Yes, Samsung Messages stops sending texts on July 6, 2026, for all US Galaxy phones running Android 12 or newer — but switching to Google Messages takes about two minutes and automatically transfers your entire message history.
I confirmed the July 6 deadline by cross-referencing Samsung's official discontinuation page with Android Authority's in-app notification report and 9to5Google's final reminder from July 2. The scam warnings come from firsthand reader accounts documented by CyberGuy and Fox News — fake SMS messages exploiting the transition are actively circulating.
What's Happening?
After nearly 17 years as a Galaxy staple, Samsung is shutting down its Messages app for US users. The transition has been in progress since 2022, when Google Messages became the default SMS app on the Galaxy S22 series, but the July 6, 2026 cutoff is the hard deadline — after this date, Samsung Messages will no longer send or receive SMS, MMS, or RCS messages.
This only affects the US market. International Galaxy users can continue using Samsung Messages as usual. The Galaxy S26 series (2026) is the first to ship entirely without the app pre-installed.
Are You Affected?
Check your device against these criteria:
Affected: US Galaxy phones on Android 12 or newer. Your Samsung Messages app will stop working July 6.
NOT affected: Android 11 or older — these devices can keep using Samsung Messages normally. International Galaxy users worldwide.
Auto-migration: Galaxy devices on Android 14+ will automatically shift their default messaging app to Google Messages, including the homescreen icon. You may not need to do anything manually.
Galaxy S26 series: These phones shipped without Samsung Messages pre-installed. The app cannot be downloaded on them.
Step-by-Step: How to Switch to Google Messages
If Google Messages Is Already on Your Phone
Most Galaxy S22+ and Z Fold4+ users already have Google Messages installed. Open the app (white icon with a blue conversation bubble), tap "Set default SMS app" when prompted, select Google Messages, and tap "Set as default." That's it.
If Google Messages Is Not Installed
Download Google Messages from the Play Store (it's free). Open it, tap "Set default SMS app," and confirm.
Extra Step for Android 12/13 Users
Google Messages does not automatically move into your home dock on these versions. Long-press the Samsung Messages icon in the dock and remove it, then find Google Messages in the app drawer, long-press to add it to the home screen, and drag it into the dock.
For Samsung Cloud Users
If you rely on Samsung Cloud for backups, go to Settings → Accounts and backup → Samsung Cloud → Restore data, select the backup containing your texts, and restore Messages. Then proceed with the default app switch to ensure your full history transfers.
Note: Message history transfers automatically between apps, but it can take up to 24 hours for large histories. If your texts don't appear immediately, restart your phone and update both Google Messages and Carrier Services from the Play Store.
⚠️ Active Scam Campaign Exploiting the Shutdown
Scammers are actively targeting Samsung Messages users. Campaigns verified by Fox News (April 2026), CyberGuy (June 30, 2026), Techlicious, and IBTimes show fraudsters sending fake SMS messages claiming "your Samsung Messages app is expiring" or "account verification needed," with links to fake login pages designed to steal credentials.
How to Spot the Difference
Remember: Samsung never asks for login credentials through a text message. If a text asks you to "verify your Samsung account" or "complete the switch" via a link, it is a scam. The legitimate switch happens entirely inside the apps on your phone.
Smartwatch Users: What Changes
Galaxy Watch 4+ (Wear OS): Google Messages is available natively on these watches. Full functionality — reading, replying, viewing conversation threads — is preserved after the switch.
Galaxy Watch 3 and older (Tizen OS): These watches cannot run Google Messages. After July 6, you can still send and receive texts from the watch, but you lose the ability to view full conversation threads or message history on the watch display.
What You Gain After Switching
The transition isn't all loss. Google Messages brings significant upgrades:
RCS with cross-platform E2EE: As of iOS 26.5, RCS messaging between Android and iPhone now includes end-to-end encryption — encrypted cross-platform messaging is finally here.
AI-powered scam detection: Google Messages automatically flags suspicious texts and blocks links in spam messages.
Gemini AI integration: Smart reply suggestions and AI photo editing inside conversations.
Messages for Web: Text from any browser without installing extra software — just scan a QR code.
Multi-device connectivity: Seamlessly switch chats between your phone, tablet, and smartwatch.
If you're into exploring alternative Android apps, check out our guide on LibrePods for open-source AirPods features on Android and our roundup of 14 open-source Android gems you've been missing.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues
"My texts didn't transfer": Wait up to 24 hours. Restart your phone, then update both Google Messages and Carrier Services via Play Store.
"I lost RCS during the switch": This can happen on pre-2022 phones. RCS resumes once both parties are on Google Messages. SMS/MMS work fine throughout.
"Where's my dock icon?": Android 12/13 users — manually move Google Messages into the dock (see the step-by-step above).
FAQ
Will Samsung Messages still work after July 6 for emergency calls?
Yes. While the app stops sending SMS, MMS, and RCS messages, emergency calls and texts to 911 and defined emergency contacts will still function after the shutdown.
Does the Samsung Messages shutdown affect Galaxy users outside the US?
No. The shutdown is limited to the US market only. International Galaxy users can continue using Samsung Messages normally with no changes.
What happens to my Samsung Cloud message backups after the shutdown?
Your Samsung Cloud backups remain accessible. You can still restore message backups from Samsung Cloud after switching to Google Messages — just follow the Samsung Cloud restore steps before changing your default SMS app.
My take: While losing a 17-year-old app feels abrupt, Google Messages genuinely delivers a better experience — especially with cross-platform RCS encryption finally working between Android and iOS. The real risk here isn't the switch itself; it's the scam campaign. If you take one thing away from this article, let it be this: the official transition requires zero action outside your phone's settings. Any text asking you to click a link is a fraud.
References
Samsung Messages — Official End of Service Page — Samsung confirms the discontinuation
Samsung Messages stops working July 6: how to switch — Techlicious — Complete step-by-step guide
Here's when Samsung Messages will officially shut down — Android Authority — July 6 confirmed via in-app notification
Samsung Messages shuts down in favor of Google Messages on July 6 — 9to5Google — Final reminder and timeline
Samsung Messages shuts down this month: What to do now — CyberGuy — Scam documentation and reader experiences
Originally published on TekMag
Top comments (0)