(Image credit: Getty Images)
Samsung is phasing out its native Messages app, and the change may come sooner than many users expect. Over the next few months, Samsung phone owners will be prompted to switch to Google Messages as the default texting app.
For some, the transition will feel seamless. For others, especially those who have used Samsung phones for years without changing settings, it could be confusing or disruptive.
If you rely on your phone for everyday communication, now is a good time to understand what’s changing, what isn’t and what steps to take before the app is retired.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more – straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice – straight to your e-mail.
When Samsung Messages will stop working
Samsung is expected to fully transition users away from Samsung Messages by the end of July.
Once the transition is complete, Samsung Messages will no longer function as a primary texting app. Users who have not switched may find they can no longer send or receive standard messages through the app.
Instead, Samsung is directing users to Google Messages, which is already pre-installed on many newer Galaxy devices.
Which Samsung users will notice the change
This change primarily impacts Samsung users who:
- Still use Samsung Messages as their default texting app
- Have not switched to Google Messages manually
- Prefer Samsung’s interface or features
If you already use Google Messages, you likely will not notice any difference.
Older devices may still support Samsung Messages for a limited time, but long-term support is expected to fade as Samsung standardizes messaging across its devices.
Why Samsung is shifting to Google Messages
Samsung’s move reflects a broader shift across Android toward a single, standardized messaging platform.
Google Messages supports Rich Communication Services (RCS), which offers features beyond traditional SMS, including:
- Read receipts
- Typing indicators
- Higher-quality photo and video sharing
- Group chat improvements
By consolidating messaging under Google’s platform, Samsung can reduce duplication and focus on other software features, while modernizing texting across their devices.
What happens to your messages and contacts
(Image credit: Getty Images)
In most cases, your existing messages and contacts should carry over when you switch to Google Messages.
However, the experience may vary depending on your device and settings. Some users may notice a brief adjustment period as conversations sync, changes in how group chats behave and differences in notification settings.
It’s a good idea to back up your device before making the switch, especially if you have important message history.
How to switch to Google Messages
If your device prompts you to switch messaging apps, you can manually set Google Messages as your default:
- Open or download Google Messages. The first time you open the app, you’ll see a prompt to make it your default SMS app
- Tap “Set default SMS app”
- Select Google Messages (the white icon with the blue conversation bubble)
- Tap “Set as default”
Do you need to upgrade your phone
Not necessarily.
Most recent Samsung Galaxy devices already support Google Messages, and many have it installed by default. For these users, switching apps is typically straightforward.
However, if you’re using an older device, you may need to download Google Messages manually from the app store and experience limited functionality if your device no longer receives updates.
If your phone is several years old and no longer supported, this change may be a sign it’s time to evaluate whether an upgrade makes sense.
What to do before Samsung Messages goes away
If you currently use Samsung Messages, consider switching sooner rather than later to avoid disruptions.
Here are a few steps to take:
- Open Google Messages and set it as your default messaging app
- Review your settings, including notifications and chat features
- Confirm your messages and contacts appear as expected
- Enable RCS features if available
Making the switch early gives you time to get comfortable with the new app before Samsung fully phases out its own. Samsung’s decision to retire its Messages app is part of a broader shift toward standardized messaging.
For many users, the change will be minor. But if you’ve relied on Samsung Messages for years, it’s worth taking a few minutes now to understand the transition and avoid any last-minute surprises.