Samsung has officially announced that its Samsung Messages app will be discontinued in July 2026. This change affects Galaxy phones with Android 12 to 15, so users need to switch to Google Messages.
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This change makes texting simple and the same on all Android phones. Older phones and new S26 models are not affected. Samsung Messages will still work for emergencies.
As per media reports, Samsung stopped making Samsung Messages the default app on its Galaxy phones a few years ago, but it was still pre-installed. In 2024, it also stopped pre-installing the app on its top phones. Now, Samsung has decided to remove the app and switch to Google Messages to maintain “a consistent messaging experience on Android”. The app will stop working in July 2026, and users will be informed about the exact date inside the app.
Why is Samsung discontinuing messages?
Samsung is removing the Samsung Messages app to make texting easier on Android. The app no longer came on new Galaxy phones in 2024, showing Samsung is moving to Google Messages. Using Google Messages makes texting easy and simple on any device.
Who will be affected?
Users with Galaxy smartphones running Android 12, 13, 14, or 15 must switch to Google Messages. Phones with older Android versions or the new Galaxy S26 series are not affected, so users who are affected should switch before July 2026.
How to switch to Google messages
Switching to Google Messages is easy. First, download and open the Google Messages app on your Galaxy phone. When you open it, a message will pop up saying, “Make Messages your default SMS app.” Tap “Set default SMS app,” choose Google Messages, and then tap “Set as default.” After that, Google Messages will be your main app for sending and receiving texts.
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Benefits of Google messages
Google Messages makes texting easier and more modern. You can send pictures and videos easily, chat in groups, get smart replies, and your messages stay synced on all devices.
Samsung is stopping its Messages app, so Galaxy users should switch to Google Messages. It’s fast, keeps your messages, and works better.
