Samsung Messages app shutdown is imminent; back up your data now. (Illustrative AI-generated image).
- Samsung Messages will cease functioning in the US in July 2025, requiring users to migrate their texts.
- Switching to Google Messages is the recommended path to preserve conversations and gain access to modern features like RCS.
- RCS (Rich Communication Services) enables features such as high-quality photo sharing, read receipts, and improved group chats.
- Existing messages are typically transferred automatically when setting Google Messages as the default app.
- Backing up messages to Google Drive via Google Messages settings is crucial for data safety.
- Samsung Cloud backups will become inaccessible after the Samsung Messages shutdown, so restoring them to the device before switching is necessary.
Why Samsung Messages Is Going Away
For years, Samsung Messages was the default texting app on Galaxy phones. It worked fine for sending simple SMS and MMS. But the world of texting has changed. Google pushed hard for a new standard called RCS (Rich Communication Services). RCS offers features like high-quality photos, read receipts, typing indicators, and better group chats across different phones.
Google wanted a single standard for Android messaging. Samsung, at least in the US, decided to adopt Google’s approach. The company announced that Samsung Messages will stop working for US users in July 2025. After that, you won’t be able to send or receive texts through the app. Your messages may disappear or become unreadable.
This decision has drawn criticism. Some users worry about trusting Google with all their messages. However, the reality is straightforward: if you want to continue texting on your Samsung phone, you need to switch to Google Messages or another compatible app before the deadline.
Samsung does not offer an official alternative. While third-party apps like Textra or Pulse exist, they may have fewer features. Google Messages is the most seamless option. It works well with Samsung phones, supports RCS, and is free. The clock is ticking. Here’s what you need to do to save your Samsung messages.
What Happens If You Don’t Switch from Samsung Messages
If you do nothing, your Samsung Messages app will stop working. You won’t be able to send new texts, and your old conversations may become inaccessible. Samsung Cloud backups of your messages will also be useless because the app that reads them will no longer function.
This means losing years of personal conversations, important information like confirmation codes, and precious memories. Text messages often serve as a digital diary, and losing them can be painful. The good news is you can avoid this by taking a few simple steps before July.
The switch itself is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced technical skills. Follow the guide below, and you’ll be able to migrate your texts successfully.
Step-by-Step: How to Move Your Texts to Google Messages
Before you start, ensure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi to avoid data charges and that you have a stable internet connection. The entire process should take less than 15 minutes.
- Install Google Messages – If you don’t have it, search for “Messages by Google” in the Google Play Store. Download and install the free and safe app.
- Open Google Messages – Tap the app icon. It will prompt you to set it as your default SMS app. Tap “Yes” or “Set as default.” This action does not delete any existing data on your phone.
- Grant Permissions – Google Messages requires access to your SMS, MMS, and notifications. Allow all requested permissions for the app to function correctly.
- Wait for Messages to Appear – Your existing texts are stored on your phone in a shared database. Google Messages reads this database, so your old conversations should appear automatically. If they don’t, try restarting your phone.
- Enable RCS – Once Google Messages is open, tap the three dots in the top right corner, go to Settings, then Chat features. Follow the prompts to turn on RCS for an enhanced texting experience.
- Backup Your Messages (Optional but Recommended) – Before the Samsung Messages shutdown, you can back up your messages to Google Drive. In Google Messages, go to Settings > Chat backup and turn on backup. This saves your messages in case of any issues.
Once completed, your texts will be in Google Messages, and you can start using it immediately. The old Samsung Messages app can be uninstalled or left as is; it simply won’t function after July.
What to Do About Group Chats and RCS
Group chats can be a bit complex due to differences in how Samsung Messages and Google Messages handle them. After switching, some group chats might appear as separate threads or may not show up immediately.
First, ensure everyone in the group chat is using an RCS-supporting messaging app. If they use Google Messages, WhatsApp, or another RCS-capable app, the transition will be smoother. If some participants are still using SMS or iMessage, group chats might behave unexpectedly.
Second, confirm that RCS is enabled. Without RCS, group chats can become disorganized, with compressed photos, out-of-order messages, and missed replies. RCS resolves these issues, offering a modern texting experience.
For large group chats, consider creating a new one after switching. Ask everyone to use Google Messages or another RCS app to ensure a consistent experience. While it requires a little effort, it’s worth it for better communication.
A common issue after switching is seeing duplicate conversations. This happens because your phone might still hold old threads from Samsung Messages, and the new app creates new ones. To fix this, disable SMS in Samsung Messages settings (if the app is still installed) or uninstall it. The duplicate threads usually merge on their own after a day or two.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Google Messages
Now that you’ve switched, you can adjust a few settings to improve your texting experience. Here are some of the most useful tips:
- Turn on Spam Protection – In Google Messages settings, enable “Spam protection” to filter out scam texts and keep your inbox clean.
- Enable Suggested Replies – Google Messages can predict responses. In Settings > Suggestions, turn on “Smart replies” to save time.
- Use Message Search – Google Messages features a powerful search bar at the top. You can find specific words, dates, or contact names, which is more efficient than scrolling.
