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On a Samsung Galaxy, the right messaging app depends on your Android version, region, carrier and model. In the US, Samsung says Samsung Messages will no longer be supported on Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher starting July 2026, and recommends Google Messages for those devices. Elsewhere, Samsung Messages availability can vary. Check the guidance for your market before switching.
Samsung Messages or Google Messages: which should you use?
There is no single answer for every Galaxy owner. Samsung’s US transition notice applies to Galaxy devices running Android 12 or higher beginning July 2026; Samsung’s India guide says Samsung Messages availability varies by software version and phone model. Google Messages is typically pre-installed on Galaxy devices, but availability can vary. Check your Android version and regional Samsung support before deciding.
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Where both apps are available, compare the choice by current support in your region, RCS compatibility with your contacts, and how you use messages on tablets or watches. Samsung says the legacy Message Continuity route for Samsung Messages will be disrupted after its US discontinuation notice takes effect.
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Only one app can be the default SMS app at a time. If Google Messages is not installed, download it from the app store available on your phone.
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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
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- Open Google Messages. When prompted, tap Set default SMS app.
- Select Google Messages.
- Confirm by tapping Set as default.
You can also set it in system settings: Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app, then select Google Messages. Names and menu locations may differ by software version.
How to turn on RCS chats on a Samsung Galaxy
RCS can add features such as read receipts, typing indicators and original-quality photo or video sharing. Availability depends on the service, software and participating contacts; everyone in a conversation needs RCS enabled for RCS messaging to work as intended.
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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.
- Open Google Messages and tap your profile icon.
- Tap Messages settings, then RCS chats or Chat features.
- Turn on RCS chats and confirm if prompted.
- Check that the status says Connected.
Samsung’s US guidance describes Google Messages on Android and iOS 18 or later on iPhone. Older Android Messages instructions use a different route—More options > Settings > Chat features—so do not expect those legacy labels to match the current Google Messages interface.
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What happens to your messages when you switch apps?
Samsung says messages and conversations transfer automatically when switching from Samsung Messages to Google Messages. A full transfer can take up to approximately 24 hours, depending on the amount of data.
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Samsung also notes that active RCS conversations on devices released before 2022 may pause temporarily during the switch. RCS can resume if both participants use Google Messages; SMS/MMS remains available during the interruption.
Spam protection and messaging from a browser
In Google Messages, Samsung’s Colombia guide places spam controls under profile icon > Messages settings > Protection & safety. Labels may vary by version or region.
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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.
To use Google Messages on a computer or tablet browser, sign in at the Google Messages web page and scan the displayed QR code using the pairing option in the phone app. Follow the on-screen instructions; the exact interface can change.
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Samsung describes Google Messages sign-in or QR pairing for tablets. Its US guidance says Call & text on other devices currently does not work with Verizon and AT&T phones and may not be available on every model from other carriers.
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- 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
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- 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
For the Google Messages watch functionality Samsung describes, a Galaxy Watch4 or newer is required. Older Tizen watches cannot show the full message history after Samsung Messages discontinuation, although users can still read and send texts. Samsung’s notice also warns that the legacy Samsung Messages Message Continuity experience will be disrupted.
If RCS will not connect
- In Google Messages, return to Messages settings > RCS chats or Chat features and check whether the status is Connected.
- Confirm that the other people in the conversation have RCS enabled. If they do not, RCS features may not be available in that conversation.
- Check that Google Messages is your default SMS app and that the app and phone software are up to date.
- If you recently switched from Samsung Messages, allow time for the transfer and consider that an older device’s active RCS thread may pause temporarily.
RCS availability is not identical across countries, carriers and models. The available Samsung guidance does not establish a complete global compatibility list, so contact your carrier or consult regional device support if the status remains disconnected.
Sources: Samsung US: Samsung Messages Discontinued | Switch to Google Messages; Samsung Colombia: Cómo utilizar Mensajes de Google en mi dispositivo Galaxy (updated August 28, 2026); Samsung India: How to use Messages app on your Galaxy devices (updated March 18, 2026); Samsung Singapore: How to use Android Message on my Galaxy device.
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