Samsung Messages to Shut Down in July, Users Urged to Switch to Google Messages

Samsung has officially confirmed its plans to shut down its Messages app in July. From that point on, users will have to switch to Google Messages.

In a blog post, Samsung says that its Messages app will be shuttered in July. An exact date of when the app is being discontinued hasn’t been publicly stated. Users must upgrade to Google Messages “to maintain a consistent messaging experience on Android.”

Once the Samsung Messages app is shut down, users will be unable to send messages in the app. The company does note that the exception to the rule will be “emergency service numbers or emergency contacts defined in your device.” Additionally, users on Android 11 or older will not be affected, enabling them to continue using Samsung Messages on their device.

Looking back towards 2024, Samsung stopped pre-installing its Messages app on its Galaxy devices. The company never issued a notice alluding to its plans to shutter the app. However, given the lack of baked-in support, there was mild speculation over the years. Samsung confirms that once Messages is no longer supported, users won’t be able to download the app from the Galaxy Store.

Samsung encourages all users to switch to Google Messages. To set Google Messages as the default messaging app, users must download and open It. The first time the app is opened, a message appears reading: “To use Messages, make it your default SMS app.”From here, tap ‘Set default SMS app’ and select ‘Google Messages’. Now, select ‘Set as default’.

Once the change is made, all conversations will resume within Google Messages. Samsung warns users of devices from 2022 or older that switching apps might disrupt RCS conversations. However, once both users are on Google Messages, the experience should be fluid.