive, or SSD. To restore from a computer backup, use Smart Switch to transfer the backup to a phone; the messages in the computer backup file cannot be read directly on the computer. For USB storage, an OTG adapter may be needed, depending on the phone and storage connection.
- Connect the old phone or attach the backup storage to the Galaxy phone. For a computer backup, connect the phone to the PC or Mac and open Smart Switch there.
- Open Smart Switch and select the relevant source or backup.
- Choose Restore and select Messages when prompted.
Menu labels and compatible sources can vary. Samsung’s transfer guide describes the supported routes.
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.
Which recovery route should you try?
| What happened | Where to look | What must be true |
|---|---|---|
| Conversation archived in Google Messages | Google Messages > profile icon > Archived | The conversation was archived, not deleted. |
| Conversation deleted in Samsung Messages | Samsung Messages > More options > Trash | The conversation is still in Trash. |
| Messages missing or removed from the app | Samsung Cloud, Google account backup, Smart Switch backup, or old phone | A backup or source containing those messages exists and can be restored. |
| Messages deleted in Google Messages | Check for an independent backup made before deletion | Google Messages itself does not restore deleted texts through Archived. |
If the conversation still does not appear
- Confirm the app you are checking is the one in which the conversation was archived or deleted.
- Check the relevant Archive or Trash folder before attempting a backup restore.
- Inspect the backup date and available categories; do not assume a backup includes messages just because it exists.
- If you have an old phone, computer backup, or external drive, check whether it contains a Smart Switch backup before overwriting or resetting anything.
- For Samsung Messages on a supported US device, account for the July 2026 transition when choosing an app to continue using.
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.
