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Yes, you can install and keep multiple SMS apps on an Android phone, but normally only one is the default SMS app for new messages. Android sends new SMS to the app selected in your phone’s SMS app or Default messaging app setting—not whichever app you opened most recently.

Which app receives new texts?

The app selected as the default SMS handler receives new SMS and is the app Android expects to send and manage texts. Installing a second messaging app does not make both apps equal recipients of each new message.

Android’s Telephony API reference says that only the default SMS app receives the system’s SMS delivery broadcast and can write to the SMS Provider. Other apps may have limited access under applicable permissions, or receive a separate broadcast for specific purposes such as verification; that is not the same as delivering every text to two full inboxes.

How to choose the default SMS app

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Apps, then Default apps or Choose default apps.
  3. Tap SMS app or Default messaging app.
  4. Select the app you want to use for new SMS.

On many phones, the path is Settings > Apps > Default apps > SMS app. Google Messages may also ask to become the default when you first open it. If the menus differ, search Settings for “SMS app.” Manufacturers can change menu names and locations, and Google notes that steps may differ on customized Android versions. Its setup instructions apply to Android 6.0 and later, subject to those device differences: Set Google Messages as your default messaging app.

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What happens to your old messages when you switch?

Message history and delivery of new messages are separate. Google says SMS messages are stored in the device’s SMS database and that, after making Google Messages the default, you can review your text-message history there. New messages are sent and received in the selected default app. This does not guarantee that every messaging app displays or imports every old conversation in the same way.

To switch away from Google Messages, change the default app in your device settings or uninstall Google Messages, as described in Google’s default-app instructions.

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If new texts stop arriving after switching apps

First check that the app you want is still selected as the default. If messages remain missing, Google recommends checking the phone’s basic service and settings:

  • Confirm the SIM is inserted properly and the carrier supports the type of message you are trying to receive—SMS, MMS, or RCS.
  • Check that your plan or account has adequate service or credit, the phone has signal, and Airplane mode is off.
  • If the problem began after changing messaging apps, check whether you need to turn off RCS chats.
  • If messages are missing only from one sender, check that the sender is not blocked and verify the number and country code.

Google’s full checklist is in Troubleshoot problems sending, receiving, or connecting to Google Messages. Menu labels and RCS behavior can vary by phone, app, carrier, and messaging setup.

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