Samsung users now have a clear deadline to move away from Samsung Messages. The built-in messaging app is set to be discontinued on 6 July 2026, and shutdown notices are already appearing on devices.
The transition matters because old conversations could be overlooked if users have not prepared a move to Google Messages. For those who have been delaying the switch, the migration can still be handled directly from the phone.
Why Samsung is ending Samsung Messages
Samsung says the change is part of a broader effort to keep messaging experiences consistent across Android. The company also points to several advantages offered by Google Messages over its older app.
Those benefits include stronger spam and scam protection, better media sharing through RCS, Gemini features, and improved connectivity with smartwatches and tablets.
How to move old messages safely
Users may already see prompts on-screen encouraging them to switch to Google Messages. Even if that notice has not appeared yet, the move can still be completed manually.
The first step is to make sure old text messages are stored locally on the phone or saved in Samsung Cloud. That check is important because Google Messages needs access to message data that already exists on the device.
| Migration Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Settings, then Accounts and backup, then Samsung Cloud | Find the backup that contains messages |
| 2 | Select Restore data, choose the backup, then tick Messages | Bring SMS data back onto the phone |
| 3 | Tap Restore | Restore messages before changing the default app |
| 4 | Open Google Messages and set it as the default SMS app | Make Google Messages the main app for SMS |
If messages are still in the cloud and need to be moved into Google Messages, Samsung recommends restoring them first through Samsung Cloud. After that, users can open Google Messages or download it if it is not already installed.
The app will then display a prompt asking to make it the default SMS application. Users should tap Set default SMS app, choose Google Messages, and confirm with Set as default.
What to check after the switch
Users should avoid deleting Samsung Messages too quickly. It is better to confirm first that every old conversation appears in Google Messages.
If older messages are still missing, Google recommends restarting the phone after Google Messages becomes the default app. That simple step can help the system reload the message data already on the device.
If the problem continues, users should check for updates in the Play Store. Google advises updating both Google Messages and Carrier Services.
Additional note for Android 12 and Android 13
There is one extra detail for phones running Android 12 and Android 13. On those versions, Google Messages does not automatically move into the dock on the home screen after becoming the default app.
To place it where Samsung Messages used to sit, users can press and hold the Samsung Messages icon in the dock and choose Remove. Then they should press and hold the Google Messages icon, select Add to Home, and drag it into the dock.
That step does not affect message content, but it can make the transition feel more familiar. For many Galaxy owners, easier access on the home screen may help the switch feel less abrupt before Samsung Messages stops operating on 6 July 2026.