Samsung will discontinue its messaging service, Samsung Messages, in July 2026, urging users to transition to Google Messages. The company has stated that new devices now come with Google Messages pre-installed, marking a significant shift in its messaging strategy.
This change affects users of devices running Android 12 or above, as those with Android 11 or lower will not experience the discontinuation. Samsung emphasized that users can still access Samsung Messages via the Galaxy Store until its shutdown.
Google Messages is compatible with Galaxy devices running Android 8.0 and higher. Users can back up or transfer messages and contacts between the two apps, ensuring a smooth transition. Samsung plans to assist users by sending in-app notifications encouraging them to switch.
Users may download Google Messages directly from the Google Play Store and set it as their default SMS application. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series and previous Galaxy Z Fold models have already been configured to use Google Messages by default.
Older Galaxy Watch models with Tizen OS, launched before the Galaxy Watch 4, will not support Google Messages. After July 2026, these devices will still allow users to read and send text messages but will not display full conversation histories.
Once Samsung Messages is discontinued, sending texts through that platform will not be possible, except for emergency contacts. Some Samsung devices released prior to 2022 may face disruptions in Rich Communication Services (RCS) functionality.
