Samsung Messages is Gone in the US: Here’s How to Switch to Google Messages

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Samsung has officially discontinued Samsung Messages in the US, bringing an end to one of the longest-running apps on Galaxy devices. If you haven’t already switched to Google Messages, now is the time. While you’re free to use any messaging app you prefer, Samsung recommends Google’s app (more on this later). And making the switch only takes a minute.

Samsung Messages has reached the end of the road

Samsung Messages was the default texting app on Galaxy smartphones and tablets for well over a decade. However, Samsung began shifting to Google Messages with Galaxy devices launched in 2022 as it deepened its partnership with Google across the Android and Wear OS ecosystems. Since then, Google Messages has gradually become the default messaging app on new Galaxy devices.

Samsung said this will speed up the adoption of RCS (Rich Communication Services), which enables modern messaging features such as read receipts and typing indicators for direct text messages. RCS also allows high-quality photo and video sharing and offers improved spam protection and cross-device integration. 

Fast forward to July 2026, Samsung Messages has officially shut down in the US. For most Galaxy users, this shouldn’t matter much. New devices already come with Google Messages pre-installed and set as the default messaging app. But if you were still using Samsung Messages till the last day, you must switch now.

How to make Google Messages your default messaging app

If Google Messages is already installed on your Galaxy device, switching only takes a minute. If not, first download the app from the Google Play Store and follow the steps below:

• Open Google Messages
• Tap Set as default when prompted
• When the system dialog appears, select Google Messages
• Tap Set as default to confirm

If you do not see any prompt to set the app as default, use the following steps:

• Open Settings and go to Apps
• Tap Choose default apps
• Tap SMS app
• Select Google Messages

Google Messages is now your default messaging app. You may proceed to add the app to your home screen. Simply touch and hold the Google Messages icon in the app drawer and select Add to Home (the icon may automatically appear on the home screen if you hold it longer).

As for Samsung Messages, it is no longer functional. It’s best to uninstall the app from your device. Touch and hold its icon in the app drawer and select Uninstall. Confirm your choice if prompted.

It’s worth noting that Samsung Messages is still available and functional in many markets. However, Samsung is gradually phasing it out in favor of Google Messages. In some regions, the app is no longer available for download from the Galaxy Store or Google Play, although it continues to work on devices where it’s already installed.

Sooner or later, Google Messages is expected to become the default messaging app on Galaxy devices worldwide. If you haven’t made the switch yet, now is a good time to do so and get familiar with its features before Samsung completes the transition.

Written by

Sumit Adhikari

Sumit, a life-long Samsung user, is passionate about technology and has been professionally writing on tech since 2017. He’s a mathematics graduate by education and enjoys teaching basic mathematics tricks to school kids in his spare time. Sumit believes in artificial intelligence and dreams of a fully open, intelligent and connected world.

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