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If your Samsung Galaxy shows both Samsung Messages and Google Messages, they are two separate texting apps—not two copies of the same inbox. You can keep both installed, but only the app selected as the default handles new SMS and MMS messages. Samsung recommends Google Messages for Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher in its U.S. discontinuation guidance; the notice does not set a schedule for other countries.
Why are there two Messages apps on a Samsung phone?
Samsung Messages is Samsung’s messaging app, while Google Messages is Google’s. A Galaxy phone may have both installed, depending on its model, software, and region. Having both does not mean new texts are being delivered twice: only the selected default SMS app handles new SMS and MMS.
You can still review text history in Google Messages after setting it as the default, according to Google’s default-app guidance. Changing the default is different from deleting either app, and it does not by itself mean the old app must be uninstalled.
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| Concern | Samsung Messages | Google Messages |
|---|---|---|
| SMS and MMS | Supports SMS and MMS; carrier service and device support apply. Samsung’s feature guidance | Can serve as the default SMS app; Google says SMS history is stored in the device database. Google’s guidance |
| RCS messaging | Support depends on carrier support and may vary by carrier and feature. Samsung’s feature guidance | RCS is available on selected Samsung devices, subject to compatible devices, participants, and settings. Samsung’s guidance and device support information |
| U.S. support status | Samsung says the app has been discontinued for Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher; devices on Android 11 or lower are not affected by this end of service. Samsung’s U.S. notice | Samsung recommends Google Messages as the default for affected devices. Samsung’s U.S. notice |
| Connected devices | After discontinuation, continuity features are affected; older Tizen watches cannot show the full message history. Samsung’s U.S. notice | Samsung’s guidance supports Google Messages on Galaxy Watch4 and newer; tablet and watch use depends on model, account setup, and compatibility. Samsung’s device guidance and Google’s device guidance |
Settings and screens can differ by phone model, carrier, and software version. RCS also requires compatible devices, participants, and settings; do not assume every feature works identically across phones or carriers.
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- 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
Which messaging app should you use?
For a Galaxy phone running Android 12 or higher in the U.S., Samsung recommends switching the default to Google Messages because Samsung Messages has been discontinued for those devices under Samsung’s notice. Samsung’s recommendation is: “Upgrade to Google Messages as your default messaging app today to maintain a consistent messaging experience on Android.”
That U.S.-specific notice says devices running Android 11 or lower are not affected by this end of service. If you are outside the U.S., check local Samsung support rather than assuming the same discontinuation date applies. Samsung France says Google Messages became the default installed app on new Galaxy phones from 2025, but that does not establish a discontinuation schedule there. Samsung France’s guidance
Rank #2
- 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.
How to switch to Google Messages
- Check your Android version. Open Settings > About phone or About tablet > Software information. Samsung’s U.S. guidance recommends switching for devices running Android 12 or higher. Samsung troubleshooting guidance
- Open or install Google Messages. When prompted, accept the option to make it the default SMS app. You can also set it manually: open Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app, then choose Google Messages. Menu wording can vary by model and software version. Samsung’s instructions and Google’s instructions
- Let the conversation transfer finish. Samsung says messages and conversations transfer automatically; depending on the amount of data, the process may take up to approximately 24 hours. Google notes that importing history and media for the first time can briefly increase battery use. Samsung’s notice and Google’s guidance
- Check watches and tablets separately. Samsung’s guidance lists Galaxy Watch4 and newer as supporting Google Messages. Older Tizen watches cannot display the full history after discontinuation, although Samsung says they can still read and send texts. Tablet features may require account sign-in, pairing, settings, and compatible device and carrier support. Samsung’s U.S. notice and Google’s device guidance
For a separate backup or a move to another phone, Samsung documents Smart Switch and Google Drive as options. Those are separate from changing the default messaging app. Samsung’s transfer and backup guidance
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What happens to SMS, RCS, and encryption?
SMS and MMS
SMS and MMS remain the basic texting options. Samsung Messages supports them, and Google Messages can handle them when it is the default app. Samsung says SMS and MMS remain available during the temporary RCS pause that may affect some older Galaxy devices during the switch.
Rank #3
- 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.
RCS availability
Samsung says RCS support in Samsung Messages depends on carrier support and may vary across carriers and features. Google Messages offers RCS on selected Samsung devices, but RCS requires compatible participants and settings. Samsung’s guidance says all chat participants need RCS enabled; Android users need Google Messages, while iPhone users need iOS 18 or later for the cited compatibility. Samsung’s U.S. guidance
Samsung warns that RCS conversations may pause temporarily on Samsung devices released before 2022 during the transition. According to Samsung, they can resume if both parties use Google Messages; SMS and MMS remain available while RCS is paused. Samsung’s notice
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.
Cross-platform encryption rollout
On May 11, 2026, Google announced that end-to-end encrypted RCS conversations across Android and iPhone began rolling out in beta for iPhone users on iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest Google Messages version. Google said encryption is enabled by default and would be enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations. This is a dated rollout announcement, not a guarantee that encryption is active for every user or conversation. Google’s May 11, 2026 announcement
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Best Value
- 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
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