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Go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app and select Samsung Messages. If Samsung Messages isn’t in that list, it isn’t installed or isn’t offered on your phone. That is increasingly common: Samsung’s US guidance says the app is no longer supported on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher.
Set Samsung Messages as the default SMS app
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Choose default apps.
- Tap SMS app.
- Select Samsung Messages.
Labels and screens can differ slightly by device and software version. Samsung’s India support article documents the same path and notes that Samsung Messages availability varies by software version and phone model.
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Use the app’s own prompt instead
You can also open the messaging app you want and accept its request to become the default SMS app. Most messaging apps show this prompt. If it doesn’t appear, use the Settings path above. Only one app can be the default at a time, so choosing one replaces the other.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If Samsung Messages isn’t in the list
1. Check your Android version
Go to Settings > About phone > Software information and look at the Android version. Samsung’s US guidance says Samsung Messages is no longer available for download on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer. Devices on Android 11 or lower are described as unaffected: the app remains available and functional there.
#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
2. Try Galaxy Store where it applies
Samsung India describes searching for Samsung Messages in Galaxy Store and installing it on devices where it is offered. This isn’t guaranteed in every market or on every Android version, so treat it as something to try, not a fix that always works.
3. Switch to Google Messages
For Android 12 and later, Samsung’s US guidance recommends Google Messages. Samsung says it is available for Galaxy phones and tablets running Android 8.0 or later. Preinstallation varies, and some non-LTE tablets may not have it.
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.
- Open Google Messages (install it from the store if needed).
- Tap Set default SMS app.
- Choose Google Messages.
- Tap Set as default.
What Samsung’s US notice says, and where it applies
Samsung’s US support page states: “Samsung Messages is no longer supported on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher.” It says support ends starting July 2026 on those devices. It also says that beginning in fall 2026, users will be able to remove the app on devices running One UI 9.0 or higher. Samsung labels the notice “Applicable to the US Market Only.”
Don’t assume those dates apply elsewhere. Samsung’s India page gives no comparable schedule. Outside the US, check your local Samsung support site and your phone’s software version. Since these dates are recent and may change, confirm them on Samsung’s current page.
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
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- 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.
After you switch
- Grant permissions. A new messaging app may ask for access to SMS, Contacts, Media and calling. Samsung notes these may be needed for it to work fully.
- Fix shortcuts. A home-screen icon or favorites entry may still point to the previous messaging app. Remove it and add the new one.
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