Samsung has moved Galaxy phones to Google Messages, and in the US it discontinued the Samsung Messages app on July 6, 2026 for phones running Android 12 or later. The good news: you don’t need to export or import anything. Your texts are stored by Android itself, not inside the Samsung app, so when you make Google Messages your default, your existing conversations show up automatically. This guide covers the switch, what carries over, and how to back up your messages for safety.
Quick Answer
Install or open Google Messages from the Play Store, tap Set default SMS app, choose Messages, and confirm. Your SMS and MMS conversations appear in Google Messages automatically; large histories can take a while (Samsung says up to 24 hours) to fully show.
How to Switch From Samsung Messages to Google Messages
- Open the Play Store, search for Google Messages, and install or update it. (Many newer Galaxy phones already have it.)
- Open Messages (the blue Google icon).
- Tap Set default SMS app when prompted.
- Select Messages and tap Set as default.
- Allow the permissions it asks for (contacts, notifications, phone).
- Wait for your conversations to load. Keep the app open and the phone connected to Wi-Fi if you have a lot of messages.
If you don’t see the prompt, go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app and select Messages.
What Transfers and What Doesn’t
| Item | Transfers automatically? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SMS text messages | Yes | Stored by Android, so they appear right away or within hours |
| MMS (photos, group texts) | Yes | Same as SMS |
| RCS chat messages | Usually | Some older phones (pre-2022) may temporarily lose active RCS conversations; turn on RCS chats in Google Messages settings |
| Scheduled messages, blocked lists, app settings | No | Recreate them in Google Messages |
| Message folders or archives in Samsung Messages | Partly | Conversations appear; Samsung-specific organization doesn’t |
Turn On RCS Chat Features
- In Google Messages, tap your profile picture > Messages settings.
- Tap RCS chats and turn on Turn on RCS chats.
- Wait until the status says Connected.
RCS gives you typing indicators, read receipts, high-quality photos, and Wi-Fi messaging. RCS chats between Android users are end-to-end encrypted.
Back Up Your Messages (Recommended)
Switching apps doesn’t delete anything, but a backup protects you if something goes wrong or you change phones.
- Google backup: Settings > Google > Backup (or Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Drive) and make sure backup is on. It includes SMS and MMS.
- Samsung Cloud / Smart Switch: you can also back up messages to Samsung Cloud or to a computer with Smart Switch before switching.
Clean Up After Switching
- Replace Samsung Messages with Google Messages in your Home screen dock or favorites.
- Galaxy Watch owners with older watches (Galaxy Watch 3 or earlier) may see limited message threads; newer watches work with Google Messages.
- Pair Google Messages with a computer at messages.google.com/web if you text from your PC.
Troubleshooting
- Old messages missing: give it time, keep the app open, and check that Google Messages is the default SMS app. Restart the phone if nothing appears after a few hours.
- RCS stuck on “Connecting”: check your mobile data, turn RCS off and on, and make sure your phone number is verified in RCS settings.
- Android 11 or older: these phones aren’t affected by the shutdown and can keep using Samsung Messages, but switching still works the same way.
Related: How to back up Google Messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will switching delete my messages?
No. Both apps read the same message storage on your phone.
Can I switch back to Samsung Messages?
On US phones running Android 12 or later, Samsung Messages is no longer supported. In other regions or on older software, you can change the default SMS app back in Settings.
Does Google Messages work with iPhone users?
Yes. It sends SMS/MMS or RCS to iPhones depending on their iOS version and carrier support.
Summary
- Install or open Google Messages.
- Set it as your default SMS app.
- Wait for your existing conversations to appear.
- Turn on RCS chats and keep a Google backup on.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.