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For Galaxy users in the United States covered by Samsung’s notice, Google Messages is the app to use for RCS. Samsung says Samsung Messages is being discontinued on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer starting in July 2026 and directs those users to switch. Outside the United States—or on devices not covered by that notice—check Samsung’s regional guidance and your device’s software version before assuming the same deadline applies.
What is changing, and who does it affect?
Samsung’s U.S. notice says Samsung Messages will be discontinued on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer beginning in July 2026. Samsung’s support page says that after July 6, 2026, the app will no longer be usable for sending messages other than to emergency contacts or services. The exact date may appear in the app, so follow the date shown on your device. This guidance is U.S.-specific; it does not establish a worldwide shutdown date. Samsung’s discontinuation notice and support page provide the current instructions.
Samsung also says Galaxy S26 and newer devices cannot download Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store. Its legacy app guide applies to Android 11 or older and says the app is not available for Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer. Availability can therefore depend on both the device and its Android version. Samsung’s Samsung Messages guide explains its scope.
How do the apps compare for RCS?
| What matters | Google Messages | Samsung Messages |
|---|---|---|
| Current U.S. direction | Samsung directs covered Galaxy users to switch to Google Messages for messaging going forward. | Samsung says support is ending on covered Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer, beginning July 2026. The exact date may appear in the app. |
| Documented RCS features | Google lists high-resolution photo and video sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, and controls to rename, edit, or leave group chats. | Samsung describes high-quality media and read receipts as RCS benefits in its switch notice. Its legacy guide does not establish feature parity with Google’s current feature list. |
| Encryption | RCS conversations between Google Messages users are end-to-end encrypted by default. Other pairings may differ; check the conversation’s encryption status. | Samsung Messages may connect to Google RCS, but RCS compatibility alone does not establish end-to-end encryption for a conversation. |
| Migration | Samsung says messages appear in Google Messages after it is made the default SMS app. Depending on message volume, this can take up to about 24 hours. | On Galaxy devices released before 2022, switching may temporarily disrupt active RCS conversations. SMS/MMS remains available, and RCS can resume if both parties use Google Messages. |
RCS is an industry standard, not a guarantee that every app installation can use every feature. Availability depends on the device, app, carrier, region, settings, and the other participants. Google’s RCS feature guide says every participant in a Google Messages conversation needs RCS enabled. Samsung likewise says all chat members must have it enabled for RCS to work as intended.
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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
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What RCS features does Google Messages offer?
Google documents high-resolution photos and videos, typing indicators, read receipts, messaging over mobile data or Wi-Fi, and group controls to rename, edit, or leave a conversation. These are Google’s documented features; they should not be read as a promise that every recipient or group will support them. The participants’ apps, settings, devices, carriers, and regions still matter. Google’s RCS guide lists the features and participant requirement.
Is Google Messages RCS end-to-end encrypted?
Google says RCS chats between Google Messages users are end-to-end encrypted by default. If end-to-end encryption is unavailable, Google says RCS uses TLS between the user and Google instead; TLS is not the same as end-to-end encryption. RCS apps such as Samsung Messages may connect to Google RCS, but that connection does not by itself prove that a particular chat is end-to-end encrypted. Check the conversation’s encryption status and the other app’s documentation. Google’s security explanation distinguishes these cases.
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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.
Google announced on May 11, 2026, that end-to-end encrypted RCS between Android and iPhone began a beta rollout for users on iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users running the latest Google Messages. Google said encryption would be enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations. The announcement describes a rollout, not availability for every user or conversation. Google’s rollout announcement gives the stated compatibility conditions.
How do you switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages?
- Install or open Google Messages on your Galaxy device. Samsung says it is available on Galaxy phones and tablets running Android 8.0 or later, though it may not be available on non-LTE tablets.
- Set Google Messages as the default SMS app. Samsung says your message data will appear in Google Messages after it becomes the default; the transfer can take up to about 24 hours depending on the amount of data.
- Open Google Messages and check the RCS chat status in its settings. Confirm that RCS is enabled and that the people you want to chat with also have RCS enabled.
- Check that your existing conversations are present after the transfer. On a Galaxy device released before 2022, an active RCS chat may be interrupted temporarily; SMS/MMS continues, and RCS can resume if both people switch to Google Messages.
Samsung’s switching instructions cover the default-app change and supported devices. If RCS does not work after switching, check that every participant has it enabled and that the device, carrier, and region support the service.
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
What happens to Galaxy watches and tablets?
Google Messages works across selected Galaxy phones, tablets, and Wear OS watches, but continuity depends on the device and setup. Samsung says Galaxy Watch4 or newer supports the Google Messages route. Older Tizen watches can still read and send texts, but will not show full conversation history after Samsung Messages is discontinued. Google also says legacy Galaxy tablets and watches cannot use RCS one-to-one conversations or create new RCS groups. Google’s Samsung-device guide describes the cross-device workflow and legacy limitations.
Samsung says Call & text on other devices currently does not work with Verizon and AT&T phones and may be unavailable on some models from other carriers. That restriction applies to this cross-device feature; it is not a general statement that Google Messages RCS is unavailable on those carriers. See Samsung’s support guidance for the device and carrier caveats.
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.
When might Samsung Messages still be relevant?
Outside the U.S., or on a device not covered by Samsung’s U.S. notice, the right choice depends on local availability and the device’s software version. Google’s security documentation recognizes that standards-supporting apps such as Samsung Messages may connect to Google RCS, so it would be inaccurate to say Samsung Messages has never supported RCS. But the documented support for a particular installation does not establish that it has the same current features, encryption behavior, or future availability as Google Messages. Check the app’s RCS status and Samsung’s local support information before relying on it.
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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