Use Google Messages on your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet

Google Messages is available on Galaxy phones and tablets running Android 8.0 and later. If you need to check your device's software version, you can navigate to and open Settings, then tap About phone or About tablet, and then tap Software information.

If Google Messages is preinstalled on your Galaxy phone or tablet , you can find it in the Google folder on the Apps screen.

If the app isn’t preinstalled, you can download it. Navigate to and open the Play Store, and then search for and select Google Messages. Tap Install, and then tap Open. Next, you'll need to set Google Messages as your default messaging app. Please see the next section for details.

Google Messages must be set as your default messaging app if you’d like to use it when texting and chatting.

1. Once Google Messages is installed and opened, you’ll be prompted to make it the default messaging app. Tap Set default SMS app, and then choose Google Messages (the solid blue chat bubble icon).
2. Tap Set as default.
   
   
3. Next, you’ll see the Messages screen, where you can select from the following:
   
   
   • Tap the Search icon to search for a message or contact.
   • Tap your Google account icon to manage your account and access settings and options.
   • Tap the Gemini icon (the star) to use Google Gemini AI chat options. Tap Continue, and then review the information. If you’d like to use Gemini, tap I agree.
   • Tap the New conversation icon (the chat bubble) to begin a new chat. You can then select from a contact or create a group chat.

Use Smart Switch

1. Plug both devices (phone and/or tablet) into their chargers.
2. When you’re ready, place the devices within 4 inches of each other. Launch Smart Switch on both devices.
3. Tap Send data on the old device, then tap Receive data on the new device, and then tap Wireless on both devices.
   
   Note: You can also use a wired transfer if desired.
   
   
4. On the device you want to transfer the messages to, select the type of your old device (Galaxy, iPhone, etc.).
5. Follow any on-screen instructions; some devices may have additional steps.
6. Next, complete the connection by tapping Allow on the previous device.
7. On the device you are transferring to, select Messages and Contacts, and then tap Transfer.
8. Once the transfer is complete, tap Done on the new device, and then tap Close on the old device.

Use Google Drive

Once Google Messages has been set as the default messaging app on your main device, your messages will automatically transfer via Google Drive. However, you can manually back up and restore your messages.

1. To back up your data, navigate to and open Settings, then tap Accounts and backup, and then tap Back up data under Google Drive.
2. Make sure Backup by Google One is enabled by tapping its switch, and then tap Back up now.
   
   
3. To restore your data, tap Account storage, and then select your desired Google account to back up from.
4. Make sure Backup by Google One is enabled by tapping its switch, and then tap Back up now.

You can call and text using your other connected Galaxy devices, such as a Galaxy watch. In order to use the Call & text on other devices feature with Google Messages, the following conditions must be met:

• The same Samsung account must be added to all devices (phone, tablet, and watch). Additionally, LTE watches and tablets must have active service.
• Call & text on other devices must be turned on in your main device’s Settings menu.
• Text on Galaxy devices must be turned on in Google Messages.
• Google Messages must be set as the default messaging service on all devices.

Enable Call & text on other devices

1. Open Settings, then tap Connected devices, and then tap Call & text on other devices.
   
   
2. Agree to the information, and then tap Continue. Review the necessary permissions, and then tap Continue again.
3. Tap the switch(es) next to Call on other devices and Text on other devices to enable the feature.
4. You can also select each option to view and enable your connected devices by tapping their switch(es).

Enable Text on Galaxy devices in Google Messages

1. Open Google Messages, then tap your Google profile icon, and then tap Messages settings.
   
   
2. Swipe to and tap Advanced, and then tap Text on Galaxy devices.
   
   
3. Tap the switch next to Allow Bixby and text on Galaxy devices to enable the feature.