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.
Important: Effective December 31, 2023, Advanced Messaging in the Samsung Messages app will be discontinued. This means that Messages by Google will be the main messaging application for Advanced Messaging.
After December 31, 2023, you will still be able to 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.
Applicable charges
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 Virgin Plus data plan and are not connected to Wi-Fi, you will incur pay-per-use data charges (domestic or roaming).
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.
How to turn on/off Messages by Google?
Note: You can disable and enable Messages by Google at any time through the device settings.