Samsung to Retire Messages App in the U.S. by July 2026—Users Told to Switch to Google Messages

Samsung will retire its Messages app in the U.S. in July 2026. Here’s what changes, who’s affected, and how to switch to Google Messages.

ASOasis

Apr 7, 2026

4 min read

Samsung confirms end-of-service for its Messages app in the U.S.

Samsung will discontinue its Samsung Messages app in July 2026 and is directing affected users to switch to Google Messages. The company published an end‑of‑service notice on its U.S. support site and says the exact cutoff date will appear inside the Samsung Messages app on each device. (samsung.com )

What’s changing and when

End of service: July 2026 (users should check the in‑app banner for the specific date on their device). (samsung.com )
Market scope: The announcement explicitly applies to the U.S. market. (samsung.com )
Functionality after cutoff: Once discontinued, sending messages via Samsung Messages will no longer be possible, except to emergency numbers or designated emergency contacts. Downloads of Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store will also cease. (samsung.com )

Some users report receiving notifications that cite July 6, 2026 as the cutoff; however, Samsung’s official guidance is to refer to the in‑app notice for the precise date. (nbcchicago.com )

Why Samsung is making the move

Samsung frames the transition as a way to deliver a more consistent Android messaging experience via Google Messages, including:

RCS messaging features (typing indicators, higher‑quality media, enhanced group chats). (samsung.com )
Access to Google’s Gemini‑powered features like image “Remix” and smart reply suggestions. (samsung.com )
Better cross‑platform sharing quality as RCS rolls out across Android and iOS. (samsung.com )

Who is affected (and who isn’t)

Affected: U.S. Galaxy phone and tablet owners using Samsung Messages on Android 12 or newer. Some devices released before 2022 may see temporary RCS conversation interruptions until both sides move to Google Messages; SMS/MMS continue to work. (samsung.com )
Not affected: Devices on Android 11 or older. (samsung.com )
Wearables: Older Tizen‑based Galaxy watches (pre‑Watch4) won’t show full conversation history after the switch but can still read and send texts. (samsung.com )

The bigger picture: a years‑long shift

Samsung has been phasing out its own texting client for several product cycles:

By mid‑2024, Samsung said Google Messages would be the default on new Galaxy phones in key markets, and U.S. units of the Z Fold 6/Z Flip 6 shipped with Google’s app preloaded. (phonearena.com )
The Galaxy S25 series arrived in 2025 without Samsung Messages preinstalled, with Samsung reiterating plans to sunset its app. (androidauthority.com )

This week’s U.S. end‑of‑service notice formalizes the final step for Samsung Messages stateside. (samsung.com )

How to switch to Google Messages now

Samsung provides a straightforward process to make Google Messages your default:

Open or install Google Messages from the Play Store.
When prompted, set it as your default SMS app.
On Android 12/13, you may need to manually move the Google Messages icon into your home screen dock after switching. (samsung.com )

Tip: If you rely on RCS “Chat features,” ensure they’re enabled inside Google Messages settings after you switch. (samsung.com )

What happens after July 2026

Sending messages in Samsung Messages will be blocked (emergency numbers/contacts excepted). (samsung.com )
Galaxy Store downloads of Samsung Messages stop for all devices; Galaxy S26 and newer already cannot download it. (samsung.com )

Outside the U.S.

Samsung’s notice and timeline are U.S.‑specific; the company has not detailed a global cutoff. Coverage reiterates that the end‑of‑service message was posted on the U.S. support site, and Samsung did not immediately clarify plans for other regions. (apnews.com )

What users should know about RCS and iPhone chats

Moving to Google Messages positions Galaxy owners to benefit from RCS for richer messaging, including when chatting with iPhone users as Apple rolls out RCS support on iOS 18‑series software. Samsung’s U.S. notice references RCS availability across Android and iOS with current iOS requirements. (samsung.com )

Quick checklist for Galaxy owners

Check Samsung Messages for your exact cutoff date and any migration prompts. (samsung.com )
Install Google Messages and set it as default now to avoid disruption. (samsung.com )
Re‑enable RCS “Chat features” in Google Messages if needed. (samsung.com )
If you use a Tizen‑era Galaxy watch, expect limited conversation history post‑switch. (samsung.com )

Reader notes and early reactions

U.S. media and Android watchers report the same July 2026 cutoff and highlight that Samsung has been winding down its app for several generations. Yahoo’s tech desk, among others, points readers to the U.S. support post and the shift to Google Messages. (tech.yahoo.com )

Bottom line

For U.S. Galaxy owners, Samsung Messages is entering its final months. Switch to Google Messages now to keep RCS features and avoid interruptions when the cutoff arrives in July 2026. Samsung’s notice provides step‑by‑step guidance and details on exceptions, including legacy watches and older Android versions. (samsung.com )