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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Samsung Messages and Google Messages are separate texting apps, and a Galaxy phone may have both installed. Only the app selected as the default SMS app handles new SMS and MMS messages. In the U.S., Samsung recommends Google Messages for Galaxy devices running Android 12 or later because Samsung Messages has been discontinued for those devices. Existing conversations should transfer when you switch, though the import may take time.
Why are there two Messages apps on a Samsung phone?
Samsung Messages is Samsung’s own SMS and MMS app; Google Messages is Google’s messaging app. They can coexist on a Galaxy device, but they do not both handle incoming and outgoing SMS/MMS at once. The selected default app handles new messages. Google says you can still review your text history in Google Messages after making it the default, and that SMS history is stored in the device database. Google explains how to change the default SMS app.
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Having both icons therefore does not mean that your texts are being delivered twice. It means you have two apps that can serve as the phone’s messaging app, with one currently chosen for new SMS and MMS.
What is different about Samsung Messages and Google Messages?
| What you need to know | Samsung Messages | Google Messages |
|---|---|---|
| SMS and MMS | Supports SMS and MMS, subject to carrier service and device support. Samsung’s feature guidance | Can be selected as the default SMS app; Google says text history is stored in the device database. Google’s default-app instructions |
| RCS messaging | RCS availability depends on carrier support and may vary by carrier and feature. Samsung’s RCS guidance | RCS is available on selected Samsung devices, subject to compatible devices, participants, and settings. Google’s device guidance |
| U.S. support status | Discontinued for Galaxy devices running Android 12 or later under Samsung’s U.S. notice; devices on Android 11 or lower are not affected by that notice. Samsung’s discontinuation notice | Samsung recommends it as the default app for the affected Galaxy devices. Samsung’s discontinuation notice |
| Connected devices | Discontinuation affects continuity features; older Tizen watches cannot show the full message history. Samsung’s notice and support guidance | Google documents use on selected Galaxy tablets and Wear OS watches, subject to model and setup. Google’s device guidance |
Features and menus can vary by Galaxy model, carrier, and software version. RCS also requires supported devices, compatible participants, and the right settings; it is not a universal replacement for SMS/MMS.
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- 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
Which app should you use?
If your Galaxy runs Android 12 or later in the U.S.
Samsung recommends switching to Google Messages as the default because Samsung Messages has been discontinued for these devices in the U.S. Samsung’s notice does not apply to devices running Android 11 or lower.
If you live outside the U.S.
Samsung’s discontinuation schedule is explicitly for the U.S., so it should not be treated as a worldwide end-of-service date. Samsung France says Google Messages became the default installed messaging app on new Galaxy phones from 2025, but that information does not establish when Samsung Messages may be discontinued in France or elsewhere. Check Samsung support for your country. Samsung France’s guidance
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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.
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If you are deciding based on RCS
Samsung says RCS in Samsung Messages depends on carrier support and may not work across carriers or include every feature. Google Messages supports RCS on selected devices, but the conversation still needs compatible participants and settings. Samsung says RCS participants need the feature enabled; for the cross-platform compatibility cited in its guidance, Android users need Google Messages and iPhone users need iOS 18 or later. Samsung’s RCS feature guidance
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Google announced on May 11, 2026, that cross-platform end-to-end encrypted RCS was beginning to roll out in beta for iPhone users on iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users running the latest Google Messages. Google said encryption is enabled by default and would be enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations. This is a rollout announcement, not a guarantee that every RCS chat is encrypted today. Google’s announcement
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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.
How to switch to Google Messages
- Check your Android version. Open Settings > About phone or, on a tablet, About tablet > Software information. Samsung’s U.S. guidance recommends switching on affected devices running Android 12 or later. Menu names may vary by model or software version. Samsung’s troubleshooting instructions
- Open or install Google Messages. If prompted, accept the option to make it your default SMS app. You can also set it manually: open Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app, then select Google Messages. Google documents the default-app process, while Samsung notes that screens can vary by device and carrier. Google’s instructions
- Let the conversation transfer finish. Samsung says messages and conversations transfer automatically, and the full transfer can take up to approximately 24 hours depending on how much data you have. Google notes that a first-time import of history and media can briefly increase battery use. Samsung’s migration guidance Google’s import guidance
- Check connected devices separately. Samsung’s cited guidance supports Google Messages on Galaxy Watch4 and newer models. Older Tizen watches can still read and send texts, but cannot display the full message history after discontinuation. Tablet functions may require account sign-in, pairing, settings, and compatible carrier and device support. Samsung’s device guidance Google’s device guidance
If you are moving to a different phone or want a separate backup, Samsung documents Smart Switch and Google Drive as software-based options. Those are distinct from changing the default messaging app. Samsung’s transfer and backup guidance
Will switching make you lose your texts?
Samsung says conversations transfer automatically to Google Messages when you switch. The transfer may take up to approximately 24 hours depending on the amount of data, so avoid assuming the import has failed while it is still in progress. Google also notes that importing message history and media for the first time can briefly use more battery. A change of default app is not the same process as moving to a new phone or creating a separate backup.
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.
What happens to RCS chats during the switch?
Samsung warns that RCS conversations may pause temporarily on Samsung devices released before 2022. According to Samsung, they can resume if both participants use Google Messages; SMS and MMS remain available during the pause. RCS availability depends on compatible devices, participants, and settings, so not every conversation will have the same behavior.
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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
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