You may be hearing that Samsung Messages is going away, and for many Android users, that’s true. Samsung is quietly phasing out its Samsung Messages app and moving people to Google Messages as the default texting platform with a planned cutoff around July 2026 in the U.S. 

Newer Galaxy phones already come with Google Messages preinstalled, and Samsung Messages is no longer available to download on many newer devices.

That shift is real. But the way people are finding out about it is causing confusion. For many people, it starts with a text that doesn’t feel quite right. They’re checking their phone, and suddenly a text pops up warning that their messaging app is going away. 

That’s exactly what happened to Gilberto of Running Springs, California. He wrote to us saying, “I just received a text on my Android phone advising me that Samsung Messages was going to end on July 6th, 2026, and that I needed to change to Google Messages. Is that true or a scam? I am a fan and enjoy your newsletter.”

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Gilberto is not alone. A growing number of Android owners are seeing similar alerts, and they’re leaving people unsure what’s real and what’s a scam. Here’s what’s real, based on Samsung and Google’s latest moves.

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What’s actually happening with Samsung Messages

Samsung says Samsung Messages will be discontinued and is pushing people to switch to Google Messages. Google Messages is already the default texting app on many Galaxy phones.

Here’s what we know right now:

• Newer Samsung Galaxy devices already ship with Google Messages as the default
• Samsung Messages is still available on many older phones, but it is no longer the focus
• Samsung says the app is expected to be discontinued in July 2026 for customers in the United States and advises checking the Samsung Messages app for the exact shutdown date
• Some Galaxy phones may show an in-app notification guiding you to switch to Google Messages
• Owners of newer Galaxy devices already cannot download Samsung Messages, and all devices will lose access to download it after the July 2026 cutoff

Samsung has not made a dramatic shutdown announcement inside settings or via official alerts. Instead, this is more of a phased shift tied to Google’s push for RCS messaging.

Why Samsung is moving to Google Messages

This change is not random. It’s about standardizing how texting works across Android.

Google has been pushing RCS, which stands for rich communication services. Think of it as the Android version of iMessage.

With Google Messages, you get:

• Read receipts and typing indicators
• High-quality photo and video sharing
• Better group chats
• Spam protection powered by Google
• Access to newer Google features, including AI tools powered by Gemini, like suggested replies and experimental features such as image generation inside chats
• Built-in security improvements, including AI-powered scam detection and stronger spam filtering to help block suspicious messages

Samsung has decided it makes more sense to partner with Google rather than maintain a separate messaging platform.

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So is that text message real or a scam?

Here’s where things get tricky.

• The change itself is real
• The text message Gilberto received may not be

Samsung does not typically send standalone text messages with links asking you to switch apps. That creates a perfect opening for scammers.

How to tell if the message is legit

Here’s what to look for:

Signs the message could be legitimate

• You see a notification inside your phone’s system settings
• The alert appears within your existing messaging app
• Links go directly to official sources like Google Play

Red flags that point to a scam

• A random text with a link
• Messages that pressure you to act quickly
• Requests for login details or payment
• Strange sender numbers or email-style addresses

Scammers know people are already hearing about this change, and they’re using that confusion to make their messages look real.

What you should do right now

You don’t need to panic. You just need to take control of the process.

1) Ignore the link

Even if the message looks convincing, do not tap anything inside it.  It could take you to a fake site designed to steal your information. It’s also smart to have strong antivirus software on your phone, which can help block malicious links and warn you about suspicious activity before any damage is done. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

2) Check your phone manually

Open the Google Play Store and search for Google Messages. If it is already installed, you are ahead of the game. If you’re using a newer Galaxy phone, you may already have Google Messages as your default and may not see Samsung Messages at all.

3) Switch in a safe way

Open Google Messages. If it is not already installed, download it from the Google Play Store. When you open it, tap “Set default SMS app,” select Google Messages, then confirm “Set as default.”

If you do not see that prompt, go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app (this may appear as “Default apps” on some devices), then select Google Messages.

4) Your existing texts should appear in Google Messages

When you switch your default messaging app, your SMS and MMS message history should automatically appear inside Google Messages. Google and Samsung both indicate that existing conversations transfer during the switch. In most cases, that means you will keep your existing text messages and won’t lose your conversation history when you switch apps. It is still a good idea to open Google Messages after switching and confirm your threads are there before removing or disabling Samsung Messages.

5) Reduce your exposure online

Scammers don’t just guess your number. They often get it from data broker sites and other places where your personal information is already floating around online. That’s why it’s smart to use a data removal service, which can help remove your phone number and personal details from these sites. The less information that’s out there, the harder it is for scammers to target you with texts like this in the first place. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

What Samsung and Google are not telling you clearly

Here’s the part that frustrates many people. This transition is not being communicated in a consistent or highly visible way. Some Galaxy phones may show notices inside Samsung Messages or system prompts, but there is no single, universal alert reaching everyone at once. Instead, it’s a gradual shift tied to device updates, software versions and Google’s messaging strategy. That uneven rollout is exactly what creates confusion and gives scam texts an opening.

