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How to use Messages by Google

What is Messages by Google?

Messages by Google provides Rich Communication Services (RCS), an enhanced and universal communication experience across networks and Android devices. It is available on all Samsung devices released in or after 2021, and on all other Android devices running OS 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher.
Learn more about Messages by Google.

Important: effective December 31, 2023, Advanced Messaging in the Samsung Messages app has been discontinued. This means that Messages by Google is the main messaging application for Advanced Messaging.

After December 31, 2023, you can still use standard text, picture and video messaging via the Samsung Messages app but if you would like access to Advanced Messaging features (like read receipts, typing indicators, message reactions, high-resolution images/videos and group messages) you can download and use the Messages by Google app.

The chat message history from the Samsung Messages app will not transfer over to the Messages by Google app.

Once you have opted in to Messages by Google, standard data charges apply for all messages sent using the service. Both you and the recipient of your messages must have devices that support Messages by Google; otherwise the service will use standard text/picture/video messaging.

If you do not have a Bell Mobility data plan and are not connected to Wi-Fi, you will incur pay-per-use data charges (domestic or roaming).

When roaming in an eligible destination, Messages by Google is charged as roaming data, which will be deducted from your roaming add-on, if applicable. Otherwise, pay-per-use roaming data rates will apply.

If you only want to use Messages by Google with Wi-Fi to avoid data charges, please turn the chat features off when Wi-Fi is not available.

  1. Go to Menu.
  2. Select Messages Settings.
  3. Select RCS Chats.
  4. Turn RCS Chats on or off.

If you are not able to follow the steps above or the steps do not match what you see on your compatible device, you may need to update Messages by Google.