Samsung Messages Discontinued in July 2026, Google Messages Takes Over

Samsung has officially announced the discontinuation of its Messages app in the United States, marking the end of an era for the company's native messaging solution. The End of Service announcement, effective July 2026, signals a strategic shift toward Google Messages as the primary messaging platform for Galaxy users.

Once Samsung Messages is discontinued, users will no longer be able to send messages through the app, with the exception of emergency service numbers or pre-defined emergency contacts on their devices. The app will no longer be available for download in the Galaxy Store after July 2026. Notably, Galaxy S26 users are already prevented from accessing Samsung Messages, while the discontinuation primarily affects Galaxy users running Android 12 and newer. Older devices remain unaffected by this transition.

To ease the migration process, Samsung will provide in-app notifications and on-screen instructions guiding users toward Google Messages. For Android 14 and later versions, the Google Messages icon will automatically shift to the homescreen dock after the switch is completed.

The transition process is straightforward: users should open or download Google Messages, tap the 'Set default SMS app' button upon first opening the application, select Google Messages from the available options, and confirm by tapping 'Set as default.' Google Messages, identifiable by its white icon with a blue conversation bubble, will then become the default messaging application.

Samsung Messages is also being discontinued on Tizen OS watches, restricting users from viewing the full message conversation history on their devices. However, watches will continue to enable reading and sending text messages.

For Samsung devices released before 2022, users may experience temporary disruptions to ongoing RCS conversations during the switch. These conversations can resume once both parties migrate to Google Messages. MMS and SMS messaging will remain available throughout the transition period.

Google Messages offers several compelling features that Samsung is highlighting as upgrades. AI-powered scam detection and robust spam filters provide enhanced security by identifying and blocking suspicious texts. RCS messaging capabilities enable high-quality photo and video sharing, enhanced group chats, and real-time typing indicators across both Android and iOS platforms. The integration of Gemini features brings AI-powered expressivity to conversations, including photo remixing and smart replies. Additionally, multi-device connectivity allows users to seamlessly switch between phones, tablets, and smartwatches without interruption.