Switch from Hangouts to a new text messaging app

If you use Hangouts as your text messaging app (SMS & MMS), switch to another text messaging app to continue sending and receiving text messages (SMS & MMS).  

You’ll still be able to text on Hangouts through Google Voice and Project Fi.

Step 1: Get a new text messaging app

You might already have a texting app on your phone. If not, you can:

• Try Android Messages
• Download a different texting app from the Google Play Store

Step 2: Set up your new texting app

1. Open the Hangouts app .
2. At the top, tap Menu .
3. Tap Settings SMS SMS enabled.
4. Select the text messaging app you want as the default. If you’re using an older device, you might need to tap Default SMS app. If you don't see this option, set up your texting app in your phone's settings. 

Now you’ll get text messages through the new app, not Hangouts. Your current messages will also be moved to the new app.