Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Switching messaging apps does not guarantee that your old RCS chat history will transfer. Whether past conversations appear in the new app depends on the apps and device involved. Google’s documentation says existing SMS/MMS messages are preserved when switching the default app to Google Messages, but that does not promise that RCS history will be imported into another app.
What happens to your existing conversations?
It helps to separate two questions: whether messages remain stored on your phone, and whether a different app can display and continue those conversations. Google says messages are stored in the device’s SMS database and that other apps may be able to access messages. That does not establish that every app can import or show all RCS chat history.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Google’s switching guidance is specifically about moving to Google Messages: “You won’t lose any existing SMS/MMS messages if you change your default app to Google Messages.” Google’s RCS FAQ makes that assurance for SMS/MMS. It is not a general guarantee for RCS history, nor does it describe moving away from Google Messages.
What to check before changing apps
If keeping old conversations matters, check the current instructions for both your existing app and the destination app before switching. Look for explicit support for importing existing history from your particular app—not just a statement that messages are stored on the phone. Also confirm the destination can be your default SMS app and supports RCS with your device and carrier.
#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.
- History: Does the destination document importing older conversations from your current app?
- Default app: Can it be selected as the phone’s default SMS app?
- RCS support: Is RCS available for that app, device, carrier, and region?
- Encryption: Will existing encrypted conversations remain eligible for end-to-end encryption?
- Your goal: Do you need an archive of old messages, or only reliable delivery of new ones?
Will RCS keep working in the new app?
RCS availability and features depend on the messaging app, device, carrier, region, and whether the other people in the conversation have RCS enabled. Google says RCS features operate when all participants have RCS enabled. If RCS is unavailable, SMS/MMS fallback may be possible, but it does not provide RCS features such as end-to-end encryption.
After a change, check that the new app is the default SMS app and that RCS is enabled and connected, if the app offers those settings. The exact menus vary by app and device; Google’s RCS setup guidance covers Google Messages, not every messaging app.
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.
If messages stop arriving or an encrypted message is unreadable
Messages are not arriving
Google’s guidance for people who changed messaging apps and are not receiving messages is that they may need to turn RCS chats off. Follow the instructions for your current app; Google’s RCS FAQ describes the Google Messages context.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
An encrypted message is missing or unreadable
Google warns that after changing messaging apps or the operating system, Google Messages may not immediately recognize that a conversation is no longer eligible for end-to-end encryption. Some messages may not appear or may arrive unreadable. Google advises updating Google Messages and asking the sender to resend an unreadable message; see its end-to-end encryption troubleshooting guidance.
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.
What the available guidance does—and does not—establish
Google documents how to switch to Google Messages, how RCS works in eligible configurations, and what to try with certain delivery or encryption problems. Those instructions do not establish a universal way to transfer RCS history between providers or apps. The decisive detail is whether the particular destination app supports importing history from the particular app you are leaving.
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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
