Samsung Messages has been discontinued. What now?
Samsung wants users to use Google Messages instead.
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- As of July 6th, 2026, Samsung has ended support for its default messaging app for US users running Android 12 or higher.
- The switch is part of Samsung's push to standardize RCS messaging, with the move to Google Messages bringing AI-powered benefits.
- While Samsung officially states that only US users are affected, some users suggest that the discontinuation may expand in the future.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
Right now, only users in the US are affected by the axing of Samsung Messages. However, it’s likely that everyone else will also have to move to Google Messages eventually.
Samsung discontinued its default messaging app, Samsung Messages, on July 6th, 2026.
The change affects users with devices running Android 12 or higher. Thus, the company encouraged users to switch to Google Messages instead.
The company noted that only US users are affected by this change, adding that “users of an older Android OS (Android 11 or lower) are not affected by this End of Service.”
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The Samsung Messages can also no longer be downloaded from the Galaxy Store or the Google Play Store.
Why should users switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages?
The switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages is part of the company’s decision to standardize the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol.
While Samsung Messages supports Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), and the RCS protocol, moving to Google Messages would create a unified Android messaging ecosystem.
This also means that Samsung users will get additional features such as AI-powered spam and scam detection, the ability to send high-quality images and videos that can be edited by AI, and chats accessible on a phone, tablet, or smartwatch.
Users reactions to the switch
The company informed users about the changes in April 2026, encouraging them to switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages.
The news has prompted many people to seek advice, especially if they didn’t want to switch to the recommended Google Messages.
“Samsung Messages is being discontinued, so what texting apps that don't have AI do you recommend?” asked one Redditor.
“Google Messages is required for modern RCS messaging. You can turn off Gemini in messages,” shared one netizen.
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Some users also shared some app alternatives, such as Quik, Textra, or Fossify.
“I'm just gonna use Signal, and if people don't want to install it, they can text me on SMS using Fossify,” added another user.
While some users shared their alternatives, many agreed that the best way is to shift to Google Messages.
Recommendations Needed: Samsung Messages being discontinued, so what texting apps that don't have Ai do you recommend? 📱💬🤔
by u/ChemicalScruff in androidapps
Is Samsung Messages only being discontinued in the US?
While the company shared that the service is discontinued in the US, some users online noted that the change won’t be limited to the US.
“This is US-specific for now. But I guess they will do this worldwide soon too,” wrote one user.
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“It's not US-specific, I'm in the UK, and Samsung messages were removed and replaced with Google Messages,” noted another netizen.
The message soon sparked a debate among users, with some sharing that they still use Samsung Messages, while another Redditor noted, “It's not available for me in the Samsung store, it was force removed from my phone a few months back.”
Users speculated that the issue could have been network-related.
“It's not US-specific but US model-specific. So if you have the US model, you still won't be able to have Samsung Messages,” noted another netizen.
FAQ about the Samsung Messages shutdown
Can users still use Samsung Messages after July 2026?
No, users can no longer use the Samsung Messages app to send text messages, as it’s been discontinued. Nevertheless, the app will work for emergency service numbers or emergency contacts.
Which Samsung devices are affected by the change?
The devices that are powered by Android 12 or higher. This means that smartphones and tablets introduced in 2022 or later will no longer support Samsung Messages.
Which users are affected by this change?
So far, the Samsung Messages shutdown is only taking place in the US. However, some UK users noticed the switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages
What will happen to your old text conversations?
Users' chats, SMS, and MMS threads will be automatically transferred to the new default messaging app.
How to make a switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages?
Some users may receive an in-app notification from Samsung Messages that guides them on how to switch between the two applications. Users can also switch between apps manually. First, you need to download Google Messages. Once you open the app, a message says: “To use Messages, make it your default SMS app." Click “Set default SMS app.” Select Google Messages. Click on “Set as default.”
FAQ by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
