- Samsung Messages will shut down in July 2026
- The move has been branded “stupid” and “sad”
- Users are encouraged to use Google Messages
It’s time to say goodbye to Samsung Messages: Samsung has announced that it will shut down the app over the next few months, encouraging users to switch to Google Messages for their texting needs.
“The Samsung Messages application will be discontinued in July 2026,” Samsung says (via 9to5Google). “Upgrade to Google Messages as your default messaging app today to maintain a consistent messaging experience on Android.”
This is far from an unexpected move: last year Samsung said it was “sunset” for Samsung Messages, although the app remained available in the Galaxy Store. Google Messages is installed by default on both the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S26 phones.
The article continues below
While it’s no surprise, there are fans of Samsung Messages who will be disappointed to see the app finally disappear for good. The Reddit reactions include users saying “this is so stupid” and calling the move “sad” and “annoying”.
To change
Samsung says you can get an exact date of the shutdown by opening the Samsung Messages app on your phone. It also includes instructions to switch to Google Messages, which you may need to download from the Play Store.
The first time you open Google Messages, you should see a pop-up asking if you want to make it the default texting app. You can also do this by going to Apps > Select default apps from Settings.
“Once the Samsung Messages app is suspended, it will no longer be possible to send messages via Samsung Messages on your phone, except for emergency numbers or emergency contacts defined on your device,” Samsung says.
Samsung lists the benefits of Google Messages on its support page, including full support for the RCS standard and (of course) various AI features. You can also choose to switch to third-party messaging alternatives, including Pulse.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can too follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, video unboxings, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp also.
