How to Use the Samsung Messages App on Galaxy Phones and Tablets

Discover how to send SMS/MMS messages, organize chats, use Bubbles, schedule messages, and manage multimedia attachments on Samsung Galaxy devices.

The Samsung Messages app allows you to send text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messages, organize conversations, and customize notifications on your Galaxy phone or tablet. Follow these steps to make the most of this messaging tool.

1. What Are SMS and MMS Messages?

Understanding the difference between SMS and MMS is essential for effective communication:

- Text Messages (SMS): Short Message Service (SMS) lets you send and receive plain text messages to other phones or email addresses. Your carrier may require a subscription to enable this service.

- Multimedia Messages (MMS): Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) allows you to send photos, videos, audio clips, and other media files. Like SMS, MMS requires carrier support.

2. How to Send a Message

1. Open the Messages app on your Samsung Galaxy device.
2. Tap the Compose icon (usually a pencil or + symbol).
3. Enter the recipient's phone number, email address, or select a contact from your list.
4. Type your message in the text box.
5. Tap Send to deliver the message.

If you exit the message before sending, it will be saved as a draft automatically.

3. How to Send Multimedia Messages (MMS)

1. Open the Messages app and start a new conversation or reply to an existing one.
2. Tap the Attach icon (paperclip or + symbol) to add media files such as photos, videos, or audio.
3. Select the desired file and tap Send.

Note: Ensure your carrier supports MMS and that your device has an active data connection.

4. How to Organize Messages into Categories

Organizing messages into categories helps you find important conversations quickly:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap the Menu icon (three dots) and select Settings.
3. Choose Conversation settings and enable Categories.
4. Create custom categories for group chats, work-related conversations, or personal contacts.

5. How to View New Messages

New messages can be viewed in several ways:

- Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the New message notification in the Notification panel.

- Open the Messages app and tap the conversation containing the new message.

- Enable the Bubbles feature to view messages in a pop-up chat head.

- Tap Play to view or listen to audio or video attachments from MMS messages.

6. Supported Samsung Galaxy Devices

The Samsung Messages app is compatible with most Galaxy devices, including:

- Galaxy S24, S25, S26 series

- Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series

- Galaxy A series

7. Additional Things to Check

- Ensure your device has sufficient storage space for saving message history and media files.

- Verify that your carrier supports SMS/MMS services and that your data plan is active.

- Update the Messages app to the latest version via the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.

Related Samsung Support Topics

- How to free storage space on Samsung Galaxy devices

- How to use Smart Switch on Samsung Galaxy phones

- How to clear cache files on Samsung Galaxy devices