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To make Google Messages your default texting app on a Samsung Galaxy phone, open Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app, then select Google Messages. You can also make the switch from a setup prompt in Google Messages if one appears.
Change the default SMS app in Samsung Settings
- Open Settings on your Galaxy phone.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Choose default apps.
- Tap SMS app.
- Select Google Messages. The selection applies automatically.
Samsung documents this route, but menus can vary by carrier, software version, and device. If you do not see the same labels, search Settings for SMS app or default apps and open the SMS-app setting if it appears. Samsung’s default messaging app instructions
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Use the Google Messages setup prompt
If Google Messages offers to become your default when you open it, choose Google Messages and tap Set as default. This prompt is a convenient alternative, but it may not appear every time. If Google Messages is not installed, Google says you can get it from Google Play. Google Messages setup help
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Google Messages can display your text-message history, and new text messages are sent and received in the app once it is the default. During initial setup, importing message history and attached media may briefly increase battery use. Google Messages setup help
#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
Changing the SMS default does not by itself ensure that every messaging feature works: SMS, MMS, and RCS availability can depend on your carrier and connection. Samsung Messages can remain installed, and an existing home-screen or favorites shortcut may still open it; replace that shortcut if you want Google Messages there instead. Samsung may request permissions such as SMS, Contacts, Media, or Make Calls while you change apps. Samsung’s default messaging app instructions
Samsung Messages and Android version
Samsung’s current guidance recommends Google Messages on devices running Android 12 or higher and says Samsung Messages remains available and functional on devices running Android 11 or lower. This is guidance, not a guarantee that every Galaxy model has identical app availability or menus. Samsung’s guidance on switching to Google Messages
Rank #2
- 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.
If texts stop working after switching
- Check the default: Return to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app and confirm Google Messages is selected.
- Check service and connection: Confirm your carrier supports the service you are using, check signal and your plan or account balance, and make sure Airplane mode is off and the phone has a working connection.
- Review RCS: RCS availability depends on device and carrier support. If messages are not arriving after changing messaging apps, Google says you may need to turn off RCS chats.
Google’s troubleshooting guidance covers default-app status, carrier support, signal, plan or balance, connection state, and RCS. Google Messages troubleshooting
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
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.
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.
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