Full Breakdown
Samsung to Retire Samsung Messages App in July, Urges Users to Switch to Google Messages
5/4/2026, 2:06:24 AM
July Sunset of Samsung Messages
Samsung, the electronics company, announced that its Samsung Messages app will be retired in July 2024, ending support for SMS, MMS, and RCS in the United States. After deactivation, the app will only allow messaging to emergency services. Samsung has not disclosed the exact day in July when the service will cease.
Background and Transition Timeline
Samsung stopped making Samsung Messages the default app in 2021 and began moving users to Google Messages. In 2024 Samsung stopped preinstalling its app alongside Google Messages, making Google Messages the default on new Galaxy devices such as the Galaxy S26. Samsung now offers online instructions for Android 12 and 13 phones to complete the switch.
Impact on Phones and Wearables
The Galaxy S26 cannot download Samsung Messages, and after July other phones will lose the ability to install it. Samsung notes Android 11 or lower devices are not directly affected, though switching to a supported app is advised. Tizen-based Galaxy Watch models will retain basic texting but lose full conversation history because they cannot use Google Messages. In contrast, Galaxy Watch 4 and later models running WearOS will continue to show full conversations.
Official Statements & Responses
Samsung confirmed the July retirement of Samsung Messages, ending SMS, MMS, and RCS support in the United States. The company said Android 11 or lower users are not directly impacted but should switch to a supported app. For wearables, Samsung stated Tizen watches can still read and send texts but will not display full conversation history, while WearOS watches retain full access. Samsung provided step-by-step guidance for downloading Google Messages and setting it as the default SMS app. A Samsung representative did not respond to a request for additional comment.
Criticism and Opposition
The announcement does not specify the exact day in July when Samsung Messages will cease functioning, leaving users uncertain about the timing of the transition. Samsung’s lack of response to inquiries has been noted as a shortfall in communication. Owners of Tizen-based Galaxy Watches face reduced functionality without an alternative messaging solution, raising concerns about device obsolescence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No precise shutdown date within July has been disclosed, and Samsung has not provided further comment beyond the initial confirmation, resulting in limited clarification on the transition timeline for affected devices.
What’s Next for Users
Users should download Google Messages from Play Store if not already installed, launch it, and follow Samsung’s prompts to set it as the default SMS app. Samsung’s online guide provides step-by-step instructions for Android 12 and 13 devices. Owners of older Tizen watches should consider alternative texting methods, as full conversation sync will no longer be available. Samsung will continue to support emergency-service messaging through the deactivated Samsung Messages app until July cutoff.
