Get started with Messages

You can send and receive text messages, photos, voice messages, and video using Messages. If you don't have Messages, you can get it from Google Play.

Make Messages your default messaging app

Important: Some of these steps only work on Android 6.0 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Important: Your messages are stored in the SMS database on your device, and other apps may be able to access your messages. For more information about how to manage your app permissions, contact your device manufacturer.

If your device has more than one messaging app, you can make Messages your default messaging app. When you make Messages your default messaging app, you can review your text message history in the Messages app, and you'll only be able to send and receive new text messages in the Messages app.

To set Messages as your default messaging app, select an option:

1. Open the Messages app . Learn where to find your apps.
2. When prompted to change your default messaging app, follow the onscreen instructions.

Alternatively:

1. Open Settings .
2. Click Apps.
3. In the list of apps, click Messages   SMS Messages .

If you no longer want Messages to be your default messaging app, you can uninstall the Messages app or change your default messaging app from your device's settings.

Start a conversation with one of your contacts

If a contact is already in your phone, it will show as a contact in your Messages app. You can also add a new contact from within the app itself.

1. Open the Messages app .
2. Tap Start chat.
3. Enter the name, phone number, or email of the person you're sending a message to.
4. Type your message and tap .

Add a new number in your conversation list as a contact

1. Open the Messages app .
2. Select an existing conversation with someone not in your contacts.
3. Tap More Add contact.

Add a new contact from a group conversation

1. Open the Messages app .
2. Select a group conversation with the number you want to add as a contact.
3. Tap More Details.
4. Tap the number you want to add Add contact.

Change notification settings for specific people

1. Open the Messages app .
2. Open a conversation with the person you want to change notifications for.
3. Tap More Details Notifications.

You can turn notifications on or off completely for this person, or edit advanced settings for how notifications display on your device.

Block a contact

When you block someone, you'll no longer receive any calls or messages from them.

1. Open the Messages app .
2. Open a conversation with the person you want to block.
3. Tap More Details Block & report spam.
4. Optional: You can check the Also report spam box.

Learn more about blocking messages in Messages.