Can we keep Samsung Messages?!

[AMB76]

I just opened my phone and realized Samsung wants us to switch to Google messages. I am not ok with this. This is a dumb idea. Google messages did not work well when I 1st bought my phone and I'm sure it doesn't work any better now. Please let us keep the option for Samsung messages. I'm sure many Samsung users feel the same way.

[4City2]

When I first got phone I was told, I needed a Gmail so I did. And I didn't use it, then. I put in a secondary one also in Gmail didn't use it. But I found that email was going to them, and so I kept deleting it everywhere I went online. My secondary email address became my primary one, and I can't figure out how to do it. I know this is not a Samsung. I'm just saying how bleeped up google and google messages are

[meself]

I get what you're saying you do need a Gmail address if you use that not sure if Google allows a non Gmail for its account but regardless that shouldn't affect Google messages at all but if you have 2fa in Google account that's what you are seeing

[AAbbott]

Still has nothing to do with Google messages.  If you add a secondary email to Gmail, the Gmail app will pull in emails from that email provider, as will any other email app that you add another email address to.  It will download to whichever app  you open (unless you set it to remove emails from the server when downloaded) and remain on your email provider's service.  As I said, you need the Gmail account, but you do not need to use Gmail for anything and you certainly do not need to add a secondary email to it.  You can sever that email from your Gmail account with no ill affect.

[RobXbalboa]

Samsung messages app is the best out there. Now we have to reduce reduce.

[jeannie1972]

I love Samsung messages. But now forced to use Google. They are starting to do what Apple does.. CONTROL, some things from Google i like, but the messaging app.. no..
I miss the catorgory area for messages. I had family, work and friends and now on Google all my texts are together. I can't change the fonts,
I use themes and in Google message the background can't change or the theme bubbles. Google bubble colors are boring.. I still use Samsung keyboard so what ever Samsung theme is chose the keyboard is themed. Hopefully Google will change some things, being some things that Samsung message app had..

[MommaDoris]

Staying away from google is why I'm a samsung customer!!!

[Karmaluv]

I can't stand either one of the messaging apps (Google or Samsung) I absolutely loved Verizon Messages 

[AAbbott]

Yet, I'm sure you didn't have a meltdown when Verizon discontinued their app.  Find another messaging app you like if you don't want to use Google and will no longer have Samsung.

[Karmaluv]

Is anyone else upset about the fact that we are OBVIOUSLY being forced I to using apps we DONT want to use? I know I'm not the only one who has their own messaging app preference and for me it was Verizon messages. I absolutely loved Verizon messages. And then all of a sudden here I was one day now being forced to use Samsung messages. Last but not least,,NOW I'm being forced to use and having my own right to NOT USE, Google Messages, taken away. I hate Samsung Messages but more so, I absolutely hate Google Messages. Why is this happening?? 

[CEParsons]

Hi, welcome to the Members community!

I understand your frustration. It can be difficult to switch to a new app from your preferred one, especially when you hadn't planned on doing so and you feel you are being forced to transition.

You are allowed to share your frustrations here, but please help keep our community clean and easy to navigate by following forum etiquette. If a post on your topic already exists, it is very helpful to comment on that thread rather than creating a new separate post. You can determine if a post on your topic already exists by using the search function prior to posting.

Doing this helps make sure other important topics don't get buried in near-duplicate posts.

TIA!

As to the reality of the situation: you still have the ability to use a messaging app other than Google Messages. Simply visit the Play Store and search "SMS app." Doing so will render dozens of alternatives. However, it is worth noting that Samsung officially recommends transitioning to Google Messages because it is now the default messaging app for all Android devices and using an alternative can result in a subpar experience.