About CEParsons

CEParsons · ‎04-07-2026

Hi there, 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. The features you describe can be disabled in Google Messages settings! See my attached screenshots. If the features are staying on after being turned off, try clearing app cache. Settings > Apps > Google Messages > Storage > Clear Cache As for the use of Gmail, your messages are stored locally on your phone and are your Google account cannot directly access your messages unless you manually enable text backup in Google One. As for Google integration, unfortunately, the Android ecosystem is probably not for you if you do not want to use Google apps and services. Because Samsung devices run Android, which is a Google product, they require Google apps and services in order to function. This post directly addresses your complaint on this topic. I hope it is helpful in providing info on the relationship between Google and Samsung here: https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Samsung-Apps-and-Services/Why-is-there-so-much-Google-in-my-Samsung/td-p/3464924?src=ShareByUserCM

CEParsons · ‎04-07-2026

Hi there, welcome to the Members community! This is a user-to-user tech support forum. You can only reach peer users by posting here. To reach someone at Samsung and make feature requests, you will need to use the Members app on a Galaxy device, visit the support tab, and navigate to "send feedback."

CEParsons · ‎04-07-2026

It's hard to say exactly what is going on internally at Samsung, but I would venture to guess that they view continued support for Samsung Messages as redundant and a poor allocation of resources. Again this is speculation, but it is a standard industry practice that once a product is officially deprecated, development teams are typically disbanded and a "grace period" with a skeleton crew is given to allow users to transition (hence the July 6 cutoff when all US development and support for SMessages will cease)

CEParsons · ‎04-07-2026

RCS in Samsung Messages is carrier dependant and is not universally available to all users. For example, RCS has never been available to me in Samsung Messages on any of my devices because my carrier does not support it.

CEParsons · ‎04-07-2026

I appreciate it, my friend.

CEParsons · ‎04-07-2026

Because the USA lacks the carrier infrastructure necessary to consistently and universally support RCS features. Unlike the US, regions such as Korea do have this infrastructure and Samsung Messages is a viable option there.

CEParsons · ‎04-07-2026

If Google Messages is a deal breaker, the easiest solution would be to download a third party SMS app like Textra, Chomp, or Handcent. However if you don't want to use Google apps and services at all, Android is not the best platform for you. Learn more about the relationship between Samsung and Google here: https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Samsung-Apps-and-Services/Why-is-there-so-much-Google-in-my-Samsung/td-p/3464924?src=ShareByUserCM

CEParsons · ‎04-07-2026

In 2024, Samsung issued an official statement: "Even if messaging apps follow the RCS standard, the availability may be limited depending on which app the other party uses. That’s why we decided to make Google Messages the common messaging platform, allowing Galaxy users to communicate more freely. This also enables a messaging app to respond to changes of the RCS standard more quickly and efficiently." This transition was announced 2 years ago and is now being enforced

CEParsons · ‎04-07-2026

Samsung frequently takes user feedback from the community via the beta program and feedback mechanism. I have personally participated in multiple beta programs and have seen many feature requests answered. One UI 8.5 is easily the best One UI ever and is the culmination of these things. However, this particular change has been coming down the pike since it was announced in 2024. A small segment of users have expressed displeasure in the community during that time, but it is now very late in the phase-out timeline. I would not anticipate that Samsung would (or even could) change course at this point.

CEParsons · ‎04-07-2026

In 2024, Samsung issued an official statement: "Even if messaging apps follow the RCS standard, the availability may be limited depending on which app the other party uses. That’s why we decided to make Google Messages the common messaging platform, allowing Galaxy users to communicate more freely. This also enables a messaging app to respond to changes of the RCS standard more quickly and efficiently." Given Apple's US Market dominance, it is crucial for Samsung to have an equivalent feature to iMessage that is universally available regardless of carrier. Google Messages is the way Samsung has chosen to accomplish that. There are some "petitions" circulating, but unfortunately it is a bit late in the phase-out timeline and Samsung is highly, highly unlikely to change course as this transition was announced in 2024 and has been planned for quite some time.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

Duo has been replaced by Meet, but you are correct in essence RCS 4.0 will also introduce platform ambiguous video calling.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

When you receive the One UI 8.5 update, you will notice that Samsung has modified their system apps (like dialer and settings) to more closely match Google's design language. For example, the "pure AMOLED blacks" are now dark gray and better match the messaging app. Also bear in mind that all of these apps obey Material You/Color Pallete and you can achieve darker colors by using these features.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

