Samsung Discontinues SMS App: Galaxy Users Must Switch to Google Messages

Samsung is discontinuing its proprietary Samsung Messages app for customers in the United States, urging users to migrate to Google Messages to maintain a consistent messaging experience across the Android ecosystem.

According to an end-of-service announcement published on Samsung’s U.S. Support website, the app will be discontinued in July 2026. The move shifts Galaxy users toward Google’s messaging platform, which has already served as the default service for devices starting with the Galaxy S21 series.

Migration Process and User Impact

Samsung has provided instructions for users to transition to Google Messages. Users who do not already have the app installed can download it from the Google Play Store and set it as the default SMS application. Some users may also receive in-app notifications to guide them through this process.

For those manually switching, the process involves launching the app and selecting Set default SMS app, then choosing Google Messages and confirming Set as default. This change can also be managed within the device settings menu.

Not all Galaxy users are affected by this change. Samsung noted that users running Android 11 or older operating systems will not be impacted by the discontinuation of Samsung Messages. To verify their version, users can navigate to the settings app, select software information, and scroll to Android version.

Technical Advantages of Google Messages

The transition is intended to provide users with access to Rich Communication Services (RCS), a modern communication protocol that replaces traditional SMS. RCS allows for the sharing of higher-quality photos between Android and Apple iOS devices.

the switch grants access to artificial intelligence features powered by Google’s Gemini. These include AI-powered reply suggestions and an experimental feature called Remix, which allows users to generate images during conversations.

Impact on Wearables

The discontinuation creates specific limitations for users of older wearable technology. The Galaxy Watch 3 and earlier models operate on Tizen OS, which does not support the Google Messages app.

Samsung stated that after the discontinuation of Samsung Messages, these Tizen OS watches will no longer be able to display the full message conversation history on the device. However, the watches will still allow users to read and send individual text messages.

Timeline and Verification

While the general discontinuation is set for July 2026, the exact date may vary depending on the specific device model. Samsung advises users to check the Samsung Messages app directly for the precise date when service will end for their particular hardware.

Samsung did not provide a specific reason for the decision to end the service, but the company emphasized that the move ensures a consistent experience for users on the Android operating system.