Samsung Messages is set to be discontinued in July 2026, pushing Galaxy users toward Google Messages. The switch brings back RCS features like read receipts, typing indicators, and better group chats—though message migration can take up to 24 hours.
The countdown for Samsung Messages is almost here. Samsung has already said it will discontinue the app in July 2026, and now that the month is about to begin, Galaxy users who’ve been putting it off are running out of chances to switch on their own terms.
For a lot of people, the transition has effectively been happening quietly for years. Samsung has been steering Galaxy users toward Google Messages, making it the default messaging app on newer devices. If you’ve upgraded to a recent Galaxy phone—like a Galaxy S26 series device—there’s a good chance you’ve been using Google Messages without having to think too hard about it.
That shift matters because Google Messages runs on RCS (Rich Communication Services), the modern replacement for SMS. With RCS. Google Messages supports read receipts. typing indicators. group chats with proper support. emoji reactions. and higher-quality photo and video sharing. The experience will feel familiar if you’ve used WhatsApp—RCS is meant to deliver that more capable. internet-style messaging experience while still living in your default texting app.
Samsung’s own Messages app has supported RCS before, but it depended on carrier support. Google Messages, by contrast, broadly supports the modern texting standard—so the features are less likely to hinge on what your network will allow.
If you haven’t switched yet, Samsung says the process is straightforward—just a few taps. First, make sure Google Messages is installed on your phone. Open the app and tap Set default SMS app when prompted. Select Google Messages, then confirm by tapping Set as default once again. After that, Google Messages becomes your default texting app.
The switch can be fast, but the chat history may lag behind. Samsung says the migration process can take up to 24 hours, so it’s possible your conversations won’t appear immediately.
Not every Galaxy user needs to rush. Samsung says devices running Android 11 or earlier will continue supporting Samsung Messages. That means the July cutoff mainly applies to newer phones, while older devices remain on the app a bit longer.
And if Google Messages still isn’t your preferred option. you can switch to an open-source alternative if you want something more customizable. Still. for many Galaxy owners. July is the moment to stop waiting and make sure your messaging app—and your group chats—don’t suddenly fall out of place once Samsung Messages fades into history.
Samsung Messages Google Messages RCS Galaxy phones Android messaging read receipts typing indicators group chats emoji reactions message migration
So Samsung Messages just disappears? That seems kinda messed up.
I swear I already use Google Messages on my S24 so idk why this is news lol. But 24 hours for migration?? If my family group chat doesn’t show up I’m gonna be annoyed.
Wait, does this mean my texts will turn into WhatsApp or something? Like read receipts and typing indicators… that’s gonna be weird if my friends are on SMS still. Also carriers always mess stuff up, so I don’t trust it.
My phone says Samsung Messages but I keep getting switched to Google Messages anyway, like automatically. If July comes and it deletes stuff, Samsung better not lose my pics. People keep saying RCS is better but it’s still not universal, so why are they forcing it like that? Also “Android 11 and earlier” is not me but I’m already stressing for my mom’s phone.