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ZDNET Key Takeaways
- Samsung is shutting down its messaging app in July.
- Users in the US with Android v12 or newer need to make the switch.
- There are plenty of better options to choose from.
Several reports have been released that Samsung is shutting down its messaging app and service.
according to This Samsung Community PostThe service will be EOL this July, which means you only have a few months to find and get used to a new app. If this sounds like what you’re facing, you’re probably wondering which app or service you should use. The good news is that there are plenty of them, so you don’t have to worry.
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Before we get into that, know that the Samsung messaging app is going to end up being only in the US (for now). Another asterisk is that those who use Android 11 or older will not be affected by the change. So, if you’re in the US and you use an Android phone that runs version 12 or newer, you’ll need to switch.
But which one should you switch to?
1. Google Messages
Google Messages is the most obvious option. In fact, this is the app or service that Samsung is recommending to its users. And why not? Google Messages is a great app, and it’s seamlessly integrated into Android for a more complete experience.
And with Google Messages now defaulting to RCS (Rich Communication Services), you’re getting a more modern messaging service that includes things like Wi-Fi texting, high-resolution media sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, and end-to-end encryption. That short list includes almost everything you need in an advanced messaging service. Furthermore, the app is well designed and very easy to use.
Too: How to Use Google Messages’ New Trash Feature to Recover Text You Accidentally Deleted
Google Messages is free to use and ships with Android. If you find that your Samsung device does not include Google Messages, you can install it from here Google Play Store.
2. WhatsApp
I have a friend who lives in Egypt now, and his favorite messaging app is WhatsApp. He also uses the same app for phone calls, so this will give you some idea about the app or service.
WhatsApp is global, and According to Business of AppsIt has more than 2.9 billion users worldwide. Furthermore, WhatsApp is one of the few apps that has been downloaded more than 5 billion times (on both Android and iOS app stores).
With so many users, it is absolutely safe to say that WhatsApp is a safe option. WhatsApp includes features like voice message transcription, HD media sharing, message management, favorites, mentions, channels, chat lock, 2-step verification, disappearing messages, customizable statuses, and more.
Too: Best Private Messaging Apps of 2026: Expert Tested
whatsapp is free to install Google Play Store) and free to use (although there is a premium option that adds things like theme-ability).
3. Facebook Messenger
Although I’m hesitant to include this app, I can’t ignore it because it’s the app I use the most. And although Facebook itself has become a garbage dump, the Messenger app is still pretty solid.
According to bank my callFacebook Messenger has over 1.04 billion users worldwide, which isn’t too bad.
What I like about Facebook Messenger is that I don’t need to get someone’s phone number to chat. As long as they’re my friend on Facebook, I can message them day and night.
Also: How to Delete Facebook, Messenger or Instagram – If You Want to Get Meta Out of Your Life
The Facebook Messenger feature list includes text messaging and voice calls, group chats and rooms, media or file sharing, end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, blocking, QR codes, and more.
You can install and use Facebook Messenger Free, but you must have a Facebook account to use it (which is also free).
4. Telegram
Telegram has more features than any other messaging app on the market. This is especially great for power users.
One unique feature of Telegram is cloud sync. With the help of this feature, you can start a message on one device and then end it on another device.
You get features like large groups and chats (up to 200,000 members for groups), file sharing (up to 2GB file size), editing or deleting messages, chat folders, scheduled and silent messages, secret chats, usernames, 2-factor authentication, animated stickers and emojis, and much more.
Too: How to check if a text message is spam on Android – and the free tool I trust
One caveat in using Telegram is that you don’t get end-to-end encryption, meaning no can Intercept and read your messages (if they know how to do it). If you are serious about security, this may make it difficult for you to use Telegram.
Telegram can be installed for free Google Play Store.
5. Hint
If you’re serious about security, Signal is the app you should use. Like Telegram, Signal also has a ton of features, but what really makes Signal stand out is the advanced open-source Signal protocol that provides mandatory end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls.
Signal also collects minimal metadata, offers anti-disappearing messages, and offers security numbers to prevent message interception (so Signal can’t even access your communications). You also get a Signal PIN to recover profiles, settings, and contacts (not all of which Signal can access).
Too: What is signal? 7 features that make it a favorite app for private, secure messaging
In other words, if you want serious security for your messages, Signal is the app to use.
You can install and use Signal for free Google Play Store.
