summary

• Google Messages quickly became the default SMS app for Android phones.
• The application has functions such as encryption, spam blocking, typing indicator, RCS high-quality media sharing, etc.
• Google Messages keeps getting updates, fixes bugs and introducing exciting new features.

Google Messages is quickly becoming the Android version of iMessage and has become the default SMS app on many phones. If you haven't tried it in a year, or are still using Textra, Samsung Messages, Chomp or other apps, I highly recommend you try it again.

As a user who has been using Textra for a long time and is reluctant to replace it, I finally tried Google Messages last year to get RCS support to better communicate with iPhone users. I understand this struggle. Many other Android SMS apps offer deeper customization, more control, or better user interface. Fortunately, Google Messages has received numerous updates over the past six months, such as better spam blocking, and is constantly improving.

At this moment, there is no reason not to replace it. If you're still hesitating, here are all the reasons why it 's the best time to switch to Google Messages.

RCS makes Android compatible with iPhone

The biggest reason to switch to Google Messages is RCS support, which helps Android interact with iPhone user-friendly. Basically, it improves all your conversations or group chats and brings them into the modern era. Those who understand what RCS offers may have upgraded to Google Messages, but if you are thinking about "what is RCS", you will have a surprise.

RCS stands for Rich Media Communications Service, which transforms our 20-year-old outdated text and MMS messages into a modern chat system similar to iMessage. Once you switch to Google Messages and enable RCS, you will enjoy sending and receiving high-quality videos, reading receipts, typing indicators (beating dots), better emoji reactions and more.

Related#####Stop procrastinating, it's time to switch to Google Messages

There is no better time than now.

Post 74 You know what I'm talking about – all the features you enjoy on Facebook Messenger, Instagram, etc. Yes, this experience is now available between Android and iPhone. Your Android phone won't ruin group chat anymore, and when someone sends a video it won't be a small, vague, useless message that looks like it was recorded with potatoes.

RCS improves everything. This is the biggest reason for the replacement, but not the only reason.

Google Messages is better than ever

If you don't know, Google Messages is a powerful and feature-rich Android SMS app. There is a lot to like, and it keeps getting better.

For example, in the first four months of 2025 alone, Google has integrated easier ways to remove spam messages, alerts of sensitive content that blurs inappropriate and unwanted image messages, customization of group chat icons, unsubscribe buttons for withdrawing text and spam. Google is also working to integrate real-time location sharing similar to iMessage.

This is on top of all the features that have made Google Messages an excellent choice. I mean spam blocking filters that limit all spam, RCS end-to-end encryption for privacy, AI and Gemini integration, complete search capabilities, sending messages from web pages or PCs, scheduling text, and more.

I also like that it automatically deletes OPT (one-time password) messages, like those two-factor login codes. These will quickly fill your chat history today, and Google Messages will delete them for you.

Unfortunately, the app is still not as customizable as Textra, but there are options to change the conversation bubble color, rename group chats, change group icons, and enable light/dark mode. But I'd love to give up all Textra customization for RCS, and you should do the same.

Now is the time to switch to Google Messages

Verizon's Messages is closed at the end of 2024, and the carrier recommends that everyone switch to Google's option. Samsung's SMS app was also closed for a while, but it was later restored. Why worry? Just switch to Google Messages directly. At this point, Google Messages is rapidly becoming the future of text messaging on Android, if not already, and it is slowly matching the capabilities of iMessage.

Most U.S. carriers now have it preinstalled on every new phone, Samsung doesn’t know what it wants to do, and Google is the only company that has made efforts on the RCS protocol. There is no better time than now, and it makes total sense considering everything you will get from Google's SMS app.

Related##### How to ensure smooth switching from Samsung Messages to Google Messages

Still using Samsung Messages? It's over, it's time to switch.

Post 12 I know switching to the SMS app can be scary, especially if you have years of conversations and pictures on your phone. Fortunately, the process is very simple and it will automatically transfer to the new application. You don't need to back up anything, although it's always a good idea to do so just in case.

Go to the Play Store to download Google Messages and open the app. It prompts you to set it as the default SMS app on your phone, allowing Google Messages to take over any apps you used before. From here it will automatically pull everything, including all your text, pictures, conversations, and more. You can follow our guide on switching from Samsung to Google Messages because the process is similar no matter what app you use.

Just be aware that if you have conversations, pictures, videos, etc. over the years, they may take a while before they can appear in the Google Messages app. It won't tell you what's being transferred, so just give it time and wait patiently and they'll show up. That's it, now you can enjoy a modern, upgraded, better SMS experience with all your friends and family, whether they're using a Pixel phone, Samsung Galaxy or iPhone.

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