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10 Tech How-To

Import All Memos from Samsung Memo App

Guide 10-12276 · Updated · Step by step

This guide shows you how to move every memo from the Samsung Memo app (also called Samsung Notes on newer devices) to another app or a computer. You’ll learn the built-in export method, how to back up to Samsung Cloud, and a manual copy option. No special tools are needed, just your phone and a few minutes.

What You’ll Need

  • A Samsung device with the Memo or Samsung Notes app installed
  • A Samsung account (for cloud backup, optional)
  • A computer or another device to receive the exported files (optional)
  • USB cable or access to email/web browser (for manual transfer)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Export All Memos as Text or Image Files

  1. Open the Memo app (or Samsung Notes on newer models).
  2. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-left corner.
  3. Select Settings from the menu.
  4. Look for Export or Backup – on older versions it’s under “Manage memos�; on Samsung Notes it’s under “Cloud sync� or “Backup�.
  5. Choose Export all memos (or “Save as text file� / “Save as image�).
  6. Select the format you prefer: Text (.txt) for plain text, or Image (.jpg/.png) if you want to keep the original look.
  7. Tap Export and choose a destination: My Files, Google Drive, Email, or Bluetooth.
  8. If you chose My Files, the memos are saved in a folder like Documents/Memo or Notes. You can then copy them to a computer via USB or upload to cloud storage.

Method 2: Sync with Samsung Cloud (for Samsung Notes)

  1. Open Samsung Notes.
  2. Tap the menu icon (three lines) and go to Settings.
  3. Tap Cloud sync and sign in with your Samsung account if prompted.
  4. Turn on Sync notes – this uploads all memos to Samsung Cloud.
  5. On a computer, go to https://notes.samsung.com and sign in with the same Samsung account.
  6. You’ll see all synced memos. Select them all (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A) and use the Export option to download as PDF, Word, or text files.

Method 3: Manual Copy via USB (if the above fail)

  1. Open the Memo app and tap each memo individually.
  2. Tap the share icon (or three-dot menu) and select Share as text or Share as file.
  3. Send to an email address or save to a cloud drive (one by one).
  4. Alternatively, connect your phone to a computer with a USB cable.
  5. On the computer, open the phone’s internal storage, navigate to Android/data/com.samsung.android.app.memo/files (or similar).
  6. Copy any .txt or .png files you find there. Note: this folder may be hidden or inaccessible on newer Android versions.

Common Mistakes

  • Exporting only one memo – Many users tap the share icon on a single memo and think that’s the export. Look for the “Export all� option in the menu/settings.
  • Choosing the wrong format – Exporting as image will not give you editable text. If you need text, choose .txt or .docx.
  • Not checking the destination folder – After exporting, the files may go to a folder you didn’t expect. Check “My Files� > “Documents� or “Downloads�.
  • Forgetting to sign in to Samsung Cloud – If you use cloud sync, you must sign in with the same account on the web.
  • Assuming USB transfer works on all models – Newer Android versions restrict access to app data folders. If you can’t see the folder, use the export method instead.

Tips

  • Before exporting, back up your device to Samsung Cloud or Google One. This is a safety net if something goes wrong.
  • If you have many memos, export as a single .txt file (if the app offers that option) – it’s easier to manage than hundreds of separate files.
  • Use the Share function to send memos to Google Keep or Microsoft OneNote – they can import text directly.
  • If you plan to switch to a new phone, use Smart Switch – it can transfer memos directly between Samsung devices.
  • Keep your Samsung account credentials handy – you’ll need them for cloud access.

Troubleshooting

Export option is greyed out or missing

This happens on older versions of the Memo app. Update the app from the Galaxy Store or Play Store. If still missing, use the manual copy method or update your phone’s software.

Exported files are empty or corrupted

Try exporting again in a different format. If using cloud sync, check that all memos are actually synced (look for a cloud icon next to each memo). If not, force sync by toggling the sync switch off and on.

Cannot find the exported files

Open My Files app, tap the magnifying glass, and search for “memo� or “notes�. If you exported to a cloud service, check that service’s folder. Also check the Downloads folder – some apps save there by default.

Samsung Cloud doesn’t show all memos

Make sure you’re signed in with the same Samsung account on both the phone and the web. If you have multiple Samsung accounts, check which one is active in the Notes app. Also, wait a few minutes for sync to complete – large numbers of memos can take time.

USB folder is empty or not visible

Android 11 and later restrict access to app data folders. Use the in-app export or cloud sync instead. If you must use USB, try a file manager app that can access the folder, but this often requires root access, which is not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import memos into Samsung Notes from the old Memo app?

Yes. On most Samsung devices, the Memo app is automatically upgraded to Samsung Notes. If not, open Samsung Notes, tap the menu, and select “Import memos� (if available). If that option is missing, export from Memo and then import into Notes via the share menu.

Does exporting memos delete them from my phone?

No. Exporting creates a copy. Your original memos remain on the device unless you manually delete them.

Can I export memos to a PDF?

Yes, on Samsung Notes you can export individual notes as PDF. For bulk export, choose “Export as PDF� if the option exists, or export as text and then convert to PDF on your computer.

How do I move memos to an iPhone?

Export all memos as text or PDF, then email them to yourself or save to a cloud service. On the iPhone, open the files and copy the text into the Notes app, or use a third-party transfer app.

Will Samsung Cloud keep my memos forever?

No. Samsung Cloud may delete data after a period of inactivity (usually 12 months). Download your memos regularly to keep a local backup.

Can I import memos into Google Keep?

Yes. Export memos as text, then open Google Keep on your computer, create a new note, and paste the text. For many memos, consider using a script or a bulk import tool, but that’s beyond the scope of this guide.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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