Samsung Messages App to be Discontinued: Transitioning to Google Messages

The Samsung Messages app has been a staple for Galaxy smartphone users since the introduction of Android-based Galaxy models. However, Samsung has recently announced that it will phase out this native messaging app in the near future. As users prepare for this transition, here's what you need to know about the timeline for discontinuation and the recommended alternative.

Official Announcement

Last night, Samsung released an official "end of service announcement" on its website, stating that the Samsung Messages application will be discontinued in July 2026. This leaves approximately 12 weeks for users to transition to a new messaging platform. Samsung recommends users switch to Google Messages to maintain messaging capabilities on their Galaxy smartphones. Following the discontinuation date, Samsung Messages may be removed from both the Galaxy Store and the Google Play Store. Users are encouraged to open the app on their devices to determine the specific date when service will cease in their region.

How to Transition to Google Messages

Transitioning to the Google Messages app is a simple process. First, download the Google Messages app from the Google Play Store. Next, open the application and tap on the "Set default SMS app" button on the home screen. From the resulting pop-up, select "Messages" and hit the "Set as default" button. After completing these steps, Google Messages will serve as the default messaging app on your Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

It is important to note that Samsung Messages will continue to work on devices running Android 11 or older. For instance, phones like the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9 will retain functionality even after the app's official discontinuation. While the specific reasons for this limitation haven't been disclosed, it’s likely due to compatibility issues with the latest Google Messages app.

Signs Leading to This Decision

This decision by Samsung didn’t come out of the blue. The company has been hinting at this change for some time. In early 2025, Samsung confirmed it would begin utilizing Google Messages as the default messaging app for new Galaxy smartphones. Consequently, the majority of models released thereafter, including the Galaxy S25 series, were equipped with Google Messages as the primary SMS app. The newer Galaxy S26 series devices did not include Samsung Messages at all, and users of these devices are unable to download the app from the Galaxy Store.

Furthermore, even after the app's discontinuation, users will still be able to access it for emergency contacts or service numbers they have pre-configured in their devices.

Reasons Behind the Move to Google Messages

Although the formal announcement did not specify the reasons for this transition, Samsung has previously indicated its rationale for adopting Google’s messaging solution: RCS support. Google Messages provides RCS features regardless of the mobile carrier, allowing for enhanced messaging capabilities that the Samsung app did not offer.

Additionally, Google Messages boasts advanced features, such as AI-powered scam detection, enhanced AI functionalities, and multi-device connectivity, along with recent upgrades like real-time location sharing and a trash folder. There are also plans to introduce video calling support in the near future, making Google Messages a feature-rich alternative to Samsung Messages.