Who may not be affected?

Some older Samsung phones may continue to use Samsung Messages for now, especially if they are no longer receiving major software updates.

However, Samsung has not given a clear cutoff for the Android version, so the timeline can vary depending on your specific device, carrier and region.

You can check your Android version by going to Settings > About phone > Software information > Android version.

Why this matters for you

This is bigger than just switching apps.

It highlights a growing pattern:

• Real tech changes create confusion
• Scammers jump in immediately
• People get caught in the middle

Right now, this change applies to U.S. customers, and timing may vary elsewhere. That kind of uncertainty is exactly what scammers look for, which is why it’s critical to verify any message before you act. Don’t want to use Google Messages? Here are your options

We’re hearing from readers who don’t trust Google and aren’t sure what to do, especially if family members use iPhones.

Here’s the reality:

• Use Google Messages (default option): Works with everyone, including iPhones. No one else has to change anything
• Use Signal for privacy: More secure, but only works if your contacts also use it
• Apps like WhatsApp or Telegram: Both sides need the app

Best practical setup: Use Google Messages for everyday texting and Signal for private conversations.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Gilberto’s instinct to question that message was the right move. The switch to Google Messages is real, but the text he received might not be. When tech companies make quiet changes, scammers step in fast. The safest move is simple. Ignore unexpected links, verify everything yourself and make the switch on your terms, not theirs.

Should Big Tech companies be doing more to clearly warn you about major changes like this before scammers step in and fill the gap?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Dutch regulators, the RDW, announced that after over a year and a half of testing, it has officially approved Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD) Supervised. This makes the Netherlands the first European country to authorize the use of FSD on its roads. This could open the door to wider adoption throughout the EU. Tesla’s European headquarters is located in Amsterdam, so it’s only fitting that the country is the first to embrace the company’s FSD.

In a statement announcing the approval, the RDW said that, “Using driver assistance systems correctly makes a positive contribution to road safety because the driver is supported in their driving tasks; it is a supplement to the driver. Through continuous strict monitoring of the driver in the vehicle, the system is safer than other driver assistance systems.”

The update implementing FSD Supervised (version 2026.3.6) has started rolling out to a limited number of users. Drivers will need to watch a tutorial and take a quiz before self-driving can be enabled, which reminds people that FSD Supervised “does not make your vehicle autonomous. Do not become complacent.”

The first time I tried to remove my personal information from people search sites, it was back online after a few weeks. If the same thing happened to you, you might have decided it’s just not worth the effort. This is likely by design. 

Data brokers profit from your information, so they’re incentivized to make the process as difficult as possible. Sen. Maggie Hassan even called out a few data brokers recently for hiding their opt-out pages altogether. But you don’t have to let them keep your data, as long as you know what to do. 

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How to remove your personal info

The way I see it, there are two ways you can do this:

• Manually removing your information
• Using an automated data removal service

I recommend the second option. It saves a lot of time and does a more thorough job than most people will manage on their own. But if you still prefer to go about it yourself, I’ll share a step-by-step guide to help you do it as painlessly and thoroughly as possible.

Step 1: map your exposures

This step is important for when your information inevitably reappears after some time. Before you start removing anything, compile a list of places where your personal information appears or is likely to be held. Or you can compile the list yourself. The sites will likely include:

People search sites

These are the easiest to find because they’re designed to be public.

• Search: “your full name” + city, “your phone number”, “your email”
• Check beyond page 1, as many listings appear deeper in the results
• Repeat searches with: Maiden names or name variations and old locations

Private data broker databases (harder to see, but widely used)

These don’t usually show up in search results because they sell data to businesses, not individuals. You can try to infer their presence based on how your data is used, but it’s no easy feat.

This is one of the reasons I recommend using a data removal service. They narrow down which brokers are most likely to have your information based on things like your location and other markers.

But if you want to try for yourself, look for signals like:

• Getting calls or emails from companies you’ve never interacted with
• Highly specific outreach (e.g., your job title, income range, or recent move)
• Pre-filled forms with your personal details

Where your data likely came from:

• Warranty registrations
• Loyalty programs and retail purchases
• Financial, insurance, or real estate inquiries
• App usage and location data

If you’ve shared your data with a company, there’s a strong chance it’s been resold or shared with brokers behind the scenes.

Marketing and lead generation lists

These are often built for targeted advertising and outreach, and your data can circulate across many of them at once.

