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Samsung Messages

Samsung Messages shuts down in favor of Google Messages on July 6 [U]
AppWizard
July 3, 2026

Samsung Messages shuts down in favor of Google Messages on July 6 [U]

Samsung has confirmed the closure of its Messages app, which will officially cease operations on July 6. This decision follows the transition to Google Messages as the default texting app on Galaxy devices, starting in 2022. Samsung stopped pre-installing its messaging app on Galaxy phones sold in the U.S. by 2024 and briefly revived it in 2025 before deciding to discontinue it. The closure will primarily affect Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer, while older models will still have access to Samsung Messages. Users with Galaxy devices on Android 14 or later will be redirected to Google Messages automatically. A poll indicated that many users are hesitant to switch to Google Messages due to their preference for Samsung's app layout and customization options.
PSA: Samsung Messages app on your Galaxy phone will stop working this month
AppWizard
July 1, 2026

PSA: Samsung Messages app on your Galaxy phone will stop working this month

Samsung has announced the discontinuation of its Samsung Messages app for Galaxy phone users, effective July 2026. Users on Android 11 and earlier will still have access to the app until it ceases to function, but they will lose regular messaging capabilities. Emergency services can still be contacted through the app. Samsung is facilitating a transition to Google Messages, which will serve as the official replacement, and has provided resources to help users transfer their message history. Google Messages has evolved significantly and may offer enhanced features to ease the transition.
Samsung Messages Is Going Away for Good. Here's How to Save Everything First
AppWizard
June 1, 2026

Samsung Messages Is Going Away for Good. Here’s How to Save Everything First

Samsung Messages will cease to function in July 2026, resulting in the loss of any unmigrated text history. Users are encouraged to transition to Google Messages, which offers features like RCS-enabled texting, high-quality image sharing, AI-powered spam detection, multi-device access, and Gemini AI features. Samsung provides instructions for this migration, especially for users on Android 12 and 13. The exact date in July for the service discontinuation is unspecified, but only emergency messaging will remain functional afterward. Samsung Messages was no longer the default app since 2021 and stopped being preinstalled in 2024. Users on Android 11 or earlier are not directly affected but are advised to switch to Google Messages. Older Galaxy Watches running Tizen will have limited access to conversation histories, while newer models on WearOS will retain full access.
Samsung Messages is going away, so here are 5 the best messaging alternatives
AppWizard
April 19, 2026

Samsung Messages is going away, so here are 5 the best messaging alternatives

Samsung will officially cease operations of its Samsung Messages app in July 2026 and has stopped pre-installing it on newer Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S26 series. Users can continue to send messages through the app until the shutdown, but emergency services and specific contacts will not be supported. Samsung is directing users to Google Messages as the official alternative, which supports Rich Communication Services (RCS) and is the default messaging app on most Android devices. Google Messages offers features such as reliable cross-texting with iPhone users, typing indicators, high-quality media sharing, message reactions, and built-in spam protection. Alternatives to RCS include WhatsApp, which offers voice and video calls, group chats, and message reactions, but has raised privacy concerns. Telegram allows large group chats, channels, and file sharing but lacks end-to-end encryption by default. Signal provides end-to-end encryption for all communications and collects minimal user data, making it the most secure option. Customizable SMS apps like Textra and QUIK SMS do not support RCS, making Google Messages the most viable option for RCS functionality.
Samsung Is Ending Its Messages App — What You Need to Do Before July
AppWizard
April 15, 2026

Samsung Is Ending Its Messages App — What You Need to Do Before July

Samsung is phasing out its native Messages app in favor of Google Messages, with the complete transition expected by the end of July. After this date, users who have not switched may be unable to send or receive messages through Samsung Messages. The change primarily affects users still using Samsung Messages as their default app, while those already on Google Messages will likely notice no difference. Samsung's move aligns with a trend towards a unified messaging platform that supports Rich Communication Services (RCS), enhancing SMS features. Existing messages and contacts should transfer to Google Messages, but users are advised to back up their devices beforehand. Most recent Samsung Galaxy devices support Google Messages, but older devices may require a manual download. Users are encouraged to switch to Google Messages early to minimize disruptions.
Survey reveals a surprising amount of love for this condemned Samsung app
AppWizard
April 14, 2026

Survey reveals a surprising amount of love for this condemned Samsung app

Samsung has announced the discontinuation of its messaging app, Samsung Messages, effective July. The company is shifting its focus to Google Messages, which has been the default option since 2022. A reader poll showed that 66% of participants preferred Samsung Messages, while 11% believed it was time to retire the app, and 16% had already switched to Google Messages. Users expressed mixed feelings about the transition, with some frustrated by Google's dominance in messaging standards and others appreciating the RCS features of Google Messages. Concerns were raised about the functionality of Google Messages compared to alternatives, and some users reported having already transitioned to Google Messages prior to the announcement.
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