- Samsung Messages is being shut down in July
- Users are unhappy about the closure, and especially with the suggestion that they move to Google Messages
- Over on Reddit, Samsung owners have posted their favorite alternative messaging apps
Samsung recently announced that it would be shutting down Samsung Messages in July 2026, and encouraged users to switch to Google Messages — but it seems that some users aren’t happy with the closure.
Across various Reddit threads, users have expressed disappointment, saying things like “we might as well get Google Pixels”, and “just switched and I already hate it”.
And the Pixel comment is a fair point — after all, people buy Samsung phones as much for their software as their hardware, and now there’s one less point of differentiation on that front.
It’s worth noting that not everyone is mad about this change, with some other users claiming Samsung Messages is inferior anyway. But whether through functionality concerns or disliking Google having a monopoly on their digital life, the majority of posts lament this news.
Other options
Sadly, there’s no workaround to keep Samsung Messages working beyond July, but if you don’t like Google Messages, there are at least alternative apps you could use.
In these same Reddit threads, Galaxy owners have been listing their favorite alternatives, including the heavily customizable Textra SMS and Handcent Next SMS messenger, and the security-focused Signal (though you can only message other Signal users with that).
Other mentioned alternatives include Pulse SMS, Fossify Messages, and ZenSMS, so there’s no shortage of options.
If you don’t have an issue with Google itself, then we’d still suggest Google Messages as your first port of call, as it’s a polished app with full RCS support. But if you don’t get on with it, then hopefully one of the options above will suit you better.