How to spot them:

Sudden spikes in spam after:

Signing up for a service

Entering a giveaway or quiz

Downloading a resource (e.g., ebook, discount code)

• Signing up for a service
• Entering a giveaway or quiz
• Downloading a resource (e.g., ebook, discount code)
• Emails that feel “personalized” but come from unfamiliar brands
• Messages referencing a specific interest, purchase, or life event

Where to check:

• Your email inbox (search for patterns in senders)
• SMS history for unknown marketing messages
• Unsubscribe pages (they often reveal the company or list owner)

Important: Unsubscribing usually stops messages. It doesn’t remove your data from the underlying list.

Public profile aggregators (not quite the same as people-search sites)

These sites compile information from across the web but aren’t always designed specifically for “people lookup.”

Examples include:

• Old forum profiles or community pages
• Professional directories and membership listings
• Scraped social media profiles
• Event attendee lists or speaker bios

How to find them:

Search your name in quotes + keywords like:

“profile”, “bio”, “member”, “directory”

• “profile”, “bio”, “member”, “directory”
• Search usernames you’ve used in the past
• Use image search to find reused profile photos

These are often overlooked but can still expose valuable details like your location, employer, or social links.

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Step 2: Remove your data

Now that you’ve mapped where your data is exposed (or likely to be), it’s time to start removing it. Instead of jumping randomly between sites, work through your list in order of visibility and risk:

• People search sites (highest visibility)
• Public profile aggregators
• Marketing and lead-gen lists
• Private data brokers (least visible, but still important)

Remove your data from people-search sites

These should be your first priority because they make your personal information easy for anyone to find.

Typical process:

• Find your listing using the link you saved earlier
• Locate the “opt-out” or “remove my info” page (usually in the footer)
• Submit your profile URL
• Verify your request (via email or CAPTCHA)

What to expect:

• Time per site: ~5-20 minutes
• Removal timeframe: a few days to a couple of weeks

Tip: Save confirmation emails or screenshots. You may need them if your data reappears.

Remove your data from public profile aggregators

These can be less standardized, since they’re often scraped or republished pages.

Typical process:

1. Look for a “Contact,” “Support,” or “Privacy” page
2. Request removal directly (or delete your account, if possible)
3. If no response, identify the site owner via WHOIS or hosting info

Alternative option:

• If the page won’t be removed, you can request de-indexing through Google, but this only hides it from search results, not the site itself

These take more effort, but they’re worth addressing because they often contain contextual details (job, interests, affiliations.) 

Remove your data from marketing and lead-generation lists

This is less about a single listing and more about stopping ongoing data use.

Typical process:

• Use the “unsubscribe” link in emails or reply STOP to SMS messages
• Look for a “delete my data” or privacy request option
• Submit a formal request if available (often under GDPR/CCPA rights)

Important:

• Unsubscribing stops messages
• It does not always delete your data

If the company has a privacy page, look specifically for:

• “Right to deletion”
• “Do not sell my information”

Remove your data from private data broker databases

These are the least visible and often the most frustrating to deal with manually.

Typical process:

1. Find the company’s privacy or legal page
2. Submit a data access or deletion request
3. Verify your identity (this may require ID documents)

What makes this harder:

• You often don’t know which brokers have your data
• Some require detailed verification
• Responses can take weeks

This is where most people hit a wall and where ongoing monitoring or automation becomes useful.

Keep track as you go

As you work through your list, track:

• Sites you’ve submitted requests to
• Dates of submission
• Confirmation emails or case IDs

This makes it much easier to:

• Follow up if needed
• Re-check later when your data reappears

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The best way to deal with resurfacing data

My recommendation is to use a personal data removal service. These services handle the entire removal process for you, so there’s no need to search for your own data online or return to data broker sites to repeat opt-out requests. Everything is managed in the background. 

They also tend to do a more thorough job than most people can manage on their own.

Many data removal services can request deletions from a wide range of websites, including some that are not easy to find on your own. They also scan for new exposures, alert you if your information shows up again and allow you to submit additional removal requests when needed. In some cases, these requests are handled by privacy specialists.

Most services also include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free and see how much of your information is exposed online.

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Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Removing your personal information from the internet is not a one-and-done task. It takes persistence, a bit of strategy and the right tools. The frustrating part is that your data can come back even after you remove it, but that does not mean the effort is wasted. Every step you take reduces your exposure and makes it harder for your information to spread. If you want the most control, doing it manually gives you a clear view of where your data lives. However, if you want consistency without the ongoing time commitment, a data removal service can take that burden off your plate and keep working in the background. Either way, the key is to stay proactive. Your data has value, and once you start treating it that way, you will approach your privacy very differently.

Have you ever removed your personal info online only to see it show up again later, and what did you do next? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.