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End of an era
Samsung Messages, the long-standing pre-installed SMS app on Galaxy phones, is officially ending. From July 6, 2026, the app will stop working on devices with Android 12 and newer. Users with Android 14 and newer will automatically switch to Google Messages, including the icon on the home screen.
Why did this happen?
The development of the RCS protocol gradually pushed Samsung Messages into the background. Google Messages became the default texting app on Galaxy phones as early as 2022. Samsung stopped pre-installing the app in the US in 2024 and finally announced its complete shutdown in April 2026.
What awaits users?
- Older devices with Android older than 12 can continue to use Samsung Messages.
- On phones with Android 12 and 13, the app will stop working but won't transition automatically – users need to install Google Messages themselves.
- Data such as SMS and MMS will be preserved and will be available in Google Messages.
According to a 9to5Google survey, among the main reasons for reluctance to switch to Google Messages were the interface and features of the Samsung app, including themes. However, Samsung believes that Google Messages offers a more modern and secure environment for RCS communication.