Samsung Messages to Shut Down in July, Pushing Users to Google's App

Key facts

• Samsung Messages will be discontinued on July 6, 2026, in the U.S.
• Newer Galaxy phones, including the Galaxy S26, cannot download Samsung Messages.
• Users of Android 11 or older are not affected by the shutdown.
• Older Galaxy Watches on Tizen OS will lose full conversation history.
• Google Messages offers RCS, end-to-end encryption, and Gemini AI features.
• Scam texts are circulating, using urgency to trick users into clicking malicious links.

A Forced Migration Begins

Samsung is shutting down its namesake messaging app in July, ending a decade-long era for millions of Galaxy phone owners. The company posted an end-of-service announcement on its U.S. support website, stating that Samsung Messages will be discontinued on July 6, 2026. Users are being directed to switch to Google Messages to maintain a consistent texting experience on Android. All devices will lose the ability to download Samsung Messages after the cutoff date. Owners of newer Galaxy models, such as the Galaxy S26, already cannot install the app from the Galaxy Store. The transition has been years in the making: Samsung began preinstalling Google Messages alongside its own app in 2021 and stopped including Samsung Messages as the default in 2024.

What Users Must Do to Avoid Disruption

Samsung has provided instructions for switching to Google Messages. Users are asked to download the app from the Google Play Store if it is not already installed, then set it as the default SMS app when prompted. Some devices may also receive an in-app notification to guide the process. The company warns that after the shutdown, only messaging to emergency services will work on Samsung Messages. Users of Android 11 or older operating systems are not impacted by the end of service, but Samsung still recommends they switch to a supported app like Google Messages. To check their Android version, users can open Settings, tap "Software information," and look at "Android version."

Scam Texts Exploit the Confusion

The transition has created an opening for scammers. receiving text messages that mimic official Samsung alerts, warning that their messaging app is going away. These scam texts use urgent language and official-looking formatting to trick recipients into clicking dangerous links. the real Samsung announcement is being communicated through official support pages and in-app notifications, not unsolicited texts. Users are advised to verify any such message by visiting Samsung's website directly rather than clicking on links in suspicious texts.

Google Messages Gains Advanced Features

Samsung is promoting Google Messages as a superior alternative, highlighting features enabled by RCS (Rich Communication Services). These include typing indicators, improved group chats, and the ability to send higher-quality photos between Android and iOS devices. Google Messages also offers end-to-end encryption for RCS chats and AI-powered spam detection and filters. Additionally, the app integrates with Google's Gemini AI, providing an experimental "Remix" feature that generates images during conversations and AI-driven reply suggestions. Google Messages is already the default texting app on most Android phones, including recent Samsung Galaxy models.

Older Galaxy Watches Face Limitations

The switch to Google Messages presents a complication for owners of older Galaxy Watches. Watches running Samsung's Tizen operating system, such as the Galaxy Watch 3 and earlier, cannot use Google Messages. Samsung said these watches will still be able to read and send text messages, but they will lose access to full conversation history. Newer Galaxy Watches (Galaxy Watch 4 and later) that run WearOS will retain full conversation access. Samsung has not provided a solution for Tizen watch owners beyond recommending they switch to a compatible device.

Global Rollout Remains Unclear

Samsung has not confirmed whether the shutdown timeline applies globally. The end-of-service announcement was posted on the company's U.S. support website, and a Samsung representative did not respond to requests for comment on international plans. Users outside the U.S. are advised to check their app for the exact date when service will go offline. The company also noted that all devices will no longer be able to download Samsung Messages after the July cutoff. For now, the transition appears to be U.S.-first, with global details pending.

A Decade-Long Shift Comes to an End

Samsung's decision to sunset its own messaging app marks the culmination of a gradual alignment with Google's Android ecosystem. By pushing users to Google Messages, Samsung ensures a unified messaging standard across Android devices, reducing fragmentation. The move also strengthens Google's position in the messaging space, where RCS adoption has been a key priority. For users, the change is mandatory but not immediate. Those who fail to migrate before July risk losing the ability to send and receive texts, aside from emergency calls. The rise of scam texts adds urgency to the transition, underscoring the need for clear, official communication from Samsung.

The bottom line

• Samsung Messages will be discontinued on July 6, 2026, in the U.S.; users must switch to Google Messages.
• Newer Galaxy phones cannot download Samsung Messages; Android 11+ devices are affected.
• Scam texts are circulating, mimicking official alerts; users should verify via Samsung's website.
• Google Messages offers RCS, end-to-end encryption, and Gemini AI features as replacements.
• Older Galaxy Watches on Tizen will lose full conversation history after the switch.
• Global rollout details remain unconfirmed; users outside the U.S. should check their app for exact dates.