Samsung Messages US shutdown is officially near: Here’s how to switch to Google Messages

Samsung Messages is set to shutdown in the US next week. Following the initial announcement in April 2026, Samsung is now notifying Galaxy users of the exact date of the shutdown of the native messaging application.

July 8 is the date when Samsung Messages will shutdown in the US. Galaxy users who are still on Samsung Messages are seeing an in-app notification. The page reveals the date and encourages users to switch to Google Messages.

It’s worth noting that Samsung Messages will stay online outside the US even after July 6, 2026. However, it’s unclear how long the Galaxy’s in-house messaging app will survive in countries other than the United States.

Switch to Google Messages

Samsung recommends users make Google Messages their default messaging app. The switch will ensure users won’t face any interruption with the messaging function.

Google Messages is equipped with Android’s expansive RCS support. The new standard offers a next-generation messaging experience with useful features such as reactions and replies.

If you are still on Samsung Messages, it’s good to make the switch instead of waiting for the deadline to arrive.

To make Google Messages the default, open Google Messages, and the app will walk you through the entire process, and your chats will also appear inside the application.