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How to use Messages - SMS Texting
A quick guide to setting up the app and getting the most out of it.
Set Messages as your default SMS app
Open the app and tap Set as Default SMS App, then confirm the Android prompt. Android only allows the default SMS app to send and receive texts. Not ready yet? Tap Not now – just read my messages to browse your existing conversations in read-only mode, and switch later with the Set as Default button on the Read-only mode card. You can change this any time in Android settings. Learn more.
Allow the permissions you want to use
Allow SMS and contacts so your conversations and contact names appear, and notifications so new messages alert you. Camera, photos, location, microphone and phone permissions are only requested when you use a feature that needs them.
Send your first message
Start a new conversation, enter a phone number or search your contacts, type your message and send. Use the attachment options to add a photo, take a picture, attach a file, share your location or share a contact card.
Create a group chat
Choose to create a group, give it a name, and add members. Turn on Group MMS in Settings if you want replies to stay in the same group (needs carrier MMS support).
Use smart filters
From the Messages home screen, choose a filter such as All Messages, Known Senders, Unknown Senders or Unread, or a Smart Category: Transactions, Finance, Orders, Reminders or Promotions. More about filters.
Schedule a message
On the Messages home screen, open Schedule Messages (under Scheduled & Favorites), tap the schedule icon to add a new one, choose a contact, write your message and pick a future date and time. You can edit or delete it from the same screen. More about scheduling.
Lock a private chat
Open Lock Chat under Privacy on the Messages home screen. The first time, you will set a 4-digit PIN, optionally enable fingerprint or face unlock, and choose security questions as a backup. Then lock the conversations you want to keep private. More about Chat Lock.
Search your messages
Use Advanced Search (under Management on the home screen) to look across every conversation, or search inside a single chat from its details menu. Tap the microphone in a search bar to search by voice.
Recover a deleted conversation
Open Recently Deleted under Management on the Messages home screen. Conversations show the days remaining and can be restored until 40 days have passed.
Block a number
Open the conversation's details, choose Block and confirm. Manage blocked numbers from Blocked Numbers in the More (three-dot) menu.
Choose your SIM (dual-SIM phones)
On the home screen open Settings, then SIM for sending messages and choose a SIM or Ask each time.
Add a widget
Long-press an empty space on your home screen, open Widgets, find Messages - SMS Texting and pick one of the six styles.
Customize the look and language
In Settings, choose your appearance (light, dark, system or scheduled dark mode), an accent color and your language.
Get Messages - SMS Texting on Android
Free to download. Set it as your default SMS app and take control of your inbox in a minute.