Samsung is shutting down this popular messaging app; you won't be able to use it starting in July..

Samsung has set a date for the discontinuation of its legacy messaging app, Samsung Messages. The company has urged users to now transition to Google Messages. On newer Galaxy devices, Google Messages is already being provided as the default messaging app. This shift is being viewed as a significant step toward making the messaging ecosystem more modern and efficient.

**Samsung Messages to Shut Down Starting July 2026**
Samsung has announced on its support website that Samsung Messages will be completely discontinued by July 2026. Although the exact date has not yet been specified, users will continue to receive updates regarding this via in-app notifications. Devices running on Android 11 or older versions will not be affected by this change. Newer smartphones and tablets no longer come with Samsung Messages pre-installed; instead, Google Messages has been designated as the default messaging app.

**How ​​Google Messages Will Become the New Default App**
The company has clarified that, going forward, Google Messages will be the standard messaging application across all Galaxy devices. Users will need to set it as their default SMS app. To do this, a prompt will appear immediately upon opening the app, offering the option to "Set default SMS app." By selecting this option, users can easily make the switch. Samsung has also provided assurances that existing messages and contacts can be transferred or synced using Smart Switch or Google Drive, thereby preventing any data loss.

**Impact on Older Devices and Users**
Samsung's decision will primarily impact users of older devices. Older Samsung Galaxy Watch models—particularly those running on the Tizen OS—do not support Google Messages. Consequently, once Samsung Messages is discontinued, the complete message history will no longer be accessible on these devices. However, users will still be able to send and receive basic text messages. Additionally, some devices launched prior to 2022 may experience issues with RCS services. Furthermore, following the discontinuation of Samsung Messages, it will no longer be possible to send standard messages; the app will remain functional only for communicating with emergency contacts or services.

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