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On a Galaxy phone, open Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app, then select Samsung Messages if it appears. The option depends on your device, Android version, carrier, and region. In the United States, Samsung says that from July 2026 its Messages app is no longer supported on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher.
Set Samsung Messages as the default SMS app
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Choose default apps. The label may differ slightly on some software versions.
- Tap SMS app.
- Select Samsung Messages if it is listed, and confirm if prompted.
This is the route in Samsung’s instructions for changing the default messaging app. You can also open a messaging app and accept its prompt to make it the default, if it offers one. The app must be installed and available for your phone.
Why Samsung Messages may not appear
Samsung’s US support guidance says Samsung Messages is no longer supported on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher starting July 2026. Samsung also says the app remains available and functional on devices running Android 11 or lower, and that Galaxy S26 and newer devices cannot download it from Galaxy Store. These are US-specific statements; availability and support can differ by region and carrier.
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Check your software version at Settings > About phone/tablet > Software information. If Samsung Messages is not installed or does not appear in the SMS app list, the default-setting screen cannot make it available. Samsung’s discontinuation guidance recommends Google Messages for Android 12 or higher. See Samsung’s US guidance on Samsung Messages discontinuation.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
What changes when you switch the default
Only one app handles SMS by default
You can have multiple messaging apps installed, but only one can be selected as the default SMS app at a time. The selected app handles sending and receiving new text messages. Google says that when Google Messages is the default, you can also review your text-message history there. The history is stored in the device’s SMS database; review app permissions because other apps may be able to access messages.
Check permissions and your Home-screen shortcut
The newly selected app may ask for permissions such as SMS, Contacts, Media, or Make Calls. Grant only the permissions you are comfortable with. Changing the default does not necessarily change the app shortcut on your Home screen. If the icon still opens the old app, remove or replace that shortcut; to add Google Messages after switching, Samsung’s instructions say to locate its icon, touch and hold it, then choose Add to Home.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
If you are switching from Samsung Messages to Google Messages
On Galaxy devices covered by Samsung’s US discontinuation guidance, Samsung describes using an Open Google Messages notification in Samsung Messages, or installing and opening Google Messages and choosing Switch / Set default SMS app. You can also set it through Settings > Apps by selecting Google Messages as the SMS app. Google’s setup instructions are at Get started with the Google Messages app.
Samsung says conversations transfer automatically when switching to Google Messages. The time depends on how much data is being moved and can take approximately 24 hours. Samsung also warns that RCS may pause temporarily on some pre-2022 devices; it may resume if both people in a conversation use Google Messages. SMS and MMS remain available. Google notes that importing message history and media can briefly increase battery use.
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
When the menus do not match
- “Choose default apps” is missing: Look under Settings > Apps for the default-app controls; names and screens can vary by software version and device.
- Samsung Messages is not in the SMS list: Check whether it is installed and supported for your Android version and region. Samsung’s US support page gives the Android 12-or-higher discontinuation qualification described above.
- The old app still opens from the Home screen: Change or remove the old shortcut; the default setting and Home-screen icon are separate.
- You are outside the United States: Do not assume the US availability statement applies locally. Check your region’s Samsung support information; Samsung’s Samsung Gulf guide describes the default-app selection flow, but regional service terms may differ.
Samsung notes that settings and screens can vary by wireless provider, software version, and device.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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