How to Use the Samsung Messages App

This article explains how to set Samsung Messages as your default messaging app, start a chat, send GIFs, and more. Instructions apply to the latest version of the Samsung Messages. Some features are only available for phones with Android 8.0 or later.

How to Make Samsung Messages Your Default App

Samsung Messages is typically the default messaging app on any Samsung device. However, if you changed the default setting at some point, here's how to change it back.

1. Open the phone's Settings app.

2. Select Apps & Notifications > Default apps > SMS app.

3. Select Messages.

How to Start a New Samsung Messages Chat

Want to send a quick message to your crew? Here's how:

1. From the Home screen, tap the Messages app.

2. Tap the text message icon in the lower-right corner.

3. Select the people you want to add to the chat from the Contacts, Groups, or Recents categories. Or, go to the Recipient field and either enter a name to select them from your contacts list or manually enter a phone number. You can also tap the person icon in the upper-right corner to open your contacts.

4. Tap the Enter message field, and type your message.

5. When you're ready, select Send.

   If you exit a message before sending it, it's automatically saved as a draft.

How to Schedule a Samsung Message

You can schedule messages for delivery up to a year from the current date. This feature is convenient for sending everything from business-related texts to personal ones acknowledging special occasions to friends and family.

1. Tap the Messages app and select the text message icon.

2. Tap the Enter message field, and enter your message.

3. Tap the add icon (+).

4. Select Schedule message.

5. Choose the date and time to send your message.

How to Send GIFs, Emojis, and Stickers in Samsung Messages

If you have a Galaxy S8 smartphone or newer, it's possible to add GIFs, emojis, and stickers to your messages. Here's how:

1. Tap the Messages app and select the text message icon.

2. For emojis, tap the smiley face to display the emoji keyboard. For GIFs, tap GIF. For stickers, tap the square smiley face icon.

3. Tap the text box or the keyboard icon in the lower-left corner to return to the keyboard.

About Samsung Messages

All Galaxy phones come with the Samsung Messages app. It's ideal if you frequently text with other Samsung users, as everyone can take advantage of features specific to those devices.

In 2021, the company released Samsung Messages for Windows 10, available from the Microsoft Store. You can use it to send and receive messages on your PC.