'Dumb,' 'sad' and 'annoying' — Samsung Messages is shutting down and this is the replacement

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In favor of a more "consistent messaging experience"

Samsung Galaxy A56 display
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Samsung Messages will die this summer. The native OneUI texting app has been circling the drain since the Galaxy S21 but Samsung made it official today.

In a new message on the official Messages page, Samsung says the app will be discontinued starting in July 2026. Between now and then, the company is encouraging Galaxy owners to switch over to Google Messages.

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Mixed reactions

Hundreds of Reddit comments on a post reveal a mixed reaction including people labeling the move "sad" and annoying" and one person saying "this is so dumb."

"Guys, how do i (sic) make Google Message like Samsung Message? I actually like the Samsung Message app," one user posted.

A number of people complained about privacy issues, which seems ironic when they're using a Google phone with Samsung branding.

Anecdotally, my phone is a Galaxy and I stopped using the app on my Galaxy S22 Ultra because Samsung Messages wasn't accepting RCS messages and I was tired of getting "Chuck liked this message" texts when someone reacted to a message. Notably, I switched to the Galaxy S26 Ultra this year and Samsung Messages wasn't even installed.

How to Switch

Google Messages

(Image credit: Tada Images/Shutterstock)

Samsung helpfully provided instructions for how to switch to Google Messages. If you don't have the app already, you may need to download it from the Play Store.

  • Open or download Google Messages. The first time you open the app, a message appears: “To use Messages, make it your default SMS app."
  • Tap the ’Set default SMS app’ button.
  • Select Google Messages. Google Messages is the white icon with the blue conversation bubble.
  • Tap ’Set as default’.

Restrictions and hazards

It should be noted that it appears this is only happening to US users. However, I am seeing comments on Reddit that you won't get RCS chat in places like Europe.

Beyond that, Samsung Messages will work if you're still using older Android 11 or lower versions. Older Tizen OS-based Galaxy watches will be able to text, but you won't have conversation history.

Samsung says that once the app is discontinued, you won't be able to send texts using Samsung Messages "except for emergency service numbres or emergency contacts defined in your device."

The company also notes that older devices released before 2022 may experience RCS disruptions.

Finally, if you have a Galaxy S26 device, you will be prevented from downloading Samsung Messages in the Galaxy Store starting now. Older devices will be blocked in July.

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Scott Younker
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

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