Samsung has been planning to port to Google Messages for months now, and they have just announced the end of Service for “Samsung Messages.” The Korean company has released a guideline for a smooth transition.
Google plans to adopt RCS Messaging for Android, and so far, progress has been made. Samsung has announced plans to move to Google Messages from July for older Galaxy phones, with Galaxy S26 users already unable to download Samsung Messages.
“Once the Samsung Messages app is discontinued, sending messages via Samsung Messages on your phone will no longer be possible, except for emergency service numbers or emergency contacts defined in your device.”
Meanwhile, Samsung is limiting the latest development to Galaxy phones running Android 12 or later, according to the notice on the company’s US site. Older devices are not affected by this notice, and hence, can continue using Samsung Messages.
If you plan to move from Samsung Messages to Google Messages, the app will guide you with an in-app notification and on-screen instructions. Devices running Android 14+ will see the Google Messages icon “automatically shift” to the home screen dock after switching.
How to switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages
- Open or download Google Messages. The first time you open the app, a message appears: “To use Messages, make it your default SMS app.”
- Tap the ’Set default SMS app’ button.
- Select Google Messages. Google Messages is the white icon with the blue conversation bubble.
- Tap ’Set as default’.
- Google Messages is now your default messaging app.
Additionally, Samsung Messages will be discontinued on Tizen OS Watches. According to reports, users will no longer be able to “see the full message conversation history on their watch.”
“…however, those watches will still enable the user to read and send text messages.”
We understand switching to Google Messages will temporarily disrupt ongoing RCS conversations on Samsung devices that were released before 2022. Nevertheless, RCS conversations get on track again once both parties switch to Google Messages. Interestingly, MMS/SMS messaging will not be disrupted during this period.
Here are what you’re getting when you switch to Google Messages
- Powerful Security: “AI-powered scam detection and robust spam filters identify and block suspicious texts to help keep your inbox clean and your personal information safer.”
- RCS Messaging: “With RCS enabled across Android and iOS, you and your friends can share high-quality photos and videos, enhance your group chats, see real-time typing indicators, and more.”
- Expressive AI Features: “Access powerful Gemini features to bring AI-powered expressivity to your chats, including remixing photos and smart replies.”
- Multi-Device Connectivity: “Switch chats between your phone, tablet, or smart watch without any interruption.”
via: 9to5Google
