Google Messages Becomes Default on Samsung Devices as Company Phases Out Its Own App
Samsung has officially announced that Google Messages will replace Samsung Messages as the default messaging application across its Galaxy devices, with the Samsung Messages application set to be discontinued in July 2026.
The Big Switch
Samsung is transitioning users to Google Messages to maintain a consistent messaging experience on Android, marking a significant shift in how Galaxy users will communicate. The change affects millions of Samsung device owners in the United States, though users of older Android operating systems (Android 11 or lower) are not affected by this end of service.
The transition began earlier when Samsung stopped shipping Samsung Messages pre-installed on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, instead making Google Messages the default option. This move continues with the Galaxy S25 series, where Samsung stopped pre-installing Samsung Messages entirely.
Why the Change?
The primary driver behind this transition is the widespread adoption of Rich Communication Services (RCS), a next-generation messaging protocol. Samsung made Google Messages the default messaging app because of wider RCS adoption, offering it as the common messaging platform so Galaxy users can communicate freely with the same messaging experience regardless of what device the other person uses.
This becomes especially relevant as RCS is now enabled across Android and iOS, allowing users to share high-quality photos and videos, enhance group chats, see real-time typing indicators, and more.
What Users Get with Google Messages
The switch to Google Messages brings several new features to Samsung users:
Enhanced Security: AI-powered scam detection and robust spam filters identify and block suspicious texts to help keep inboxes clean and personal information safer.
Advanced Messaging Features: With RCS support built in, users can enjoy typing indicators, read receipts, and the ability to send larger files and higher-quality media.
AI Integration: Access to powerful Gemini features brings AI-powered expressivity to chats, including remixing photos and smart replies.
Multi-Device Support: Users can switch chats between their phone, tablet, or smartwatch without any interruption, though this requires a Galaxy Watch4 or newer model.
How to Make the Switch
The transition process is simple, with prompts asking users to open or install Google Messages, after which they will see an option to set it as the default SMS app by tapping "Set as default".
Between now and July 2026, users may receive in-app notifications in Samsung Messages guiding them through the switch. On Android 14 and higher, the Google Messages icon will automatically shift to the homescreen dock after switching.
For those still using Android 12 or 13, there's an extra manual step to move the Google Messages icon to the home screen dock for easier access.
Potential Issues During Transition
Samsung has warned users about some potential bumps during the migration. For devices released before 2022, switching apps may temporarily disrupt ongoing RCS conversations, though chats should resume once both users move to Google Messages.
There's also an impact for owners of older Galaxy Watches. Older generation watches with the Tizen OS (watches launched before the Galaxy Watch4) cannot support Google Messages. While these watches will still enable users to read and send text messages, they will no longer be able to see the full message conversation history.
Still Want Samsung Messages?
For users who prefer to stick with Samsung Messages, the app isn't completely disappearing. It remains available for download from the Galaxy Store, allowing users to manually switch back if desired. However, given that Samsung is actively pushing users toward Google Messages and may not provide regular feature updates to its own app, the long-term viability of Samsung Messages remains uncertain.
A Deeper Google Integration
This transition is one of the clearest signs yet that One UI is becoming more tightly integrated with Google's ecosystem. The move reflects broader industry trends toward standardization and interoperability in mobile messaging, particularly as Apple also adds RCS support to iMessage.
For Samsung users, the change represents both an ending and a beginning. While Samsung Messages served Galaxy users for years, Google Messages promises a more unified, feature-rich messaging experience that works seamlessly across the entire Android ecosystem and beyond.
The July 2026 deadline gives users several months to adapt to the new messaging platform, ensuring a smooth transition as Samsung consolidates its software strategy around Google's communication tools.
