Samsung is retiring its Messages app, users will be moved to Google service soon

Samsung is set to discontinue its built-in messaging app from July 2026 and has advised users to switch to Google Messages. However, the situation is different for users running Android 11 or earlier versions.

In Short

• Samsung announces the discontinuation of its built-in messaging app
• The change will take effect from July 
• Users are being directed to switch to Google Messages

Samsung has announced that its Samsung Messages app will be discontinued in July 2026. This update applies to Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer. After this date, the app will no longer support regular messaging, except for limited functions such as emergency service numbers and predefined emergency contacts.

In a blog post, the South Korean tech giant announced the update, urging users to migrate to Google Messages as the new default, “Upgrade to Google Messages as your default messaging app today to maintain a consistent messaging experience on Android.” The decision ends Samsung’s decade-long use of its own messaging app and reflects a broader shift towards Google’s Android messaging ecosystem.

Samsung has already begun preparing for this transition by pre-installing Google Messages on its recent models and removing Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store. However, there is an exception: devices running Android 11 or earlier versions will not be affected by this update. In simple words, they will continue to support the Samsung Messages app, as older Android versions are not fully compatible with newer communication standards.

How to switch to Google Messages

Users can switch to Google Messages either from an in-app notification or manually. In the case of an in-app prompt within Samsung Messages, simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transition. On the other hand, users can manually install or open Google Messages from the Play Store, tap on “Set default SMS app,” select Google Messages, and confirm by choosing “Set as default.” For those using Android 12 or 13, it is also recommended by the company to replace Samsung Messages on the home screen with Google Messages for easier access.

Why is Samsung making this switch

Google Messages offers several enhancements over Samsung Messages, including Rich Communication Services (RCS). It supports high-quality media sharing (Image and video), group chats, and real-time typing indicators. It also features AI-powered spam and scam detection, integration with Google's Gemini AI for smart replies and photo remixing, and multi-device messaging across phones, tablets, and some smartwatches.

The shift from companies’ in-built messaging apps to Google Messages began with Samsung. Are we likely to see the same move from other brands like Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi? That still remains unclear.

- Ends