Samsung has confirmed that the Samsung Messages app will only be discontinued in the United States starting July 2026. Users in other regions can continue using the app until further notice, as Samsung says there are currently no plans for a global shutdown. So if you are outside the US, nothing changes for you right now.
What Happens After July in the US
Once the app is discontinued, sending messages via Samsung Messages will no longer be possible, except for emergency service numbers or emergency contacts defined on your device. The app does not just get hidden; it stops working entirely for regular texts.
Devices running Android 11 or lower, phones like the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9, will continue to have the app functioning even after July. Everyone else needs to switch. Owners of the Galaxy S26 and newer devices cannot download the Samsung Messages app from the Galaxy Store. All other devices will lose the ability to download it after the July 2026 cutoff.
Why Did Samsung Make This Move?
Samsung began moving away from its Messages app back in 2024, when flagship Galaxy phones started shipping with Google Messages as the default texting app. The July 2026 shutdown in the US appears to be the final step in that transition.
The push is toward Google Messages, which Samsung says gives users a more consistent Android experience. Samsung says switching to Google Messages will give users access to AI features from Google’s Gemini, including AI-powered reply suggestions and the ability to share higher-quality photos between Android and Apple iOS devices through RCS.
How to Switch to Google Messages
For US users still on Samsung Messages, here is what to do before July:
- Download Google Messages from the Play Store
- Open it and tap Set as default SMS app
- Select Google Messages and tap Set as default
- Back up your message history via Samsung Cloud or Google Drive
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