Samsung is officially shutting down its Samsung Messages app this month, pushing users to switch to Google Messages. This change marks the end of Samsung’s default messaging app on Galaxy phones, as the company moves to a unified messaging experience powered by Google’s RCS (Rich Communication Services). If you own a Samsung phone, here is what you need to know and how to make the switch smoothly.
Why Is Samsung Messages Shutting Down?
Samsung has decided to replace its own messaging app with Google Messages to provide a more consistent and feature-rich experience. The main reason is RCS—a modern messaging standard that supports high-quality photos, videos, read receipts, and typing indicators. Google Messages is the leading RCS app, and Samsung wants its users to enjoy these advanced features without fragmentation.
Key Reasons for the Change
- Better RCS support: Google Messages offers seamless RCS integration across Android devices.
- Unified experience: Samsung wants all Galaxy users to have the same messaging platform, reducing confusion.
- Improved security: Google Messages includes end-to-end encryption for RCS chats, keeping your conversations private.
When Will Samsung Messages Stop Working?
The shutdown is happening sometime this month. Samsung has already started disabling the app on newer Galaxy models, and older devices will lose access soon. You may see a notification prompting you to switch to Google Messages or download it from the Google Play Store.
How to Switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages
Switching is simple and takes just a few minutes. Follow these steps:
- Download Google Messages: If not already installed, get it from the Google Play Store.
- Set as default: Go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > Default Apps > SMS app, and select Google Messages.
- Enable RCS: Open Google Messages, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings > RCS chats, and turn on RCS.
- Backup your conversations (optional): Use Samsung Smart Switch or a third-party app to save your old messages before the switch.
What Happens to Your Old Messages?
Your old SMS and MMS messages will remain on your phone if you switch. Samsung Messages does not delete them automatically. However, to avoid losing any data, it is a good idea to back up your conversations using Samsung Cloud or Google Drive before the app stops working.
Benefits of Using Google Messages
- Rich features: Send high-res photos, videos, and voice messages without compression.
- Read receipts and typing indicators: See when someone reads your message or is typing a reply.
- End-to-end encryption: All RCS chats are encrypted, protecting your privacy.
- Web access: Use Google Messages on your computer via messages.google.com.
- Spam protection: Google automatically filters out spam and suspicious messages.
What If You Prefer Samsung Messages?
Unfortunately, there is no way to keep using Samsung Messages after the shutdown. Samsung will remove the app from its devices, and it will no longer receive updates. The best alternative is Google Messages, but you can also try other SMS apps like Textra or Pulse SMS if you prefer a different interface.
The end of Samsung Messages is a big change for Galaxy users, but it brings better messaging features and security. Google Messages is now the default SMS and RCS app on Samsung phones, and the transition is designed to be easy. Make the switch this month to avoid losing access to your texts and enjoy a modern messaging experience.
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