As far as I can tell, the transition away from Samsung Messages is most likely based on infrastructure. Because the USA lacks a robust carrier-based RCS infrastructure, Samsung Messages has not been able to consistently offer a fully-featured modern messaging experience for all users. In 2024, Samsung issued an official statement: "Even if messaging apps follow the RCS standard, the availability may be limited depending on which app the other party uses. That’s why we decided to make Google Messages the common messaging platform, allowing Galaxy users to communicate more freely. This also enables a messaging app to respond to changes of the RCS standard more quickly and efficiently." Given Apple's US Market dominance, it is crucial for Samsung to have an equivalent feature to iMessage that is universally available regardless of carrier. Google Messages is the way Samsung has chosen to accomplish that.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

Hi there, 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. Unfortunately, this forum is not directly monitored by anyone in charge of decision-making at Samsung. You can only reach peer users by posting here. To reach someone at Samsung and make your voice heard, you will need to use the Members app on a Galaxy device, visit the support tab, and navigate to "send feedback." In the meantime, 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. I hope you hear back from someone at Samsung regarding your concerns!

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

It is generally considered good etiquette in this forum to comment on existing threads rather than creating a new post if the topic already exists. This etiquette has not been followed particularly well today given the influx of brand new users all posting on the same topic, but it is understandable since these users are new and are posting out of frustration. As @Mujibar suggested, It is not at all uncommon for mods to merge threads on the same topic and/or delete duplicate posts. I anticipate that at some point all of the non-duplicate SMessages threads will be consolidated into a megathread to clean up the forum as it has been rather difficult to manage today.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

I can understand how that would be frustrating. Thankfully, that is not the case! Downloading another app is NOT required to do basic text messaging. Google and Samsung have partnered for years to ensure that Google Messages is already the pre-installed default on newer Galaxy devices. On Android 14 or newer, Google Messages will automatically replace Samsung Messages on your home screen when you accept the prompt to switch. The third party apps I mentioned are specifically for advanced customization, which is not a basic messaging feature.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

Unfortunately, the transition away from Samsung Messages seems to be a decision based on infrastructure more than anything else. Because the US lacks a robust carrier-based RCS infrastructure, Samsung Messages has never been able to consistently offer a fully-featured modern messaging experience for all users. If you don't want to use Google Messages due to the lack of theming, you don't have to. Alternative SMS apps like Textra, Chomp, and Handcent remain available in the Play Store. While they lack RCS support, they do offer more in-depth personalization options.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

Because Android is a Google product, Google apps are native to Android. Your Samsung device runs One UI, which is a skin and feature set built on top of Android. While Samsung apps are the "first-party" experience for Galaxy devices, they are technically OEM additions to the underlying Google OS. Because of this, Google Messages is not considered "third party" in the traditional sense. Learn more about the relationship between Samsung and Google here: https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Samsung-Apps-and-Services/Why-is-there-so-much-Google-in-my-Samsung/td-p/3464924?src=ShareByUserCM

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

Thank you! I know this is a difficult transition for many users, but it its great to finally have clarity and closure on the issue.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

You certainly can and ought to use the device which best fits your needs. Please be aware that every Android phone, regardless of manufacturer, now uses Google Messages as default. Samsung was the only remaining OEM with a proprietary messaging app. They are now aligned with the rest of the industry. If you don't want to use Google Messages, you don't have to. Alternative SMS apps like Textra, Chomp, and Handcent remain available in the Play Store.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

Hi there, the Members community is a user-to-user tech support forum. You can only reach peer users by posting here. To reach someone at Samsung and make feature requests, you will need to use the Members app on a Galaxy device, visit the support tab, and navigate to "send feedback." As a peer user, I understand how disappointing this change can be. However, it isn't totally unexpected. Samsung announced in 2024 that they would be transitioning to Google Messages as the default messaging app. At this point, Samsung has given users 2 years to make transition themselves. They are now enforcing the change. Unfortunately, the transition away from Samsung Messages seems to be a decision based on infrastructure more than anything else. Because the US lacks a consistently accessible carrier-based RCS infrastructure, Samsung Messages has been unable to offer a fully-featured modern messaging experience to date. If you don't want to use Google Messages, you don't have to. Alternative SMS apps like Textra, Chomp, and Handcent remain available in the Play Store.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

As a peer user, I understand how disappointing this change can be. However, it isn't totally unexpected. Samsung announced in 2024 that they would be transitioning to Google Messages as the default messaging app. At this point, Samsung has given users 2 years to make transition themselves. They are now enforcing the change. Unfortunately, the transition away from Samsung Messages seems to be a decision based on infrastructure more than anything else. Because the US lacks a consistently accessible carrier-based RCS infrastructure, Samsung Messages has been unable to offer a fully-featured modern messaging experience to date. Unfortunately, you have likely chosen the wrong device if you do not want to use Google apps and services. Because Samsung devices run Android, which is a Google product, they require Google apps and services in order to function. This post encapsulates and answers many of your complaints. I hope it is helpful in providing info on the relationship between Google and Samsung here: https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Samsung-Apps-and-Services/Why-is-there-so-much-Google-in-my-Samsung/td-p/3464924?src=ShareByUserCM If you don't want to use Google Messages, you don't have to. Alternative SMS apps like Textra, Chomp, and Handcent remain available in the Play Store.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

You can pin messages in Google Messages by long pressing the conversation. Categories are not currently an option, but the search function is excellent. If categories are a must, you can reach out to Google and make feature requests by tapping your profile picture and navigating to "help & feedback."

