Samsung Messages has just been killed off, forcing loyal users to make the switch to Google Messages, and not everyone is pleased this is what you need to do

Date:
Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:30:00 +0000

Description:
Samsung Messages has finally shut down in favor of Google Messages, and this is what you need to do if you haven't made the switch.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Samsung Messages has been
killed off to make room for Google Messages Right now it's just affecting US users, but a wider shutdown is likely to happen We recommend making Google Messages your default SMS service After months of waiting, the dreaded day
for Android users arrived: Samsung Messages has finally been shut down for good as of July 6.

The Korean tech company announced its decision to axe its messaging service for Galaxy Phones and tablets in April , with Google Messages taking over as the new default communication platform for devices released in 2022 and onwards. Samsung stopped installing its flagship messaging platform on
devices in 2024, so if youre using the Galaxy S26 Ultra, for example, Google Messages will already be installed. Latest Videos From Watch full video here: So what happens now? At the moment, Samsung Messages demise is only impacting users in the US, according to recent reports . According to SamMobile , it
may still work outside the US on devices the app was pre-installed on, but
its likely that a wider shutdown will follow suit in other countries later its been removed from the Galaxy Store and Google Play Store, and UK users on Reddit are reporting its replacement with Google Messages.

That said, if your device is running Android 11 or lower, the shutdown wont affect you, according to Forbes . However, the outlet notes that those on a more recent version should switch to Google Messages. You may like 5 steps to take before Samsung Messages shuts down in July Google Messages bug causes chats to disappear during Samsung transition Samsung MAX VPN goes offline today, leaving Android users searching for alternatives

Samsung Messages shutdown has been a long process, and though users have been anticipating the move for some time, it doesnt mean that theyre ready to bid farewell to the app just yet. Comment from r/S24Ultra Across the board of reactions on Reddit, the general consensus is that Samsung Messages will be missed. If I wanted to use Googles POS services I wouldve bought a pixel, one user explains , but from Samsungs perspective, its all about giving users a messaging experience enriched with handy features. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

The company says that the switch to Google Messages will help bring features to Samsung Galaxy devices to align with modern messaging tools used in third-party apps such as WhatsApp . This includes end-to-end encryption, AI tools, and RCS messages, which Google Messages now allows to be sent between iOS and Android devices.

Still havent made the switch to Google Messages? Wed recommend doing this sooner rather than later, and its quite a straightforward process.

Once youve uninstalled Samsung Messages and downloaded the Google Messages app, launch it and a pop-up reading Set default SMS app will appear on your device. Tap this, select Google Messages from the options, then tap Set as default. You can add Google Messages to your Home screen by tapping and holding the app and selecting Add to Home. Follow TechRadar on Google News
and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/websites-apps/samsung-messages-has-just-be en-killed-off-forcing-loyal-users-to-make-the-switch-to-google-messages-and-no t-everyone-is-pleased-this-is-what-you-need-to-do


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