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On a Samsung Galaxy, Google Messages is the recommended choice for US devices running Android 12 or later under Samsung’s transition notice, which takes effect in July 2026. Elsewhere, Samsung Messages availability depends on the phone model and software version. Check your region’s support information before switching; then set your preferred app as the default SMS app and, if available, turn on RCS chats.
Choose a messaging app for your Galaxy
Samsung Messages and Google Messages are not interchangeable in every market or on every Galaxy. Samsung’s US notice says Samsung Messages will no longer be supported on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or later starting July 2026, and recommends Google Messages for those devices. That is a US-specific notice, not a global discontinuation statement. Samsung India says Samsung Messages availability varies by software version and phone model.
Check your Android version and Samsung support information for your country and carrier. Google Messages is typically pre-installed on Galaxy devices, but it may not be available on every model or software configuration. Samsung US: Samsung Messages discontinuation and switching guidance; Samsung India: using Messages on Galaxy devices.
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Make Google Messages the default SMS app
Only one app can be the default SMS app at a time. You can select Google Messages during setup or change the choice in Android settings. Labels can vary by software version.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
- Open or download Google Messages on your Galaxy.
- When prompted, tap Set default SMS app, select Google Messages, and confirm with Set as default.
- If you do not see the prompt, open Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app, then select Google Messages.
Samsung documents both routes in its US transition guidance and India app guide. Samsung US setup instructions; Samsung India app instructions.
Turn on RCS chats and check the connection
RCS adds features such as read receipts, typing indicators, and original-quality photo and video sharing. These features depend on service availability, software, and the people in the conversation; participants need RCS enabled for RCS messaging to work as intended.
Rank #2
- 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.
- Open Google Messages.
- Tap your profile icon, then Messages settings.
- Tap RCS chats or, on some versions, Chat features.
- Turn on RCS chats and confirm that the status says Connected.
These labels come from Samsung Colombia’s Google Messages guide; menu wording can change. Samsung’s US guidance describes Google Messages on Android and iOS 18 or later on iPhone. This does not establish universal carrier or country support, so check local availability if RCS does not connect. Samsung Colombia: Google Messages, RCS, spam protection, and browser pairing; Samsung US: RCS and switching guidance.
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- Confirm that RCS chats are switched on in Google Messages and check the status again.
- Check whether the other person has RCS enabled. If either participant cannot use RCS, the conversation may use SMS or MMS instead.
- If the setting is missing or remains disconnected, availability may depend on your software, model, market, carrier, and service. The cited guides do not establish a complete compatibility list for every country and carrier.
What happens when you switch from Samsung Messages?
Samsung says messages and conversations transfer automatically when switching to Google Messages. A full transfer can take up to approximately 24 hours, depending on how much data is being moved. This is Samsung’s US migration estimate, not a guaranteed completion time for every device.
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
On devices released before 2022, active RCS conversations may temporarily pause during the change. Samsung says RCS can resume when both people use Google Messages; SMS and MMS remain available during the interruption. Samsung US migration details.
Use Google Messages on a computer, tablet, or watch
Pair with a browser
Samsung Colombia’s guide describes pairing Google Messages with a computer or tablet browser: sign in at the Google Messages web page and scan the displayed QR code using Google Messages on your phone. Menu labels and availability may differ by region or software version. Google Messages for web.
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.
Text from a Galaxy tablet or other device
Samsung’s US guidance describes signing in to Google Messages or using QR pairing on a tablet. Samsung also warns that its prior Samsung Messages Message Continuity route, including Call & text on other devices, will be disrupted after Samsung Messages is discontinued. The feature currently does not work with Verizon and AT&T phones, and may not be available on all models from other carriers. Samsung US cross-device guidance.
Use Google Messages on a Galaxy Watch
Samsung specifies Galaxy Watch4 or newer for the Google Messages watch functionality described in its US guidance. Older Tizen watches cannot show the full message history after Samsung Messages discontinuation, although users can still read and send texts. Samsung US watch guidance.
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.
Find spam protection in Google Messages
Samsung Colombia places spam protection at Google Messages > profile icon > Messages settings > Protection & safety. The feature and exact labels may vary by version and region. Samsung Colombia Google Messages guide.
Why older RCS instructions may look different
Some Samsung instructions describe a legacy Android Messages interface with the path More options > Settings > Chat features. That is not the current Google Messages path described above. If your menus do not match, check which messaging app is installed and look for RCS chats or Chat features in that app’s settings. Samsung Singapore legacy Android Messages instructions.
Quick Recap
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