Notification

RCS is now available for texting between Android and iPhones. Learn how to turn on RCS chats on your Android phone (link).

Get started with the Google Messages app

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

Make Google 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. 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 Google Messages your default messaging app. When you make Google Messages your default messaging app, you can review your text message history in Google Messages and you'll only be able to send and receive new text messages in Google Messages.

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

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

Alternatively:

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

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

Get a verification code from a message

Some apps and websites send you a verification code, a security code or a one-time password to use to sign in or confirm your identity.

Search for messages, photos, places and more

Schedule messages to send later

Make a message larger

Related resources

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