Switch the default texting app
Maybe you like your current messages app but want to try out something different. Just switch the default app, and you’ll be ready to send texts, emojis, and images through the new app. All your texts will be available instantly in any app.
In these examples, we'll show you how to switch to Google Messages.
- Most messaging apps will need to be set as the default app to operate, and will prompt you to set it as the default when you open them. Open the message app you want to set as the default app. For this example, open Google Messages.
- A pop-up should appear asking you to switch the current app to the default messaging app.
Note: Some apps, like Facebook Messenger, will only show this option on the initial launch of the app.
- Choose your desired app, and then tap Set as default. That’s all you have to do to make it your go-to service.
However, if this isn’t working, there’s another way to assign a message app as the default.
- Navigate to and open Settings, and then tap Apps. Tap Choose default apps, and then tap SMS app.
- Select your desired message app. In this case, select Google Messages (the icon with the three horizontal dots). Your changes will be applied automatically, and you can begin using your preferred app to send texts and group messages.
