Samsung is Killing its Messaging App: Galaxy Devices Running Android 12 and Above Will Move to Google Messages

Samsung Messages will stop handling regular texts on Galaxy phones and tablets from July 2026. Devices on Android 12 and newer must then use Google Messages for SMS and RCS. Samsung Messages will remain active only for emergency calls and chosen emergency contacts.

The change will not affect every Galaxy user in the same way. Devices running Android 11 or earlier versions keep Samsung Messages as before. Newer models, including Galaxy S26 and later, already block fresh downloads of Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store.

Samsung Messages and Google Messages: Timeline, Availability and Rollout

Samsung has confirmed that Samsung Messages will be removed from the Galaxy Store after July 2026. From that time, users on supported Android versions will see Google Messages as the main option for texting. Existing installations of Samsung Messages lose normal messaging support.

On phones and tablets running Android 14 or newer software, Samsung may move the Google Messages icon automatically. It can shift into the home screen dock during the migration. Users on Android 12 and Android 13 might need to adjust the dock icons manually.

Samsung advises users to move to Google Messages to gain several functions. These include RCS messaging with high-quality media, typing status and group chat tools. Google Messages also offers Gemini-based smart replies and writing aids, plus AI-driven spam checks and scam alerts.

Migration Process and Prompts

Samsung will use in-app alerts inside Samsung Messages to guide the switch. Some users will see a prompt explaining the change and offering a quick migration. Following the on-screen steps will set Google Messages as the new default app for texting.

Those who do not receive an automatic prompt can move manually. First, install or open Google Messages through the Play Store. Then tap "Set default SMS app", choose Google Messages, and confirm the choice by tapping "Set as default" when asked.

Home Screen and Device-specific Notes

Owners of devices on Android 12 and Android 13 may need to tidy the dock icons. Samsung suggests removing Samsung Messages from the dock, placing Google Messages on the home screen, then dragging the Google Messages icon into the dock by hand.

There are some device limits during this shift. Older Galaxy models released before 2022 can see short interruptions to RCS chats while the default app changes. Standard SMS and MMS continue to work, so basic text communication remains possible during that period.

Wearables also see changes. Smartwatches using Tizen OS, which includes models launched before Galaxy Watch4, will lose full message sync once Samsung Messages support ends. These watches still allow basic text functions, but deeper synchronisation with phone conversations will not remain available.

By July 2026, Galaxy owners on newer Android versions will rely on Google Messages for everyday texting, RCS chats and AI tools, while Samsung Messages remains in place only for emergency contacts, older Android devices and limited features on some earlier smartwatches.