End of Service Announcement

Upgrade your messaging experience

The Samsung Messages application will be discontinued in July 2026. Upgrade to Google Messages as your default messaging app today to maintain a consistent messaging experience on Android.

Please check the Samsung Messages app for the exact date when service will be discontinued. Users of an older Android OS (Android 11 or lower) are not affected by this End of Service.

Switch to Google Messages for the following upgrades

Powerful Security

AI-powered scam detection and robust spam filters identify and block suspicious texts to help keep your inbox clean and your personal information safer.

A screenshot showing scam detection working in Google Messages. A screenshot showing scam detection working in Google Messages.

RCS Messaging

With RCS enabled1 across Android and iOS, you and your friends can share high-quality photos and videos, enhance your group chats, see real-time typing indicators, and more.

A screenshot showing message participants chatting across iOS and Android using RCS Messaging. A screenshot showing message participants chatting across iOS and Android using RCS Messaging.

Expressive AI Features

Access powerful Gemini features to bring AI-powered expressivity to your chats, including remixing photos and smart replies.

A screenshot showing someone enhancing a photo of their dog using AI features in Google Messages A screenshot showing someone enhancing a photo of their dog using AI features in Google Messages

Multi-Device Connectivity

Switch chats between your phone, tablet or smart watch2 without any interruption.

A screenshot showing messages being moved between a Galaxy Watch5 and smartphone using Google Messages. A screenshot showing messages being moved between a Galaxy Watch5 and smartphone using Google Messages.

Refer to the following link for more details on the capabilities and benefits offered by Google Messages:   https://www.android.com/google-messages/

Switching to Google Messages

Depending on your OS, you may receive an in-app notification from Samsung Messages to help guide you through the process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the switch. Please download Google Messages (if needed) from the Play Store for the latest features and 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.

For Users on Android 12 or 13

For users still on Android 12 or 13, the Google Messages icon will not automatically shift into the home screen dock when you complete the switch. After the installation of the Google Messages app, please follow the directions below to move Google Messages to the home screen dock for easier access:

Step 1

Long press the Samsung Messages icon in the home screen dock and select ‘Remove’.

A screenshot showing the process by which an Android 12 or 13 user can switch over to Google Messages on Android. A screenshot showing the process by which an Android 12 or 13 user can switch over to Google Messages on Android.

Step 2

Find the Google Messages app icon and long press it. Select ‘Add to Home’, to add it to the home screen.

A screenshot showing the process by which an Android 12 or 13 user can switch over to Google Messages on Android. A screenshot showing the process by which an Android 12 or 13 user can switch over to Google Messages on Android.

Step 3

 Manually select the Google Messages icon and drag it into the home screen dock.

A screenshot showing the process by which an Android 12 or 13 user can switch over to Google Messages on Android. A screenshot showing the process by which an Android 12 or 13 user can switch over to Google Messages on Android.

Step 4

  The Google Message app icon is now included in the home screen dock.

A screenshot showing the process by which an Android 12 or 13 user can switch over to Google Messages on Android. A screenshot showing the process by which an Android 12 or 13 user can switch over to Google Messages on Android.

Additional Notes

• Older generation watches with the Tizen OS (i.e. watches that were launched before the Galaxy Watch4) cannot support Google Messages. Therefore, after the discontinuation of Samsung Messages, those older Tizen OS watches will no longer be able to see the full message conversation history on their watch; however, those watches will still enable the user to read and send text messages.
• Once the Samsung Messages app is discontinued, sending messages via Samsung Messages on your phone will no longer be possible, except for emergency service numbers or emergency contacts defined in your device.
• For Samsung devices released before 2022, switching messaging applications may temporarily disrupt ongoing RCS conversations. However, RCS conversations can resume if both parties switch to Google Messages. MMS/SMS messaging will remain available during this period. 
• Owners of the Galaxy S26 and newer devices cannot download the Samsung Messages app from the Galaxy Store. All other devices will no longer be able to download the Samsung Messages app from the Galaxy Store after Samsung Messages is discontinued in July 2026.

1All chat members must have RCS enabled for RCS Messaging to work as intended. On Android, users must have Google Messages installed; on iOS, iOS 18 or later is required.

2Galaxy Watch4 or newer required.