Import messages into Google Messages on your Galaxy S26

Google Messages is available on Galaxy phones and tablets running Android 8.0 and later. If you need to check your device's software version, you can navigate to and open Settings, then tap About phone or About tablet, and then tap Software information.

If Google Messages is preinstalled on your Galaxy phone or tablet, you can find it in the Google folder on the Apps screen.

If the app isn’t preinstalled, you can download it. Navigate to and open the Play Store, and then search for and select Google Messages. Tap Install, and then tap Open. Next, you'll need to set Google Messages as your default messaging app. Please see the next section for details.

Google Messages must be set as your default messaging app if you’d like to use it when texting and chatting.

1. Once Google Messages is installed and opened, you’ll be prompted to make it the default messaging app. Tap Set default SMS app, and then choose Google Messages (the solid blue chat bubble icon).
2. Tap Set as default.
   
   
3. Next, you’ll see the Messages screen, where you can select from the following:
   
   

• Tap the Search icon to search for a message or contact.
• Tap your Google account icon to manage your account and access settings and options.
• Tap the Gemini icon (the star) to use Google Gemini AI chat options. Tap Continue, and then review the information. If you’d like to use Gemini, tap I agree.
• Tap the New conversation icon (the chat bubble) to begin a new chat. You can then select from a contact or create a group chat.

You can sync and transfer your contacts and messages using Smart Switch or Google Drive. Smart Switch lets you create backups and restore your data, and Google Drive syncs your data across devices that are logged into the same Google account.

If you’d like to learn more about using Google Messages, or if you need assistance with the app, you can refer to Google's support page. You’ll find instructions for the initial setup, sending and receiving messages, managing your messages, using RCS chat, and more.