To switch texting apps on Android, set the replacement as your default SMS app: open Settings → Apps → Default apps → SMS app, then select it. The exact labels can vary by phone. Before switching, check whether the app supports the carrier SMS/MMS and RCS features you rely on; changing apps does not guarantee those features or all app-specific data will carry over.
Change your default SMS app
- Install and open the replacement app, if it is not already on your phone. Review its supported message types and features before making it your default.
- Open Settings → Apps → Default apps → SMS app, then choose the replacement. Android menu names and locations may differ by manufacturer and version. You may also be able to open the new app and accept its prompt to become the default. Google’s setup instructions describe both approaches.
- Send a test text and check that incoming messages arrive in the selected app.
What happens to your text history?
Google says SMS messages are stored in the device’s SMS database, which other apps may be able to access. Making Google Messages the default lets you review your text history there, while new texts are handled in that app. This does not mean every replacement will display every conversation or attachment exactly as before. App-specific features, especially those that rely on proprietary or non-interoperable messaging, may not be available in another app. Google’s explanation of Messages features distinguishes them from standard messaging.
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Check RCS before you switch
RCS is not guaranteed to work across messaging apps, phones, carriers, or regions. Google says availability varies by region and carrier, and everyone in a conversation needs RCS for RCS chat features. Do not assume a third-party SMS app will preserve Google Messages features such as typing indicators, read receipts, rich media, or RCS group chats. Confirm support for the specific app, phone, carrier, and features you need before changing defaults.
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If messages appear to stop after changing apps, RCS may need to be deactivated in Google Messages. Google directs users to Profile → Messages settings → RCS chats to turn it off. If you cannot use the phone, Google also offers a web portal to deactivate RCS temporarily. See Google’s RCS deactivation guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Choose a replacement by what you need it to do
Compare the capabilities that matter for your use rather than assuming that every messaging app is a like-for-like substitute:
- Carrier SMS/MMS: Can it send and receive ordinary texts through your phone number?
- RCS: Does it support the particular RCS features you use on your device and carrier?
- History and attachments: Can it display your existing SMS history, and how does it handle attachments?
- Privacy and encryption: What protections apply to each message type? Internet messaging and carrier SMS/MMS may have different security models.
- Other devices: Does it provide the desktop or tablet access you need?
Signal is not a carrier SMS/MMS replacement
Signal removed SMS/MMS support from its Android app. You can use Signal for internet messaging with contacts who also use Signal, but ordinary carrier texts require a separate default SMS app. Signal’s support page explains the change.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Samsung Messages discontinuation is U.S.-specific
Samsung says discontinuation of Samsung Messages began in the United States in July 2026 and directs U.S. users to Google Messages. Samsung’s guidance says conversations transfer automatically, with the time depending on the amount of data. This announcement concerns Samsung Messages users in the U.S.; it should not be read as a worldwide status update. Samsung’s announcement provides its instructions.
Switch back if you change your mind
Choose Google Messages or another app from Settings → Apps → Default apps → SMS app. Google’s setup instructions identify changing the default app as the way to stop using Google Messages as the default.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- 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
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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