- Send High-Quality Photos – With RCS enabled, photos and videos sent via Messages will have less compression, resulting in better quality compared to SMS.
- Pin Important Conversations – Long-press a chat and tap the pin icon. This keeps crucial conversations at the top of your list, ideal for family or work threads.
- Set a Backup Schedule – In Settings > Chat backup, choose a backup frequency (daily, weekly, or monthly) to protect your messages in case your phone is lost or damaged.
These simple, free settings enhance Google Messages, making it feel like a modern communication tool.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Migration
Minor errors during the migration process can lead to significant issues. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:
- Not Backing Up Before Switching – If your phone crashes or is reset during the process, you could lose everything. Always back up your messages to Google Drive first.
- Ignoring the Default App Prompt – Some users install Google Messages but forget to set it as the default SMS app. This means texts will continue to go through Samsung Messages, and you’ll miss messages after the July shutdown. Always confirm “Set as default.”
- Forgetting About RCS – Without RCS, you’re limited to basic SMS features. Ensure you enable it immediately after switching for read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media.
- Uninstalling Samsung Messages Too Soon – Wait until after the July deadline to uninstall Samsung Messages. Keep it as a fallback option until it officially stops working.
- Not Checking Permissions – Google Messages needs access to SMS, MMS, Phone, and Notifications. Denying these can cause the app to malfunction. Review permissions in your phone’s settings.
- Assuming All Messages Transfer Automatically – While most messages transfer seamlessly, some older messages might not appear. If this happens, you may need to restore from a Samsung Cloud backup first.
Take your time and read each step carefully to prevent mistakes.
What About Samsung Cloud Backups?
Many Samsung users back up their messages to Samsung Cloud. However, these backups are tied to the Samsung Messages app. Once the app stops working, you won’t be able to access these backups on your phone.
Before July, you need to move your Samsung Cloud messages to a format that Google Messages can read. Here’s how:
- Restore from Samsung Cloud – Go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud. Select “Restore data” and choose Messages. Restore them to your phone. This makes the messages accessible within the Samsung Messages app on your device.
- Switch to Google Messages – After restoring, follow the steps to make Google Messages your default SMS app. The restored messages should then appear in Google Messages as they are now stored on your phone.
- Back Up to Google Drive – Once you confirm the messages are in Google Messages, go to Settings > Chat backup and enable backup to Google Drive. This ensures future messages are safely stored in a compatible format.
Restoring from Samsung Cloud can take time, especially with many messages. Do this when you have ample time. Also, note that Samsung Cloud might not retain messages older than a year. Check your backup contents; if you have critical old texts, consider exporting them manually or taking screenshots.
Final Checklist Before the Deadline
Use this checklist to ensure you’ve completed all necessary steps before the Samsung Messages shutdown:
- Deadline Awareness – The app stops working in July 2025. Mark your calendar and act well before the last week.
- Google Messages Installed – Confirm the app is downloaded and installed.
- Set as Default SMS App – Verify in Settings > Apps > Default apps > SMS app that “Messages by Google” is selected.
- RCS Enabled – Open Google Messages, go to Settings > Chat features, and ensure “Chat features” are connected and active.
- Backup to Google Drive Confirmed – Enable Chat backup and check that a recent backup exists.
- Samsung Cloud Messages Restored – If you have messages in Samsung Cloud, restore them now, as they will be inaccessible after July.
- Test Group Chats – Send a test message to a group chat and confirm replies are received correctly.
- Permissions Reviewed – Check App info for Google Messages and ensure SMS, MMS, Phone, and Notifications permissions are granted.
- Uninstall Samsung Messages (Post-Deadline) – Wait until after July to uninstall or disable the app. Keep it as a fallback until the shutdown date.
- Inform Contacts – If you frequently use group chats, let your contacts know about your switch and encourage them to use RCS-compatible apps.
You are now prepared. The deadline is approaching, but with timely action, you can easily save your Samsung messages. Don’t wait; switch today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Samsung Messages stop working?
Samsung Messages is scheduled to stop working for US users in July 2025. The exact date within the month has not been specified, so it's best to switch before then.
What happens to my old messages if I don't switch?
If you don't switch, your old conversations may become inaccessible, and you will be unable to send or receive new texts through the Samsung Messages app after the deadline.
Do I need to pay to use Google Messages?
No, Google Messages is a free application available on the Google Play Store. It is the default messaging app on many Android phones and offers advanced features like RCS at no extra cost.
Will my existing text messages transfer automatically?
Yes, when you set Google Messages as your default SMS app, it reads your phone's existing message database, and your old conversations should appear automatically within the new app.
What is RCS and why is it important?
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is an upgrade to SMS/MMS that enables features like high-quality photo and video sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, and more reliable group chats across different devices and carriers.
How can I back up my messages before the Samsung Messages shutdown?
You can back up your messages within Google Messages by going to Settings > Chat backup and enabling the backup option to Google Drive. It's also wise to restore any messages from Samsung Cloud to your device before the app stops working.
What should I do if I have messages stored in Samsung Cloud?
You must restore your messages from Samsung Cloud back to your phone via Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud > Restore data before switching to Google Messages. Once restored to your device, they should appear in Google Messages.
