The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →For Galaxy users in the United States covered by Samsung’s notice, Google Messages is the clear choice for RCS. Samsung says it is discontinuing Samsung Messages on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer starting in July 2026 and directs users to switch. Outside the United States, check Samsung’s local guidance and your device’s software version; the U.S. timetable should not be assumed to apply worldwide.
What is changing, and who does it affect?
Samsung’s U.S. notice says Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July 2026. Its support page specifies that the app will no longer be supported on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer starting that month; after July 6, 2026, it says the app will be unusable for sending messages other than emergency contacts or services. The exact date may appear in the app, so follow the notice shown on your device. Samsung’s discontinuation notice and support instructions are U.S.-specific.
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Samsung also says Galaxy S26 and newer phones cannot download Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store. Its legacy app guide covers Android 11 or older and says the app is not available for Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer. Samsung’s Messages app guide is useful for checking that older-device distinction.
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That makes the practical decision straightforward for affected U.S. users: move to Google Messages rather than relying on Samsung Messages for future RCS use. Elsewhere, availability and retirement timing may differ; verify support for your region, phone model and Android version.
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How the apps compare for RCS
| What matters | Google Messages | Samsung Messages |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. direction | Samsung directs covered users to switch to Google Messages. | Samsung says it is being discontinued on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer starting July 2026. |
| Documented RCS features | Google lists high-resolution photo and video sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, group rename/edit/leave controls, and messaging over mobile data or Wi-Fi. | Samsung cites high-quality media and read receipts in its switch notice. Its legacy guide does not establish feature parity with Google’s current feature list. |
| Encryption | RCS chats between Google Messages users are end-to-end encrypted by default. Other RCS conversations do not necessarily have the same protection. | Google says standards-supporting apps such as Samsung Messages may connect to Google RCS, but that alone does not establish end-to-end encryption for a conversation. |
| Device transition | Samsung says messages appear in Google Messages after it becomes the default SMS app; the transfer can take up to about 24 hours, depending on message-data volume. | Samsung warns that switching from the app on pre-2022 Galaxy devices can temporarily interrupt active RCS conversations. |
RCS is an industry standard, not a guarantee that every app, carrier, region or conversation will support the same functions. Google says every participant in a Google Messages conversation must have RCS enabled. Samsung’s U.S. guidance says Android participants need Google Messages and iPhone participants need iOS 18 or later for the RCS setup it describes. Google’s RCS feature guide lists the capabilities and participant requirement.
Samsung Messages has had RCS capability in some circumstances: Google’s security documentation says RCS apps including Samsung Messages may connect to Google RCS. But that does not mean every Samsung Messages installation has identical support or that it is the recommended path for covered U.S. Galaxy users during Samsung’s transition.
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- 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.
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What RCS features can you expect in Google Messages?
Google documents high-resolution photos and videos, typing indicators, read receipts, group renaming, editing and leaving, and messaging through mobile data or Wi-Fi. These are RCS features, so they depend on the conversation actually using RCS and on participants having compatible support and settings; if RCS is unavailable, messaging may fall back to SMS or MMS, which does not provide the same experience.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSamsung’s switch notice highlights high-quality media and read receipts as RCS benefits, but its current legacy guide does not document parity with Google’s broader feature list. For a forward-looking choice on covered U.S. devices, Google Messages has the clearer documented feature path.
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When are RCS messages 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 RCS uses TLS between the user and Google; TLS is not the same as end-to-end encryption. RCS compatibility by itself does not tell you which protection applies. Google’s security explanation distinguishes these cases and notes that other apps have their own data-handling documentation.
Google announced on May 11, 2026 that end-to-end encrypted RCS between Android and iPhone began rolling out in beta for supported configurations: iPhone users on iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users running the latest Google Messages. Google said the feature is enabled by default and would be enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations. That announcement describes a rollout, not a guarantee that every cross-platform RCS chat is encrypted now. Check the conversation’s encryption indicator rather than assuming protection from the app name or RCS label. Google’s May 2026 rollout announcement gives the eligibility details.
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- 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.
How to switch to Google Messages
- Check availability. Samsung says Google Messages is available on Galaxy phones and tablets running Android 8.0 or later; some non-LTE tablets may not have it available. Use Samsung’s switch instructions for its compatibility notes.
- Install or open Google Messages. On a supported device, open Google Messages and follow its setup prompt to make it the default SMS app.
- Wait for messages to appear. Samsung says message data appears in Google Messages after it becomes the default app. Depending on the amount of data, the transfer may take up to about 24 hours.
- Check RCS status. In Google Messages, confirm that RCS chats are enabled and check the status shown in the app. RCS requires compatible support and enabled settings for everyone in the conversation.
- Verify important conversations. Look for the old message history and confirm that active chats work as expected. If an RCS conversation is temporarily interrupted, SMS/MMS can continue; Samsung says RCS can resume if both parties use Google Messages.
Samsung specifically warns that switching on Galaxy devices released before 2022 can temporarily disrupt ongoing RCS conversations. It says SMS/MMS remains available during the interruption.
What happens to Galaxy watches and tablets?
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 notes that legacy Galaxy tablets and watches cannot use RCS one-to-one conversations or create new RCS groups. Google’s Samsung-device guide describes its cross-device workflow and legacy device limits.
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- 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
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For tablets, Samsung says its Call & text on other devices feature currently does not work with Verizon and AT&T phones, and may be unavailable on some models from other carriers. This is a limitation of that continuity feature, not a general claim that Google Messages RCS is unavailable on those carriers. Check the model and carrier before relying on tablet continuity. Samsung’s transition support page lists those caveats.
Quick Recap
Which app should you choose?
- Covered U.S. Galaxy device on Android 12 or newer: Choose Google Messages for RCS and follow Samsung’s in-app transition date.
- Galaxy S26 or newer: Samsung says Samsung Messages is not downloadable from the Galaxy Store; Google Messages is the practical option.
- Older phone or a user outside the United States: Check Samsung support for your location, model and software version before treating the U.S. change as applicable. If both apps remain available, compare actual RCS status and supported features on your device.
- Privacy-sensitive conversation: Confirm the conversation itself shows end-to-end encryption. Do not infer it from RCS support alone, especially in cross-platform chats.
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