Samsung Messages has been a staple on Galaxy devices for years, but its days are numbered. Samsung confirmed earlier this year that the app will be discontinued in July 2026. With the deadline now just a day away, Galaxy users who have not yet made the switch need to act quickly. This move is part of a broader industry shift toward Rich Communication Services (RCS), which Google Messages fully supports. While Samsung Messages once offered RCS as well, it depended on carrier support, leading to inconsistent experiences. Google Messages ensures a uniform standard across devices.
The transition to Google Messages is straightforward. Users simply need to install the app and set it as the default SMS app. The actual switch takes only a few taps, but migrating message history can take up to 24 hours. Samsung has been preparing users for this change for years, gradually making Google Messages the default on newer Galaxy models. For those who upgraded to devices like the Galaxy S26 series, the transition has likely already happened without their notice.
Why Samsung Is Killing Its Messages App
Samsung's decision to retire its own messaging app is not arbitrary. The tech giant is aligning with Google to promote RCS as the universal messaging standard. RCS offers features that SMS lacks: read receipts, typing indicators, group chats with proper threading, emoji reactions, and high-quality media sharing. These features are already familiar to users of WhatsApp, Telegram, and other popular messaging platforms. By adopting Google Messages, Samsung ensures Galaxy users can enjoy these modern capabilities without relying on carrier-specific implementations.
Historically, Samsung Messages did support RCS, but it was fragmented. Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile each had their own version, and cross-carrier compatibility was often broken. In contrast, Google Messages works seamlessly across carriers and devices, thanks to Google's Jibe platform. This unified approach is what makes the switch inevitable.
What This Means for Galaxy Users
For most users, the change will be seamless. Google Messages is already pre-installed on many newer Galaxy devices, and Samsung has been nudging users to set it as default through prompts and updates. However, some loyal Samsung Messages users might feel disrupted. They may have customized their messaging experience with themes or specific settings that are not available in Google Messages. But the benefits of RCS outweigh these drawbacks.
One key advantage is end-to-end encryption for RCS chats, provided both parties use Google Messages. This is a significant security upgrade over traditional SMS. Additionally, Google Messages integrates with other Google services, such as Google Photos for sharing images and Google Drive for backups. Samsung Messages lacked these integrations.
There is a catch for older devices. Samsung has stated that devices running Android 11 or earlier will continue to support Samsung Messages after July 2026. This means users with older phones can still use the app, but they will miss out on RCS features. However, Google Messages is still available for those devices, so users can choose to switch voluntarily.
How to Migrate Your Messages
The migration process is simple. First, ensure Google Messages is installed from the Google Play Store. Open the app, and you will be prompted to set it as your default SMS app. Tap "Set default SMS app" and select Google Messages. Confirm the choice. Once done, Google Messages will handle all incoming and outgoing texts. Your old conversations from Samsung Messages will be transferred automatically, but this can take up to 24 hours. Samsung advises against toggling between apps during this period.
If you use a third-party app for messaging backup, such as SMS Backup & Restore, you can also manually export your messages from Samsung Messages and import them into Google Messages. However, this is unnecessary for most users. The automatic migration works well.
For those who prefer open-source alternatives, apps like Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp are always options. However, these require both parties to have the same app, whereas Google Messages can fall back to SMS for non-RCS contacts.
Background: The Evolution of Samsung Messages
Samsung Messages debuted in 2010 with the Galaxy S line, offering a simple texting interface. Over the years, it gained features like scheduled messages, custom backgrounds, and smart replies. In 2015, Samsung added RCS support, but it was limited to certain carriers. The app's popularity waned as users shifted to third-party messaging platforms. Google Messages, launched in 2014, gained momentum after Google acquired Jibe in 2015 and began pushing RCS adoption. By 2020, Google started lobbying Samsung to make Google Messages the default on Galaxy devices. The partnership culminated in the current discontinuation plan.
The timing is interesting. July 2026 coincides with the end of support for Android 11 and earlier versions. Samsung likely wants to streamline its software portfolio, focusing on fewer pre-installed apps. This mirrors similar moves by other manufacturers like OnePlus and Xiaomi, which have also adopted Google Messages as default.
Critics argue that Samsung could have chosen to improve its own RCS implementation rather than abandoning the app. However, the fragmentation issue made that difficult. By ceding messaging to Google, Samsung can focus on core hardware and software features.
What Users Should Do Now
The most important step is to back up your messages before switching. While Google Messages claims to migrate data, it is always good to have a local backup. Use Samsung's built-in backup tool or a third-party app. After switching, test RCS features by sending a message to another Google Messages user. You should see "Chat" instead of "Text" in the input field. If not, ensure RCS is enabled in Google Messages settings under "Chat features."
Also, consider disabling the old Samsung Messages app to avoid confusion. Samsung will likely remove the app from newer devices via system updates after July 2026. For now, it can be hidden or disabled in Settings > Apps.
Finally, stay informed. Samsung may provide further guidance as the deadline approaches. But for most users, the switch is painless and brings a better messaging experience.
With July 2026 upon us, the era of Samsung Messages is ending. Galaxy users have a clear path forward: embrace Google Messages and the modern RCS standard. Those who delay may find themselves without a default SMS app, as Samsung Messages will stop working after the cutoff. The transition has been years in the making, and now it is time to act.
Source: Android Authority News