Samsung Messages is about to shut down for good – why were you still using it? [Poll]

Ben Schoon | Apr 7 2026 - 8:30 am PT

After years of back and forth, Samsung Messages is officially shutting down for good in July and, while most were already on Google Messages, the switch is frustrating to some. Why were you still using Samsung’s app?

Google Messages and Samsung Messages both exist to serve the same core purpose – allowing you to send and receive SMS and RCS messages through your phone number. And both are pretty good at that job. However, the switch to RCS on Android came with basically everyone moving over to Google Messages. As a result, Samsung Messages largely took a backseat.

Over the years, Samsung Messages has been prioritized less and less in new Samsung releases, though it did see a bit of a revival in 2025 with the addition of RCS support as well as some new features.

That’s why last week’s announcement that Samsung Messages would be fully discontinued came as a bit of a surprise.

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As of July 2026, Samsung Messages will no longer be operable outside of emergency situations, with Samsung directing all users on Android 12 and higher to Google Messages instead.

It’s pulling some mixed reactions from Galaxy users.

Some are simply upset to hand over control to Google, but the most common complaint I’ve been seeing is over the loss of customizability. Quite a few Samsung Messages users are frustrated that, while Samsung Messages could integrate with theme packs on their Galaxy device for a full makeover, Google Messages lacks any of that customization. It’s understandable that users are frustrated around this – it’s not like they have any choice. Even if a third-party app could offer the customization Samsung is losing, RCS was locked solely to Samsung and Google’s apps.

*A few examples of Samsung Messages themes – the Galaxy Store blocks screenshots of the actual demo*

Themes are arguably the biggest loss here. In terms of actual features and layout, Google Messages is at least largely on par with Samsung’s offering.

But what are your thoughts?

What will you miss about the Samsung Messages app and, if you’ve still been using it, what’s your biggest reason? Vote in the poll below and leave a comment!