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ZDNET key takeaways
- Samsung is killing its messaging app in July.
- Customers within the US with Android v12 or newer want to modify.
- There are many superior choices to select from.
A number of reviews have been issued that Samsung is shutting down its messaging app and repair.
In response to this Samsung community postthe service EOL shall be this July, which suggests you’ve got a couple of quick months to discover a new app and develop accustomed to it. If that feels like what you are going through, you are in all probability questioning which app or service it is best to use. The excellent news is that there are lots, so you do not have to fret.
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Earlier than we get into this, know that the tip of life for the Samsung messaging app is barely slated for the US (for now). One other asterisk is that those that use Android 11 or older won’t be affected by the change. So, if you happen to’re within the US and you utilize an Android telephone that runs model 12 or newer, you are going to need to make the swap.
However what do you have to swap to?
1. Google Messages
Google Messages is the obvious alternative. The truth is, that is the app or service that Samsung is recommending to its customers. And why not? Google Messages is a incredible app, and it’s seamlessly built-in into Android for a extra full expertise.
And with Google Messages now defaulting to RCS (Wealthy Communication Companies), you are getting a extra fashionable messaging service that options issues like Wi-Fi texting, high-resolution media sharing, typing indicators, learn receipts, and end-to-end encryption. That quick checklist covers just about all the pieces you want in a complicated messaging service. On high of that, the app is well-designed and really simple to make use of.
Additionally: How to use Google Messages’ new Trash feature to recover texts you accidentally deleted
Google Messages is free to make use of and ships with Android. For those who discover your Samsung gadget doesn’t embrace Google Messages, you’ll be able to set up it from the Google Play Store.
2. WhatsApp
I’ve a pal who now lives in Egypt, and his go-to messaging app is WhatsApp. He additionally makes use of this identical app for telephone calls, so that ought to inform you one thing concerning the app or service.
WhatsApp is international, and according to Business of Appsit has over 2.9 billion customers worldwide. On high of that, WhatsApp is without doubt one of the few apps that has been downloaded over 5 billion instances (throughout each Android and iOS app shops).
With so many customers, it is fairly protected to say that WhatsApp is a protected guess. WhatsApp contains options like voice message transcription, HD media sharing, message administration, favorites, mentions, channels, chat lock, 2-step verification, disappearing messages, customizable standing, and extra.
Additionally: The best private messaging apps of 2026: Expert tested
WhatsApp is free to put in (from the Google Play Store) and free to make use of (though there’s a Premium possibility that provides issues like themability).
3. Fb Messenger
Though I hesitate to incorporate this app, I can’t ignore it as a result of it occurs to be the one I take advantage of probably the most. And though Fb has change into a cesspool itself, the Messenger app remains to be fairly stable.
According to Bank My CallFb Messenger has over 1.04 billion worldwide customers, which isn’t too shabby.
What I like about Fb Messenger is that I don’t have to have somebody’s telephone quantity to talk with them. So long as they’re associates of mine on Fb, I can ship them messages all day and night time.
Additionally: How to delete Facebook, Messenger, or Instagram – if you want Meta out of your life
The Fb Messenger function checklist contains each textual content messaging and voice calls, group chats and rooms, media or file sharing, end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, blocking, QR codes, and extra.
You possibly can set up and use Facebook Messenger without cost, however you do need to have a Fb account to make use of it (which can be free).
4. Telegram
Telegram has extra options than another messaging app in the marketplace. That’s particularly nice for energy customers.
One distinctive function of Telegram is cloud sync. With this function, you can begin a message on one gadget after which end it on one other.
You additionally get options like giant teams and chats (with as much as 200,000 members for teams), file sharing (as much as 2 GB file dimension), message enhancing or deleting, chat folders, scheduled and silent messages, secret chats, usernames, 2-factor authentication, animated stickers and emoji, and extra.
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The one caveat with utilizing Telegram is that you don’t get end-to-end encryption, which implies that somebody might intercept and browse your messages (in the event that they understand how). For those who’re severe about safety, that may trigger you to onerous move on Telegram.
Telegram may be put in without cost from the Google Play Store.
5. Sign
For those who’re severe about safety, then Sign is the app you need to be utilizing. Like Telegram, Sign has a ton of options, however what makes Sign actually stand out is the superior open-source Sign Protocol that gives necessary end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls.
Sign additionally collects the naked minimal metadata, presents disappearing messages, and options security numbers to forestall message interception (so even Sign can’t entry your communications). You additionally get a Sign PIN for recovering profiles, settings, and contacts (all of which Sign can’t entry).
Additionally: What is Signal? 7 features that make it a go-to app for private, secure messaging
In different phrases, if you need severe safety in your messages, Sign is the app to make use of.
You possibly can set up and use Sign without cost from the Google Play Store.
