Samsung Messages discontinuation: Switch to Google Messages

To check your device's software version and confirm compatibility, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Swipe to and tap About phone or About tablet. 
3. Tap Software information.
4. Review the displayed version to confirm your Android version.

If your device is running Android 12 or higher, switch to Google Messages to avoid disruptions to your messaging experience.

There are a couple of ways you can switch the default messaging app while still using Samsung Messages:

• Open Samsung Messages, and then tap Open Google Messages on the in-app notification. Google Messages will launch. 
• Open or download Google Messages from the Play Store, tap Switch Set default SMS app, and then select Google Messages.

Alternatively, you can set any message app installed on your device as the default by navigating to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app.

For devices running Android 12 or higher, the Google Messages icon won't automatically move to the Home screen after switching. After installing the app, follow these steps to add it for quick access:

1. Locate the Google Messages app icon, touch and hold it, and then tap Add to Home.
   
   
2. To rearrange or move the Google Messages icon to a different Home screen, simply touch and hold the icon, then drag it to your desired position.

For devices running Android 12 or higher, you can easily remove the Samsung Messages app from your device.

• If Samsung Messages is still on the Home screen, touch and hold the Samsung Messages icon, then tap Remove.
  Note: Removing apps from the Home screen does not uninstall the app from your device.
  
  
• If Samsung Messages appears on the App screen, touch and hold the Samsung Messages icon, then tap Uninstall.
  Note: Uninstalled apps will be removed from your device, including Home screen shortcuts.
• If you open Samsung Messages after switching to Google Messages on devices running Android 17 with One UI 9 or higher, an in-app notification will appear with an option to uninstall Samsung Messages directly. 

After uninstalling, ensure the app is no longer visible on your Home screen or App screen.

• Is Samsung Messages no longer supported on my Galaxy device?
  Starting July 2026, the Samsung Messages app will no longer be supported on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher.
  
  
• When I click Samsung Messages on the watch, it shows a message that Samsung Messages has been discontinued on the phone. How can I use messaging from the watch?
  This happens because your phone is now using Google Messages instead. Don't worry—both Samsung Messages and Google Messages are already installed on Wear OS watches like the Galaxy Watch4 and newer models. You can just use Google Messages on your watch instead. Even if the apps on your Galaxy phone and watch aren't the same, you can still send and receive messages through notifications.
  
  
• Can older Tizen OS watches, like the Galaxy Watch3, use Google Messages?
  No, they can't. After discontinuation, these watches won't show the full message history, but can still read and send texts.
  Note: The Galaxy Watch4 and newer models are compatible with Google Messages. To use this feature, ensure your watch is connected to a Galaxy phone and that Google Messages is set as the default messaging app. Additionally, Remote connection settings must be enabled for seamless functionality.
   
• What happens to tablets using Call & text on other devices with Samsung Messages?
  The Message Continuity feature, which allows texting on tablets via the Allow texting on this tablet option in the Call & text on other devices menu, will be disrupted when Samsung Messages is discontinued.
  
  
• How do I use Call & text on other devices with Google Messages on my tablet?
  If you switch to Google Messages on your devices, texting will still be available. Follow these steps to set it up:
  Note: Call & text on other devices currently does not work with Verizon and AT&T phones, and may not be available on all models from other carriers.
  
  Enable Call & text on other devices: Go to your phone's Settings, and then tap Connected devices > Call & text on other devices. Turn on the Text on other devices switch.
  Note: Samsung account login required.
  
  Sign in to Google Messages:  Open Google Messages on your tablet, and then sign in to the same Google account used on your phone. Alternatively, you can open Google Messages on your phone, and then tap your profile icon > Device pairing > Switch to QR pairing. Use the QR code scanner on your phone to scan the QR code displayed on your tablet's screen.
  
  Adjust Text on Galaxy device settings (optional): Open Google Messages on your tablet, and then tap your profile icon> Messages settings > Advanced > Text on Galaxy devices.
  Note: Google Messages does not require the Allowing texting on this tablet option to be enabled in the Call & text on other devices menu.
  
  
• Is Samsung Messages still available for download after discontinuation?
  The downloadable version will be discontinued for Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher.
  
  
• Does the Galaxy S26 support Samsung Messages?
  No, downloadable Samsung Messages will not be supported starting with the Galaxy S26.
  
  
• Is the Samsung Messages app available for download on newer devices?
  The Samsung Messages app cannot be downloaded from the Galaxy Store on the Galaxy S26 and newer devices.
  
  
• What happens if I don't switch before the discontinuation date?
  After July 6, 2026, Samsung Messages will be unusable for sending messages except for emergency calls.
  
  
• Can I send messages via Samsung Messages after discontinuation?
  No, except for emergency numbers or contacts.  
  
  
• What happens to existing messages when switching?
  All your messages and conversations will automatically transfer from Samsung Messages to Google Messages. The transfer time depends on the amount of data, and it may take up to approximately 24 hours to complete the full transfer.
  
  
• What happens to RCS conversations when switching apps?
  RCS may pause temporarily on pre-2022 devices, but resumes if both parties use Google Messages. MMS/SMS remains available.
  Note: For RCS Messaging to function properly, all chat participants must have RCS enabled. On Android, this requires Google Messages installed, while on iOS, iOS 18 or later is necessary.
  
  
• Why switch to Google Messages?
  It offers an enhanced experience with RCS and AI features.
  
  
• How can I learn more about Google Messages?
  To learn more about using Google Messages, visit Google's support page. You'll find detailed instructions for initial setup, sending and receiving messages, managing your messages, using RCS chat, and more. For assistance, explore the resources available on their official support site.