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Samsung to Discontinue Messages App and Switch to Google Messages by July
Samsung announced it will end support for its Messages app by July and transition to Google Messages on its devices. The company cited features such as AI-powered spam filters and RCS messaging as benefits of the switch. Users are advised to make the change manually for a smoother process, with some older devices facing potential disruptions.
Apr 6, 11:19 AM·2m read1 source
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Samsung has announced the discontinuation of its Messages application, with support ending by July. The company shared this update in an End of Service Announcement the week of March 30. Starting in July, new Samsung devices, including the Galaxy S26, will not offer Samsung Messages for download and will default to Google Messages.
The transition applies to Samsung devices running Android. Samsung encourages users to switch to Google Messages ahead of the deadline for an easier process. USA Today reported that Samsung did not specify an exact discontinuation date as of April 6, and the company has not detailed the reasons for the change despite inquiries.
outlined several features of Google Messages in its announcement. These include AI-powered scan detection and spam filters to block unwanted messages, integration with Google's Gemini AI, and multi-device connectivity across phones, tablets, and smartwatches.
The app also supports RCS messaging, which operates over the internet. Users can expect these enhancements to replace the functionality of Samsung Messages. The switch aims to standardize messaging on Samsung's ecosystem with Google's platform, which is already pre-installed on many devices.
provides guidance for users to transition. An in-app notification may appear in Samsung Messages to direct the process, with on-screen instructions to follow. For manual switching, users should download or open Google Messages, set it as the default SMS app via a pop-up prompt, and confirm the selection.
For devices on Android 12 or 13, the Google Messages icon may not automatically appear in the home screen dock after the switch. Users can remove the Samsung Messages icon by pressing and holding it, then add Google Messages by locating it, pressing and holding, and dragging it to the dock.
Samsung noted that users with devices released before 2022 may face temporary disruptions in RCS conversations during the transition. This issue can be resolved if all parties switch to Google Messages. Additionally, older smartwatches running Tizen OS, launched before the Galaxy Watch4, will lose messaging support after the switch.
