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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →On a Galaxy phone, open Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app, then select Samsung Messages if it appears. Samsung’s U.S. support guidance says the app is no longer supported on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher starting July 2026, so the option may not be available on your device. Availability also varies by region, carrier, device, and software version.
Set Samsung Messages as the default SMS app
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Open Settings.
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Tap Apps.
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Tap Choose default apps. The wording can differ slightly by software version.
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Tap SMS app.
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Select Samsung Messages and confirm if prompted.
The setting is available only if Samsung Messages is installed and offered in the SMS-app list. Some messaging apps also ask to become the default when you open them; follow that prompt if you prefer. Samsung’s regional instructions describe the same general selection flow, but availability depends on your device and location (Samsung US: Change the default messaging app; Samsung Gulf: Change default messaging app).
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Samsung’s U.S. support page says Samsung Messages is no longer supported on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher starting July 2026. It remains available and functional on Android 11 or lower, according to that guidance. Samsung also says it cannot be downloaded from Galaxy Store on Galaxy S26 and newer devices. These are U.S. support qualifications; check Samsung support for your region rather than assuming the same availability applies everywhere.
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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
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To check your Android version, go to Settings > About phone/tablet > Software information. If Samsung Messages is absent from the SMS-app list, it may not be installed or available for your device, software version, or region. Samsung’s discontinuation guidance recommends Google Messages for Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher (Samsung US: Samsung Messages discontinuation).
What changes after you switch the default
Only one app handles SMS by default
You can have several messaging apps installed, but only one can be selected as the default messaging app at a time. The selected app handles new text messages. Google says that when Google Messages is the default, you can review your text-message history there and send and receive new text messages in that app (Google Messages Help: Get started with Google Messages).
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- 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.
Review permissions and your Home-screen shortcut
The app may ask for permissions such as SMS, Contacts, Media, or Make Calls. Grant only the permissions you want it to use. Google notes that SMS data is stored in the device’s SMS database and other apps may be able to access messages, so review app permissions.
Changing the default does not necessarily change the messaging icon on your Home screen. If the old shortcut still opens the previous app, remove or replace it. Samsung’s instructions for switching to Google Messages say it may not be added to the Home screen automatically: find its app icon, touch and hold it, then choose Add to Home.
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
If you are switching from Samsung Messages to Google Messages
Samsung’s U.S. instructions describe using the in-app Open Google Messages notification, or installing and opening Google Messages and choosing Switch / Set default SMS app. You can also select Google Messages through Settings > Apps and the SMS-app default setting. The app must be installed and available on your device.
Samsung says conversations transfer automatically, but the time depends on the amount of data and may be approximately 24 hours. On some devices released before 2022, RCS may pause temporarily; Samsung says it can resume if both people use Google Messages. SMS/MMS remains available during this process. Google also notes that importing message history and media may briefly increase battery use.
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.
Quick checks if the setting does not work
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Samsung Messages is missing: Check your Android version and whether the app is available for your device and region. Samsung’s U.S. guidance places the Android 12-or-higher discontinuation from July 2026.
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The old app still opens from the Home screen: Replace that shortcut with the icon for the app you selected.
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Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black- 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.
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The app cannot send or display messages as expected: Check the permissions it requested, including SMS and Contacts where relevant.
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You are moving to Google Messages and history is not there yet: Samsung says transfer time depends on data volume and may reach approximately 24 hours; this is not an instant-transfer guarantee.
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