Samsung said it will shut down its native messaging app, telling Galaxy users to move to Google Messages. In an End of Service notice published on its website, Samsung confirmed that the Samsung Messages app will be discontinued in July 2026.
Samsung has already been laying the groundwork for the shift to Google Messages. Starting with newer flagships over the past couple of years, the Samsung Messages app stopped coming pre-installed, while Google Messages took its place out of the box. The app has remained available on the Galaxy Store for older users, but that window is now closing.
So why the push? It comes down to features and ecosystem alignment. Google Messages supports RCS for higher-quality media, typing indicators, read receipts, better group chats, spam protection, and Gemini-powered AI tools like smart replies and image remixing. It also syncs conversations across your phone, tablet, web browser, and smartwatch using your Google account, something Samsung’s app never fully managed across platforms.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
How to switch your default messaging app
Switching over is simple, and Samsung says some users will even receive in-app prompts to guide them. If you want to do it manually, open or download Google Messages from the Play Store. The first time you launch it, you’ll see a prompt that says, “To use Messages, make it your default SMS app.” Tap Set default SMS app, select Google Messages (the white icon with the blue chat bubble), and confirm by tapping Set as default. That’s it.
Other Alternatives to Consider
If Google Messages doesn’t quite feel right for you, or if you’re just not a fan of the "stock" Android look, you aren’t out of luck. There are plenty of third-party apps that have been around for years and offer features you won't find in the big-name defaults.
1) Textra SMS
If you’re the type of person who likes to change their wallpaper and icons every week, Textra is probably your best bet. It’s known for its customisability, as it allows you to change features like bubble colours, font sizes, and even the notification icon colour for every single contact.
2) Microsoft SMS Organiser
Originally a Microsoft Garage project, SMS Organiser is a bit of a hidden tool. It uses on-device machine learning to automatically sort your texts into categories like "Personal," "Transactions," and "Promotions." If your inbox is currently a mess of OTP codes, bank alerts, and actual messages, this app cleans it up instantly without you having to lift a finger.
3) SMS Messenger
If you just want something that works exactly like the old Samsung Messages, no AI, no "smart" suggestions, no ads, Simple SMS Messenger is the way to go. It’s part of the "Simple Mobile Tools" suite, meaning it’s open-source and focuses entirely on privacy and ease of use. It’s a great "no-nonsense" option for people who just want to send a text and get on with their day.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
