In a significant shift in its messaging strategy, AT&T has officially retired its pre-installed messaging applications for phones and tablets, marking the end of an era for its users. As reported, the shutdown occurred on December 4, following the company’s announcement in May regarding the impending closure of the AT&T Messages Backup & Sync app and the AT&T Messages for Tablet app.
Transition to Google Messages
In light of this transition, AT&T has recommended that users migrate to Google Messages or utilize the default messaging application available on their devices. The carrier has expressed a preference for Google Messages, highlighting its superior Rich Communication Services (RCS) texting experience. This recommendation aligns with a broader trend, as both Verizon and Samsung have similarly encouraged their customers to adopt Google Messages.
With the discontinuation of AT&T’s messaging app, users will find that any messages stored in the cloud will also be deleted. However, there is a silver lining: since these messages were also saved locally on devices, users will not lose their conversations during the transition to Google Messages.
Notably, AT&T had already made Google Messages the default Android messaging app back in 2021, which means that many customers may already have the app installed on their devices. This move was part of AT&T’s broader strategy to enhance user experience, particularly after the carrier transitioned to Google’s Jibe platform in 2023. This change was aimed at ensuring that customers receive the latest RCS features without delay, addressing previous interoperability issues that had plagued the service since its initial support began in 2021.
While Verizon faced considerable backlash from its customers when it announced the sunset of its proprietary messaging app, resulting in a delay of the shutdown, AT&T’s user base appears to be more accepting of this change. With the retirement of its messaging app now a reality, AT&T customers are left with no alternative but to embrace the transition to a new texting client.