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To react to a message on a Samsung Galaxy phone, open it in Google Messages, touch and hold the message, then choose an emoji. What works depends on the app, whether the chat uses RCS or SMS/MMS, and your device, carrier, and region. A reaction menu appearing does not guarantee that every message type or recipient will support the reaction.
How do I react to a text message?
In Google Messages, open the conversation and touch and hold the message. Choose an emoji from the reaction row. To change your reaction, hold the message again and choose another emoji. To remove it, hold the message and tap the highlighted reaction. In a group conversation, tap the emoji reactions to see who added them.
Google’s quick-actions guidance says the reaction row can appear when you hold different message types, including text, images, videos, links, files, locations, and contact cards. However, a visible menu is not proof that the reaction is supported for that content or will work across the conversation. Google’s separate guidance for SMS/MMS reactions limits them to text messages, not photos or videos received through MMS. See Google’s expressive-features guidance for the current details.
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Check the app name at the top of your conversation list. Samsung Messages and Google Messages are separate apps, and their availability varies by Galaxy model and software version. Samsung’s India support guide, last updated March 18, 2026, says Samsung Messages is not preinstalled on Galaxy S25 phones and identifies Google Messages as an option. It also cautions that Samsung Messages availability varies by model and software version. Read Samsung’s Galaxy Messages app guide for that market’s guidance.
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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
Samsung US says Samsung Messages will be discontinued on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer starting July 6, 2026, and directs users to switch to Google Messages. That statement is specific to the devices and software covered by the US support page; it does not mean every historical Samsung Messages installation disappeared on the same date. See Samsung’s US group-messaging support page.
RCS and SMS/MMS reactions are not the same
RCS chats
RCS is a messaging protocol that supports richer chat features, including reactions, read receipts, typing indicators, and high-resolution media. RCS chats can use Wi-Fi or mobile data, but availability depends on the device and carrier. Google says all participants need RCS enabled for a conversation to use RCS chat features; otherwise, messages may use SMS/MMS depending on settings and conditions. Details are in Google’s RCS overview and RCS FAQ.
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- 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.
To check your RCS status in Google Messages, open the app’s settings and look for RCS chats. Google’s setup guidance explains how to check the status and set up the feature. If the status shows RCS is unavailable or not connected, reactions that rely on RCS may not work as expected.
SMS/MMS
Google’s expressive-features help page lists SMS/MMS reactions as available in the United States, France, Canada, and Australia, and says they apply to text messages—not photos or videos received through MMS. These are the limits stated on that Google Messages support page; availability can change, so consult the current feature guidance if your conversation is using SMS/MMS.
Quick Recap
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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- 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.
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.
Why can’t I react to a message on my Samsung Galaxy?
- Identify the app. Check whether the conversation is open in Samsung Messages or Google Messages. The steps above describe Google Messages.
- Try the message gesture. In Google Messages, touch and hold the message and check for the emoji reaction row. If it does not appear, update or check the messaging app installed on your phone.
- Check the conversation type. In Google Messages settings, inspect RCS chats and confirm the conversation is using RCS or SMS/MMS. RCS feature availability depends on device and carrier, and all participants need RCS enabled for RCS chat features.
- Consider message content and region. For SMS/MMS, Google documents reactions for text in the United States, France, Canada, and Australia, not media received through MMS.
- Check model, software, and carrier support. Google documents support for the feature on Samsung Galaxy S20+ devices; Samsung’s September 8, 2026 announcement also conditions RCS emoji and text reactions on compatible devices and software and on carrier availability. This does not establish a universal minimum model for every reaction type or region. See Samsung’s announcement and verify your phone and carrier’s current support.
- If you use Samsung Messages, check its transition guidance. Availability depends on the model and software version. For the US support scope, Samsung directs Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer to Google Messages beginning July 6, 2026.
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