Samsung is shutting down Messages and sending users to Google Messages

The official end after a multi-year transition

The decision to shut down Samsung’s messaging app is the final step in the company’s multi-year strategy to align with Google’s communications ecosystem. The transition began in 2024, when Samsung no longer preinstalled its own application on its new flagship devices, but has set Google Messages as the default.

After the deadline expires in July 2026, the Samsung Messages app will stop working to send and receive standard messages. The only exception will be the possibility of contacting emergency services and predefined emergency contacts.

The application will also be permanently removed from the Galaxy Store, which means that users will no longer be able to download it. Owners of the latest devices, such as the Galaxy S26 series, more they don’t have that possibility.

Who does this change concern?

The shutdown applies to all users of Galaxy devices running Android 12 or later. It is important to note that owners of older devices using Android 11 or earlier versions will not be affected by this change and will be able to continue using Samsung Messages as before. The change will also affect users of older smartwatches with Tizen OS (models produced before the Galaxy Watch4). After shutting down the application, these watches will no longer be able to display the entire conversation history, although they will still be able to receive and send individual text messages.

Guided transition to the Google platform

Samsung has ensured that the transition is as smooth as possible. Users will receive notifications within the Samsung Messages application that will guide them step by step through the switching process. The process itself includes downloading the Google Messages application (if it is not already installed) and setting it as the default for SMS messages. All existing messages should be transferred automatically.

Users on Android 14 and above will notice that the Google Messages icon will automatically be placed on the home screen after the change. Those with Android 12 and 13 will have to do this manually. The company warns that there may be a temporary interruption in RCS conversations on devices manufactured before 2022, but they will resume after both parties switch to Google Messages. This move brings numerous advantages, including advanced protection against spam and fraud, end-to-end encryption for safer conversations, and universal support for the RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol, which offers a more modern messaging experience similar to that of iMessage.