If you’ve been using Samsung Messages out of habit, now is the time to plan a change. Samsung has posted an end-of-service notice confirming that Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July 2026, and the company is encouraging Galaxy users to move to Google Messages. This is an official, scheduled shutdown rather than a gradual phase-out, so it’s important to prepare before the cutoff.
The announcement on Samsung’s US site makes clear that, once the app reaches end of service, it will no longer function for sending standard text messages. The only exceptions will be emergency service numbers and any emergency contacts that are stored on the device. After the cutoff date, Samsung Messages will also be removed from the Galaxy Store, so reinstalling it will not be an option once it is pulled. Samsung advises users who need the exact date for their region to check the notice inside the Samsung Messages app, and notes that devices running Android 11 or lower are not affected by this change. That means many older devices, such as the Galaxy S9 and other phones still on Android 11 or earlier, will continue to operate with Samsung Messages for the foreseeable future.
What you’re moving to
Google Messages has already been the default messaging app on many new Galaxy phones for some time, so this announcement formalizes a transition that has been happening gradually. Samsung’s move to standardize on Google Messages is consistent with prior decisions to adopt Google’s messaging client on newer Galaxy hardware rather than shipping with Samsung’s own app by default.
Some recent Galaxy models, including flagship devices introduced in the latest refresh cycles, never included Samsung Messages as the default messaging app. For owners of those phones, the transition is already complete. For everyone else, switching now will avoid disruption when Samsung Messages is officially retired.
One of the main advantages of Google Messages is its support for RCS (Rich Communication Services), which improves the texting experience compared with legacy SMS and MMS. RCS enables features such as typing indicators, read receipts, higher-quality photo and video sharing, and more reliable group conversations. Importantly, many modern implementations of RCS are carrier-independent, meaning you can access RCS features without needing specific carrier support. For users who value richer messaging features and media quality, Google Messages offers clear benefits over traditional SMS apps.
Switching to Google Messages is simple. Open the Google Messages app, follow the prompt to “Set default SMS app,” and accept the change. On devices running Android 14 and newer, the system may automatically add the Google Messages icon to your dock once you set it as the default app. If your phone runs Android 12 or 13, you can easily add the icon to the dock manually after making Google Messages your default. The basic steps are straightforward and typically take only a minute or two.
Before making the switch, it’s a good idea to back up any important conversations if you need to preserve message history. While many modern apps include ways to back up conversations via cloud services or device-level backups, the exact options depend on your phone model, Android version, and backup settings. Check your current messaging app and device backup settings to ensure you retain anything important before Samsung Messages stops working for standard texting.
For most Galaxy owners on current Android versions, the transition to Google Messages will bring a more modern and feature-rich messaging experience. If your device is running Android 11 or earlier and you prefer to keep Samsung Messages, you can continue using it for now, but be aware that continued app support and availability will depend on your device’s software level and Samsung’s regional policies. Planning ahead will help ensure a smooth move to Google Messages before Samsung Messages is retired in July 2026.