Samsung has confirmed that its Messages app will be discontinued in July 2026, transitioning users to Google Messages as the default messaging application. After this date, Samsung Messages will no longer send or receive texts, except for emergency contacts.
Samsung advises users to switch to Google Messages to maintain messaging functionality. The company stated, “Samsung Messages will no longer send or receive texts, unless for emergency numbers or emergency contacts identified in your phone.” This shift aims to provide enhanced features such as AI-powered scan detection and spam filters that block unwanted messages.
Devices running Android 11 or older will not be affected by this discontinuation, allowing users on these platforms to continue using Samsung Messages. However, Samsung has stopped allowing the app to be downloaded on newer Galaxy phones, indicating a clear phase-out strategy.
As part of the transition, users may receive in-app prompts to set Google Messages as their default SMS app easily. Samsung has published an official notice confirming the discontinuation of the Messages app, which will also no longer be available for download from the Galaxy Store after the cut-off date.
Samsung’s decision to discontinue its messaging app follows a trend that began in 2024 when the company stopped pre-installing the Messages app on flagship Galaxy devices. This move has been seen as a strategic shift towards integrating more advanced messaging capabilities offered by Google.
Observers expect that the transition to Google Messages will streamline user experience and enhance messaging features across Samsung devices. Users are encouraged to make the switch before the July 2026 deadline to avoid disruption in their messaging services.
Once the app is discontinued, sending messages via Samsung Messages on your phone will no longer be possible, except for emergency service numbers or emergency contacts defined in your device. Samsung’s transition to Google Messages marks a significant change in how users will communicate on their devices moving forward.
