Samsung Is Ending Its Messages App — What You Need to Do Before July
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If you use Samsung Messages, you may need to switch soon. Here's what to know before the app stops working. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.You are now subscribedYour newsletter sign-up was successfulWant to add more newsletters?Delivered dailyKiplinger TodayProfit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more delivered daily. 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Samsung is phasing out its native Messages app, and the change may come sooner than many users expect. Over the next few months, Samsung phone owners will be prompted to switch to Google Messages as the default texting app.For some, the transition will feel seamless. For others, especially those who have used Samsung phones for years without changing settings, it could be confusing or disruptive.If you rely on your phone for everyday communication, now is a good time to understand what's changing, what isn't and what steps to take before the app is retired.Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special IssuesProfit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.Samsung is expected to fully transition users away from Samsung Messages by the end of July.Once the transition is complete, Samsung Messages will no longer function as a primary texting app. Users who have not switched may find they can no longer send or receive standard messages through the app.Instead, Samsung is directing users to Google Messages, which is already pre-installed on many newer Galaxy devices.This change primarily impacts Samsung users who:If you already use Google Messages, you likely will not notice any difference.Older devices may still support Samsung Messages for a limited time, but long-term support is expected to fade as Samsung standardizes messaging across its devices.Samsung's move reflects a broader shift across Android toward a single, standardized messaging platform.Google Messages supports Rich Communication Services (RCS), which offers features beyond traditional SMS, including:By consolidating messaging under Google's platform, Samsung can reduce duplication and focus on other software features, while modernizing texting across their devices.What happens to your messages and contacts In most cases, your existing messages and contacts should carry over when you switch to Google Messages.However, the experience may vary depending on your device and settings. Some users may notice a brief adjustment period as conversations sync, changes in how group chats behave and differences in notification settings.It's a good idea to back up your device before making the switch, especially if you have important message history.If your device prompts you to switch messaging apps, you can manually set Google Messages as your default:Not necessarily.Most recent Samsung Galaxy devices already support Google Messages, and many have it installed by default. For these users, switching apps is typically straightforward.However, if you're using an older device, you may need to download Google Messages manually from the app store and experience limited functionality if your device no longer receives updates.If your phone is several years old and no longer supported, this change may be a sign it's time to evaluate whether an upgrade makes sense.Get practical help to make better financial decisions in your everyday life, from spending to savings on top deals. Subscribe to Kiplinger's free newsletter, A Step Ahead.If you currently use Samsung Messages, consider switching sooner rather than later to avoid disruptions.Here are a few steps to take:Making the switch early gives you time to get comfortable with the new app before Samsung fully phases out its own. Samsung's decision to retire its Messages app is part of a broader shift toward standardized messaging.For many users, the change will be minor. But if you've relied on Samsung Messages for years, it's worth taking a few minutes now to understand the transition and avoid any last-minute surprises.Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.Carla Ayers is the eCommerce and Personal Finance Editor at Kiplinger, where she covers consumer spending, savings strategies and real estate trends. Since joining in 2024, she has focused on delivering practical, service-driven advice to help readers make smarter financial decisions.Her background spans commercial and residential real estate, bringing firsthand insight to her work. She has written for Rocket Mortgage, Inman, the National Association of Realtors and other industry publications.Carla is passionate about making complex topics clear and actionable, meeting readers where they are with timely guidance. Get personal finance insights delivered straight to your inbox with Kiplinger’s free newsletter, A Step Ahead.