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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteUse Samsung Smart Switch to move text messages from your old phone to a new Galaxy. On the new phone, include Messages in the transfer selection, then let the transfer finish and check important conversations before wiping or trading in the old device.
Transfer messages with Smart Switch
- Prepare both phones. Charge them and keep them close. For a wireless transfer from another Android device, Samsung’s US guide says to install Smart Switch on both phones. Samsung’s Smart Switch guide has the current instructions; menu wording can vary by device software.
- Open Smart Switch on each phone. On the old phone, choose the option to send data. On the new Galaxy, choose the option to receive data and select Galaxy/Android or the source category that matches the old phone.
- Choose how to connect. Select Wireless for a wireless transfer, or connect the phones with a compatible USB cable. Follow any connection or permission prompt on the old phone, then allow Smart Switch to scan it.
- Select Messages. On the new phone, choose Messages or a custom selection that includes it. Start the transfer and keep both devices available until Smart Switch finishes.
- Check the result. Open several conversations on the new phone, including older threads and messages you especially need. Smart Switch does not delete data from either phone, and existing content on the receiving device remains when transferred data is added. Keep the old phone until you have confirmed the messages you need arrived.
Choose wireless or a USB cable
Both wireless and wired transfers are supported. Samsung recommends wireless for large amounts of data or years’ worth of text messages, and says both phones can stay plugged into chargers during the process. A wired transfer can be convenient if you already have a compatible cable, but some phone-and-cable combinations require a USB-OTG adapter. Check the connectors on both phones before choosing this route.
| Route | When it makes sense | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | For a large transfer or a long message history. | Samsung recommends this route for large amounts of data or years of messages; keep both phones close and they can remain on chargers. |
| USB cable | If you have a compatible cable and prefer a direct wired connection. | The supplied cable may not fit both phones. Some setups need a USB-OTG adapter; the right connector depends on the devices. |
| Computer backup and restore | If you cannot transfer directly phone to phone at the same time. | Requires a Smart Switch backup made on a computer, then restored to the Galaxy. |
See Samsung’s transfer instructions for connection details and supported steps.
What can transfer, and what may differ
Smart Switch moves supported content from a previous device to a Galaxy phone or tablet, and Samsung lists Messages among transferable content. Support varies by connected device, however, so do not assume every source model, messaging app, attachment, or message format will transfer identically. Samsung supports transfers from Android and iOS sources, but the available content depends on the device and source; iPhone users should choose the iPhone/iPad source option in Smart Switch and follow Samsung’s current device-specific 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
Some content is tied to a synced account rather than stored only on the old phone. Samsung notes that synced data may appear after you sign in to the relevant account instead of being copied by Smart Switch. If a conversation or item is account-synced, sign in to that account on the new device as appropriate; use the Smart Switch selection for local content.
Samsung’s regional instructions also identify messages as part of Android-to-Galaxy migration. Check the official Android-to-Samsung transfer guide if you need regional 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 transfer fails
Messages did not arrive
- Confirm that Messages was checked on the receiving phone before starting the transfer.
- Make sure Smart Switch completed rather than leaving the transfer in progress.
- Check multiple threads on the new phone, especially older conversations and the messages you need most.
- If content is synced to an account, sign in to that account and allow the relevant data to appear.
The transfer will not complete
Use Samsung’s Smart Switch troubleshooting guidance. The right fix depends on the source phone model, messaging app, software, and any error shown, so note the error and consult the instructions for your devices.
The old phone is unavailable
Recovery depends on whether a compatible backup already exists and on the messaging app. Samsung describes restoring a Smart Switch computer backup and refers to backup options such as Samsung Cloud or Google Drive in its recovery guidance. Do not assume a backup exists: check the account or computer you used and confirm that it contains a usable backup before trying to restore it. See Samsung’s recovery and troubleshooting guidance.
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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.
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