Technology Samsung Messages App Shuts Down in July 2026, Pushing Users to Google Messages

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Samsung will shut down its Messages app in July 2026, ending support for an application it stopped preinstalling as the default texting app in 2021. Users still using Samsung Messages will need to switch to an alternative before the shutdown date.

Samsung recommends Google Messages and has provided migration instructions for devices running Android 12 and Android 13. The company has not announced a specific date in July when the app will cease functioning. After the shutdown, Samsung Messages will only be able to support calls to emergency services.
 
Samsung is retiring Samsung Messages in July 2026, so users still relying on it should plan to move before then.

What this means

  • Samsung Messages will no longer function normally after the shutdown.
  • According to the quoted report, emergency service calling support will remain, but regular messaging use is expected to end.
  • Samsung has reportedly recommended Google Messages as the replacement.

Practical impact

For most users, this mainly affects:

  • SMS and MMS messaging through Samsung Messages
  • Any chats or settings stored only inside that app
  • Users who have kept older Galaxy devices on Samsung’s messaging app instead of switching already

What users should do before July 2026

  • Install and set up a replacement app such as Google Messages
  • Check whether important conversations are backed up or can be transferred
  • Confirm the new app is set as the default SMS app
  • Test sending and receiving SMS/MMS before the shutdown date

A small caution

It is better to confirm the exact details through Samsung’s official support pages or device notices, because third-party reporting can miss model-specific or region-specific differences.

Bottom line

If this report is accurate, Samsung Messages users should migrate sooner rather than later. Waiting until July 2026 could risk losing access to normal texting functions.