Samsung posted an “End of Agreement” notice on its website, announcing that its default Messages app will be replaced with Google Messages this summer.
When is Samsung discontinuing its Messages app?
Galaxy users will no longer be able to use the built-in feature in July, and the company urges them to act quickly to maintain a consistent messaging experience, according to the notice.
Over the years, Samsung has tried to phase out its Messages app. The company stopped preloading the Messages app on several models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Flip 6 and Galaxy S25 series. Instead, the service was replaced with the preloaded Google Messages app, Engadget reported.
In 2024, the company partnered with Google to improve cross-platform communication, adopting Rich Communication Service to enhance messaging for its users, according to Samsung’s news site.
“We’ve been working with Google on RCS for years to provide users with a seamless, connected messaging experience,” Patrick Chomet, a senior Samsung Electronics executive, said in a statement. “This wider adoption takes us into a new era of compatibility, and we’re thrilled to see the benefits of RCS messaging in the hands of more people.”
The company stated that switching to Google Messages would offer Galaxy users powerful security, RCS messaging, expressive AI features and multi-device connectivity.
How can Galaxy users switch to Google Messages?
Once Samsung Messages is discontinued, users will no longer be able to send messages through the app, except when contacting emergency services or designated emergency contacts, per the notice.
Users may receive an in-app notification with steps to switch from Samsung Messages. They should follow the prompts and download Google Messages from the Play Store if needed for the best experience.
To switch to Google Messages manually, please take the following steps:
1. Open or download Google Messages. The first time you open the app, a message appears: “To use Messages, make it your default SMS app.”
2. Tap the ‘Set default SMS app’ button.
3. Select Google Messages. Google Messages is the white icon with the blue conversation bubble.
4. Tap ‘Set as default’.
5. Google Messages is now your default messaging app.
Samsung said that certain older watches can’t support Google Messages. Users of Galaxy S26 and newer devices can’t download Samsung Messages, and all others will be unable to do so in July.
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