If that doesn’t work, try not to panic. Factory reset is a last resort, but even if you go that route, not all is lost. I had to reset mine recently due to a similar glitch, and later recovered most of my documents using an Android data recovery software. You’ll need a PC and a USB cable, but the tool actually helped me get back stuff I thought I’d never see again.
Backing what you said, just remember @Nina, do not save or download anything new on the phone until recovery is attempted, or else you risk overwriting data. And yeah, boot loop issues like this often come from shady APKs.
FYI if you’re using Samsung Messages (not Google’s), deleted texts go into a recycle bin for 30 days. You can straight-up restore them from there—no software needed.
Go to Messages > 3 dots > Recycle bin > long press + restore. Super easy.
In case if your phone had an SD card, just take it out and slot it into a PC. Way easier if your photos were saved there. And if Windows says the card’s corrupt or needs formatting, don’t do it yet..try scanning it with recovery software first.
If that doesn’t work, try not to panic. Factory reset is a last resort, but even if you go that route, not all is lost. I had to reset mine recently due to a similar glitch, and later recovered most of my documents using an Android data recovery software. You’ll need a PC and a USB cable, but the tool actually helped me get back stuff I thought I’d never see again.