Samsung users: This might be relevant to you. Samsung is discontinuing its Messages App, and urging its users to move to Google Messages. If you are getting notices about this on your phone, do not ignore them. You’ll need to make the change before July 2026!
Not Sure Which Messaging App You Have?
For starters, Apple iPhone owners can ignore all of this. So can most people with Non-Samsung Android phones. But if you own a Samsung Galaxy phone, you’ll want to look at your text app and switch away from the Samsung Messages, if you are using it. Please refer to the icons shown on this blog post if you’re unsure.
Moving to Google Messages
First, you’ll want to install the Google Messages app onto your phone. You can search for it in the Google Play Store, or just use this direct link. Once it’s installed, you can open it, allow it to sign-in to your phone’s Google account, and set it as your Default SMS App.
If you locate Google Messages in the store, but only see an Open button, that means you already have the app on your phone. You just need to set it as your Default SMS App. On your phone, open Settings and go to Apps -> Default Apps -> SMS App and you should be able to choose Google Messages as your new default.
Finally, you may want to long-press on your Samsung Messages icon and “Remove” it. Find the Google Messages and long-press it to add it to your Home Screen, or move it somewhere to your liking.
Need Extra Help?
If you get stuck or feel like this is above your paygrade, don’t panic! You might visit your nearest cellular provider store for hands-on help, and it should only take them a short bit of time to adjust your phone. Or you are welcome to call me, too, I have the ability to remotely connect to most phones.