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To make Google Messages the default SMS app on a Samsung Galaxy phone, go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app, then select Google Messages. You can also set it from Google Messages if the app offers a default-app prompt.
Change the default app in Samsung Settings
- Open Settings on your Galaxy phone.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Choose default apps.
- Tap SMS app.
- Select Google Messages. The selection applies automatically.
Samsung documents this route in its Galaxy default messaging app instructions. Menu names and screens can vary by carrier, software version, and device.
Set Google Messages as default from the app
Open Google Messages. If it displays a prompt to become your default messaging app, choose Google Messages and tap Set as default. This prompt is a quick alternative, but it appears only when offered by the app. If Google Messages is not installed, download it from Google Play.
What happens after you switch
Google says the app can show your text-message history, and new text messages will be sent and received in Google Messages after it becomes the default. During initial setup, importing message history and attached media may briefly increase battery use. The app may request permissions such as SMS, Contacts, Media, or Make Calls as part of setup. Google Messages setup details
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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
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- 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
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The switch changes which app handles SMS; it does not by itself ensure that every SMS, MMS, or RCS feature is available. Carrier support and connection conditions can affect those services. If you use a home-screen or favorites shortcut for messaging, update it separately if you want it to open Google Messages rather than the previous app.
Samsung Messages and Android version
Samsung recommends Google Messages on devices running Android 12 or higher. Samsung says Samsung Messages remains available and functional on devices running Android 11 or lower. Google Messages is preloaded or set as the default on selected Samsung devices, not necessarily every Galaxy model. Availability and menu wording may differ by model, software version, and wireless provider. Samsung’s guidance on switching to Google Messages
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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.
If you cannot find the SMS app setting
- Use the Settings search and look for SMS app or default apps, then open the SMS-app choice if it appears.
- If Google Messages is missing from the list, install it from Google Play, open it, and check whether it offers the default-app prompt.
- On some phones, wording or placement differs. Samsung’s documented path remains Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app.
If texts stop working after switching
Work through these checks for the type of message that is failing. Google’s troubleshooting guidance notes that RCS availability depends on device and carrier support, and that changing messaging apps may require turning off RCS chats if messages are not received. Google Messages troubleshooting steps
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
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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
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- 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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- 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.
- Return to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app and confirm Google Messages is still selected.
- Check that your carrier supports the service you are trying to use—SMS, MMS, or RCS.
- Check your signal, mobile plan or account balance, and connection state; make sure Airplane mode is off when you need a mobile connection.
- If the problem began after changing apps and incoming messages are missing, review RCS chats and turn them off if needed.
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