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Samsung to Shut Down Messages App in July

The move steers Galaxy users to Google Messages to unify RCS texting features.

Overview

  • Samsung confirmed on its site and through user notices that Samsung Messages will stop working for standard texts in July 2026.
  • After the cutoff, only emergency messaging will function in the app, and Samsung is telling users to set Google Messages as the default.
  • The company published step-by-step migration guidance, including for phones on Android 12 and 13, and the Galaxy 26 lineup no longer offers the app for download.
  • Older Galaxy Watch models on Tizen will lose access to full conversation history yet can still send texts, while Wear OS watches keep full messaging support.
  • Google Messages adds RCS chat features, multi‑device sync, AI spam and scam filters, and Gemini tools, though many Galaxy users say they will miss themes and other custom options.