• Source:JND

Samsung is finally putting a full stop to its long-running messaging app. After gradually shifting users away over the past few years, the company has now confirmed that Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July 2026. While an exact shutdown date hasn’t been shared yet, the direction is clear: Samsung wants everyone on Google Messages.

ALSO READ: Realme 16 5G With 7000mAh Battery, 120Hz AMOLED And Dimensity Chip Now On Sale In India: Check Price And Offers

App Not Pre-Installed Anymore

This transition is already underway. Newer Galaxy phones and tablets no longer come with Samsung Messages pre-installed. Instead, Google Messages is now the default texting app across devices. Although Samsung Messages is still available on the Galaxy Store for now, that won’t be the case for newer devices like the Galaxy S26 series, which can’t even download it anymore.

Samsung says users don’t need to worry about losing their data. Messages and contacts can be easily transferred or synced when switching apps. The company may also push in-app notifications inside Samsung Messages to guide users through the process, making the shift smoother.

If you want to switch manually, it’s pretty straightforward. Just install Google Messages from the Play Store, open the app, and set it as your default SMS app when prompted. Once done, all messaging features will move over to the new platform. Google Messages works on Galaxy devices running Android 8.0 and above, and users can back up their data via Samsung Smart Switch or Google Drive.

That said, not everyone will have the same experience. Devices running Android 11 or older won’t be affected by the shutdown. On the other hand, older Galaxy Watch models running Tizen OS, especially those launched before the Galaxy Watch 4, won’t fully support Google Messages. While basic texting will still work, users won’t be able to view complete message histories on these watches after the transition.

There are a few other limitations to keep in mind. Once Samsung Messages is discontinued, it won’t be usable for regular texting, except for emergency services or contacts set up on the device. Some older Samsung phones, particularly those released before 2022, may also face disruptions with RCS messaging.

ALSO READ: GTA 6 Maker Rockstar’s Parent Company Take-Two Lays Off AI Team Along With Its Head

This move doesn’t come as a surprise. Samsung has been aligning itself more closely with Google’s ecosystem, and messaging is just another step in that direction. For users, it means adapting to a new default, but with most features carrying over, the shift should be relatively seamless.


Also In News