Samsung Messages has reached its end-of-service date in the US for Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer. The change took effect on July 6, 2026, with Samsung directing affected users to switch to Google Messages for ongoing messaging support.
Samsung says Google Messages will continue to provide reliable messaging services, while notices about the transition are available on Samsung.com and in-app alerts. Users who have not moved yet should expect prompts encouraging them to make Google Messages their primary texting app.
The change formalizes a transition that has been underway for several years. Samsung began shipping Google Messages as the default messaging app on many Galaxy phones in 2021, while still leaving Samsung Messages available as an alternative. That option is now being phased out for a large share of US users.
What does the end of service mean
Samsung has not publicly detailed every function that changes after the July 6 cutoff. Its notice indicates that Samsung Messages is no longer receiving ongoing service support on eligible Android 12 and newer devices in the US.
Users should switch to Google Messages rather than wait for a later app notification. The app supports standard SMS and MMS messaging, as well as Rich Communication Services (RCS), where carrier and contact support are available.
RCS adds features more familiar to internet-based chat apps, including typing indicators, read receipts, higher-quality media sharing, and improved group messaging. Google Messages has also become Android’s main RCS platform as cross-platform support expands following Apple’s adoption of RCS in iOS 18.
Samsung Messages remains usable for basic texting on some devices, and some Galaxy owners may prefer its interface or Samsung-specific integrations. But Google Messages has received more active development around RCS and cross-platform messaging.
Why Samsung is moving users to Google Messages
The decision removes overlap between Samsung’s messaging app and Google’s Android messaging platform. It also puts Galaxy users on the same RCS-focused app used by a growing number of Android phone makers.
There may still be trade-offs for longtime Samsung Messages users. Custom conversation settings, app layouts, and certain Samsung-specific preferences may not carry over in the same form. Samsung has said it will provide guidance for the switch, though the company has not outlined every migration detail in its end-of-service notice.
The July 6 deadline applies specifically to US devices running Android 12 or newer. Older Galaxy phones may not be affected immediately, and Samsung has not confirmed whether the same plan will extend to other regions.
Google Messages is already installed on many recent Galaxy models, so the transition may be straightforward for users who selected it during setup. Here are the steps to how to switch to Google Messages from Samsung US.
