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To delete a text in Samsung Messages, open its conversation, touch and hold the message, tap Delete, then confirm with Move to Trash. If Trash is enabled, you can restore a deleted message for up to 30 days. First check which messaging app your Galaxy uses: Samsung Messages and Google Messages handle deletion differently.
Delete a message in Samsung Messages
- Open Samsung Messages and open the conversation containing the text.
- Touch and hold the message you want to remove. To select every message in that conversation, tap All.
- Tap Delete, then tap Move to Trash to confirm. Samsung documents the same confirmation for selected messages; selecting all applies to that conversation, not every conversation on the phone. Samsung’s instructions say: “Tap Delete or Delete all at the bottom, and then tap Move to Trash to confirm.”
With Trash enabled, deleted messages remain there for 30 days before automatic removal. Menu names and availability can vary by app version, device, carrier, and region.
Check whether you use Samsung Messages or Google Messages
Look at the messaging app’s name or icon before following deletion or recovery steps. Samsung’s guidance distinguishes the apps: it says messages deleted in Google Messages are permanently deleted, whereas archived conversations can be recovered by unarchiving them. In Google Messages, open Profile, tap Archived, select the conversation, then choose Unarchive. Archiving hides a conversation from the main list; it is not the same as deleting it. Samsung’s app-specific recovery guidance covers this distinction. Samsung describes Google Messages as the default RCS app on and between US carriers, but defaults and availability are not universal. Samsung’s RCS guidance
Restore a deleted message from Samsung Messages Trash
- In Samsung Messages, tap More options (the three-dot menu), then tap Trash.
- Touch and hold the message you want to recover.
- Tap Restore, or choose Restore all if you want to return all eligible messages.
Samsung says Trash recovery is available within 30 days of deletion. If Trash has been disabled in Messages settings, this convenient recovery route is unavailable for messages deleted while it was off; Samsung’s support instructions do not establish whether other forms of local-data recovery are possible. See Samsung’s recovery steps.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 Trash is empty, check for a backup made before deletion
A backup can help only if it captured the message before it was deleted. The result depends on the backup’s date and method, so do not assume any particular message is included. Review the current on-device restore instructions before resetting or restoring; some restore flows involve device setup or a factory reset.
Samsung Cloud
Samsung’s documented path is Settings → Accounts and backup → Restore data under Samsung Cloud. Select the device backup and choose Messages. For prevention, Samsung’s backup instructions explain how to enable Messages in Samsung Cloud and run Back up now. Samsung’s message-recovery guidance and backup and transfer guidance describe these options.
Rank #2
- 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.
Google Drive
Samsung says messages backed up to a Google account can be restored during initial setup of a new phone or after a factory reset. Google backup data can be restored only to a phone running the same Android version or a newer one, according to Samsung’s support guidance. A prior backup is required, and the available restore flow may mean setting up or resetting the device. See Samsung’s restore guidance.
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Smart Switch or external storage
Samsung documents restoring a previous Smart Switch backup, including backups on an SD card, USB flash drive, or SSD where supported. A USB drive or SSD connects to the phone’s charging port through an OTG adapter. Samsung notes that backup files cannot be viewed on a computer, but messages can be read after transfer to a new phone. Storage and adapter support depend on the phone and connection. Samsung’s Smart Switch and external-storage instructions
Rank #3
- 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
Understand automatic deletion and retention settings
Trash retention and automatic deletion settings are different behaviors. Samsung documents the following settings for supported messaging apps and devices; they should not be assumed to apply to every Galaxy app or model:
- Trash: Manually deleted items in supported apps such as Messages move to Trash and are automatically removed after 30 days when the feature is enabled.
- Delete old messages: Samsung Messages can remove older messages after the device reaches 200 text messages or 20 multimedia messages.
- One-time passwords: Samsung describes Android Messages removing OTP messages after 24 hours when that setting is used.
Check the settings in the app on your phone to see which options are available and enabled. Samsung Messages guidance and Samsung’s automatic-deletion guidance
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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 #4
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
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