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

Samsung Messages is officially being discontinued. https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-messages/ All users are advised to transition to Google Messages, the new default messaging app for all Samsung devices. The app will stop working in July.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

As a peer user, I understand how disappointing this change can be. However, it isn't totally unexpected. Samsung announced in 2024 that they would be transitioning to Google Messages as the default messaging app. At this point, Samsung has given users 2 years to make the transition themselves. They are now enforcing the change. Unfortunately, the transition away from Samsung Messages seems to be a decision based on infrastructure more than anything else. Because the US lacks a consistently accessible carrier-based RCS infrastructure, Samsung Messages has been unable to offer a fully-featured modern messaging experience to date. Unfortunately, you have likely chosen the wrong device if you do not want to use Google apps and services. Because Samsung devices run Android, which is a Google product, they require Google apps and services in order to function. This post encapsulates and answers many of your complaints. I hope it is helpful in providing info on the relationship between Google and Samsung here: https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Samsung-Apps-and-Services/Why-is-there-so-much-Google-in-my-Samsung/td-p/3464924?src=ShareByUserCM If you don't want to use Google Messages, you don't have to. Alternative SMS apps like Textra, Chomp, and Handcent remain available in the Play Store.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

RCS is the new messaging standard for all phones, including iPhones. Users get highly desirable features such as high quality media, typing indicators, read receipts, and emoji tapbacks. Google Messages between Android users are end-to-end encrypted, meaning messages are essentially sent in a "black box" from point A to point B, and no one can intercept and read them, not even Google. While custom image Message backgrounds are not currently available in Google Messages, you can change the colors of your messages. Previously shared media from another messaging app may not transition. It is recommended that you save any desired media from your previous messaging app. If web link previews are not showing, you can enable automatic previews for media in Google Messages settings.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

Samsung Messages is officially being discontinued. https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-messages/ All users are advised to transition to Google Messages, the new default messaging app for all Samsung devices.

CEParsons · ‎04-06-2026

Hi there, the Members community is a user-to-user tech support forum. You can only reach peer users by posting here. To reach someone at Samsung and make feature requests, you will need to use the Members app on a Galaxy device, visit the support tab, and navigate to "send feedback." As a peer user, I understand how disappointing this change can be. However, it isn't totally unexpected. Samsung announced in 2024 that they would be transitioning to Google Messages as the default messaging app. At this point, Samsung has given users 2 years to make transition themselves. They are now enforcing the change. Unfortunately, the transition away from Samsung Messages seems to be a decision based on infrastructure more than anything else. Because the US lacks a consistently accessible carrier-based RCS infrastructure, Samsung Messages has been unable to offer a fully-featured modern messaging experience to date. If you don't want to use Google Messages, you don't have to. Alternative SMS apps like Textra, Chomp, and Handcent remain available in the Play Store.

CEParsons · ‎04-05-2026

Makes perfect sense when you remember that corporations exist to make money and advanced messaging services generate 0 direct revenue. Why would carriers voluntarily maintain servers for advanced messaging features if they can offload it to manufacturers? Apple offers iMessage as a platform lock-in feature, Android needs parity to remain competitive. Enter RCS. Why would Samsung Mobile division rely on inconsistent carrier support or shoulder the cost of RCS servers themselves when they can use Google's backend for $0? Universal transition to Google Messages is the only logical move from a business perspective.

CEParsons · ‎04-05-2026

Per the announcement page: "• Once the Samsung Messages app is discontinued, sending messages via Samsung Messages on your phone will no longer be possible, except for emergency service numbers or emergency contacts defined in your device. • For Samsung devices released before 2022, switching messaging applications may temporarily disrupt ongoing RCS conversations. However, RCS conversations can resume if both parties switch to Google Messages. MMS/SMS messaging will remain available during this period. • Owners of the Galaxy S26 and newer devices cannot download the Samsung Messages app from the Galaxy Store. All other devices will no longer be able to download the Samsung Messages app from the Galaxy Store after Samsung Messages is discontinued in July 2026."

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