Samsung Is Replacing Its Messages App
Samsung has officially ended support for its own Samsung Messages app on many newer Galaxy devices running Android 12 or later. Instead, the company is encouraging users to switch to Google Messages as the default texting app.
The change became official in the United States in July 2026 as Samsung continued moving toward Google’s messaging platform.
Why Is Samsung Making the Change?
Samsung says the switch helps provide a better messaging experience with modern features like:
- Rich Communication Services (RCS)
- Better group chats
- High quality photo and video sharing
- Improved security
- Cross device syncing
Google Messages has become the main messaging app that Samsung now supports on new Galaxy phones.
What Happens to Samsung Messages?
For affected devices, Samsung Messages can no longer be used as a regular texting app. Users are prompted to move their conversations to Google Messages.
Emergency messaging features remain available where required, but normal SMS and RCS messaging is expected to take place through Google Messages.
Will You Lose Your Text Messages?
In most cases, no. When you switch to Google Messages, your existing text messages can usually be imported automatically, so you should not lose your conversations.
However, it is always a good idea to back up your phone before making any major changes.
Do Older Samsung Phones Still Have It?
Some older Galaxy devices or phones running older versions of Android may still include Samsung Messages. The change mainly affects newer devices and software versions where Google Messages has become the preferred app.
The Bottom Line
Samsung has not stopped text messaging on Galaxy phones. Instead, it has phased out the Samsung Messages app on many devices running Android 12 or newer and now directs users to Google Messages for everyday texting. The move is part of Samsung’s long term partnership with Google to provide a single, modern messaging experience.
What Happened to Samsung Messages?
Samsung Is Replacing Its Messages App
Samsung has officially ended support for its own Samsung Messages app on many newer Galaxy devices running Android 12 or later. Instead, the company is encouraging users to switch to Google Messages as the default texting app.
The change became official in the United States in July 2026 as Samsung continued moving toward Google’s messaging platform.
Why Is Samsung Making the Change?
Samsung says the switch helps provide a better messaging experience with modern features like:
- Rich Communication Services (RCS)
- Better group chats
- High quality photo and video sharing
- Improved security
- Cross device syncing
Google Messages has become the main messaging app that Samsung now supports on new Galaxy phones.
What Happens to Samsung Messages?
For affected devices, Samsung Messages can no longer be used as a regular texting app. Users are prompted to move their conversations to Google Messages.
Emergency messaging features remain available where required, but normal SMS and RCS messaging is expected to take place through Google Messages.
Will You Lose Your Text Messages?
In most cases, no. When you switch to Google Messages, your existing text messages can usually be imported automatically, so you should not lose your conversations.
However, it is always a good idea to back up your phone before making any major changes.
Do Older Samsung Phones Still Have It?
Some older Galaxy devices or phones running older versions of Android may still include Samsung Messages. The change mainly affects newer devices and software versions where Google Messages has become the preferred app.
The Bottom Line
Samsung has not stopped text messaging on Galaxy phones. Instead, it has phased out the Samsung Messages app on many devices running Android 12 or newer and now directs users to Google Messages for everyday texting. The move is part of Samsung’s long term partnership with Google to provide a single, modern messaging experience.
