Samsung Messages refuses to die. After nearly 16 years, Samsung's announcement that it was killing the service sparked an outcry from users who didn't want to give up the app and switch to Google Messages or other alternatives. Fortunately, the digital protest worked, with Samsung now adding a detail that should cheer up most of its customers.
No more Samsung Messages for American customers
Updated announcement. | Image by Samsung
Samsung has clarified its sunsetting announcement, noting that the change only applies to the US market. Whether this was the original plan or a peace offering following the backlash remains a mystery. Regardless, it's reason enough for customers outside the US to celebrate.
Samsung currently has no plans to discontinue Samsung Messages in countries other than the USA.
Samsung spokesperson, April 2026
Rest easy
Original announcement. | Image by Samsung
This isn't just a temporary reprieve, as Samsung also told German outlet BILD that it currently has no plans to shutter the app outside the US. This means that Samsung is not merely giving non-US customers more time to migrate to another app; it's assuring them that the app isn't going anywhere for the foreseeable future.
Why the attachment?
While Google Messages is a fantastic RCS app that keeps getting better with every update, Samsung Messages is favored by many for its personalization features. Others simply don't want more of Google on their phones.
Recommended For You
if Google keeps controlling more and more of the core Android experience, are Galaxy phones slowly becoming Pixel phones with different hardware?
OkReport5065, Reddit user, April 2026
I dont want this, I want my pretty backgrounds, my ever changing theme colors, and the messaging look. I dont want some generic looking app connected to my email.
Unlucky_Car6455, Reddit user, April 2026
Initially, it wasn't abundantly clear that the app was getting shut down only in the US, but we have confirmation now. However, users on Android 11 or lower will not be affected.
The rationale behind Samsung's decision isn't known.
What would you switch to after Samsung Messages?
How much longer?
Samsung has been deprioritizing its texting app since 2021. From demoting it from default status to not preinstalling it on phones, and now blocking the Galaxy S26 from even downloading it, the South Korean giant made its preference for Google Messages clear.
Paradoxically, Samsung did not stop shipping new features for Samsung Messages, sending mixed signals about its intentions for the app.
While the app lives on for most of the world, this slow deprioritization makes you wonder how much longer it's going to stay put.
Get Visible as low as $20/mo for 1 year. Limited time offer with code: FRESHSTART
$20
/mo
$25
$5 off (20%)
Offer Ends 6.1.2026 at 11.59pm ET. New members get $5/mo off the $25/mg Visible plan, $35/mo Visible+ plan, or $45/mo Visible+ Pro plan for the first 12 months. Promo code FRESHSTART required at checkout.
Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: