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Samsung’s U.S. support FAQ says Samsung Messages was discontinued on July 6, 2026. If your U.S. Galaxy phone or tablet runs Android 12 or later, switch your default SMS app to Google Messages to keep sending ordinary texts. Samsung says your conversations transfer automatically, although the transfer can take about 24 hours.
Who is affected by the Samsung Messages shutdown?
The notice applies to Galaxy devices in the United States running Android 12 or later. Samsung’s U.S. FAQ gives July 6, 2026 as the discontinuation date and says Samsung Messages cannot send ordinary messages after that date, apart from messages to emergency numbers or emergency contacts. Samsung’s guidance is specific to the U.S.; it does not establish the same cutoff for every other country. Check your local Samsung support page if you use a device elsewhere. Samsung’s U.S. discontinuation notice and FAQ provide the scope and date.
Check your Android version
On your Galaxy device, open Settings > About phone or About tablet > Software information. Android 12 or later falls within the U.S. discontinuation guidance. Samsung says devices running Android 11 or earlier are not affected by this end of service and can continue using Samsung Messages.
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Samsung says Samsung Messages cannot be downloaded from Galaxy Store on Galaxy S26 and newer devices. For other affected devices, Samsung says download availability ended after discontinuation. The app may remain installed, but that does not mean it can continue sending ordinary messages under the U.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
How to switch to Google Messages
- Open Google Messages. If it is not installed, download it from the Google Play Store.
- When prompted, tap Set default SMS app, choose Google Messages, then confirm with Set as default.
- If you do not see that prompt, open Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app and select Google Messages. Screens and labels can vary by carrier, device and software version.
- If you want quick access, add Google Messages to your home screen or dock. Samsung notes that Android 12 and 13 users may need to do this manually.
Samsung’s stated recommendation is to upgrade to Google Messages as the default messaging app. That change selects the app that handles SMS; it is not the same as enabling every optional feature, such as RCS or cross-device texting.
Will your texts and conversations transfer?
Samsung says messages and conversations transfer automatically when you switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages. The full transfer may take approximately 24 hours, depending on how much data is being moved. That is Samsung’s operational estimate, not a guarantee that every device will finish in exactly that time. Samsung’s transition instructions and FAQ describe the transfer.
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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.
What happens to RCS chats?
RCS availability depends on the phone, software, carrier and the settings of everyone in a conversation. Samsung says that switching apps may temporarily interrupt ongoing RCS chats on devices released before 2022. SMS and MMS remain available during that interruption. Samsung says RCS can resume if both sides switch to Google Messages; every participant must have RCS enabled. Android participants need Google Messages, while iPhone participants need iOS 18 or later.
Samsung’s feature guide notes that RCS in Samsung Messages depended on carrier support and could differ between carriers. Google Messages is described by Samsung as the default app for RCS support across carriers, but that does not guarantee RCS in every carrier, device or group configuration. Samsung’s RCS feature guide explains the carrier-dependent behavior.
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.
What changes on Galaxy watches and tablets?
Older Tizen watches launched before Galaxy Watch4
These watches cannot use Google Messages. Samsung says they will no longer show the full conversation history after Samsung Messages is discontinued, but users can still read and send texts from the watch.
Galaxy Watch4 and newer Wear OS watches
These watches can use Google Messages. Google says they can send and receive one-to-one and group texts over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or mobile data. Texting while the phone is offline depends on the watch’s LTE plan and carrier. Google also identifies RCS limits on legacy Galaxy tablets and watches: they cannot use RCS for one-to-one conversations or create new RCS groups. See Google’s Messages guidance for watches and tablets.
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.
Tablets and other Galaxy devices
Samsung says its Message Continuity service for Samsung Messages, including Call & text on other devices, will be disrupted. Its instructions describe using Google Messages on a tablet, but texting through this setup currently does not work with Verizon and AT&T phones and may not be available on all models from other carriers. Confirm your device and carrier support before relying on tablet texting. Samsung’s instructions are on its discontinuation page and FAQ.
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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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