Verizon Messages (Message+) is a popular messaging app offered by the telecom giant, but it will shut down next month. The app, which has over 250 million users, allows you to sync your text conversations across all compatible devices. Verizon Messages is separate from your phone’s other messaging apps, such as iMessage and Google Messages. Once the app shuts down, you’ll need to switch to another app to continue sending and receiving messages. Here’s everything you need to know about the Message+ shutdown.
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Why is Message+ shutting down?
Verizon’s Message+ will fully shut down on November 7, 2024, due to the new Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol. According to Verizon’s support page, the app is being discontinued because the company wants to provide “the best messaging experience.” Google Messages, which comes pre-installed on Android phones, already offers this experience thanks to RCS support. Additionally, starting with iOS 18, iPhones will support the RCS protocol as well.
So, what is RCS? It is a communication protocol standard for instant messaging, which brings loads of useful features. RCS messages allow you to send high-resolution photos and videos, share files, send messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data, and more. They also include read receipts, typing indicators, and the ability to chat in groups.
RCS messaging was previously limited to Android-to-Android chats, but with iOS 18, Apple made iPhones compatible with the protocol as well.
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What will happen once the app shuts down?
Once the app shuts down, you will no longer be able to access or use any of its features. If you still have it installed on your phone, it’s a good idea to uninstall it to free up space and avoid confusion. Any messages you’ve scheduled through Message+ that are set to be sent after November 7 will not be delivered, meaning you’ll need to find an alternative way to send those messages.
Plus, the Message+ app will be completely removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, so you won’t be able to download or reinstall it in the future. It’s also important to note that you will not be able to use your email alias ([email protected]) when Message+ is discontinued.
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How to move to Google Messages
Verizon recommends you move your messages to Google Messages once the Messages+ app shuts down. This only applies to Android users and below are the steps to do so.
- Download the Google Messages app from the Google Play Store if you don’t have it already.
- Open the Google Messages app.
- When you first open the app, make Google Messages your default SMS app by tapping Set default SMS app pop-up.
Pros and cons of switching to Google Messages
Pros:
- Better emoji support and more GIF options
- Enhanced features like RCS messaging, read receipts, and typing indicators
- Seamless integration with other Google services
- Regular updates and improvements
Cons:
- Potential privacy concerns due to Google’s data collection practices
- Loss of some Verizon-specific features that were available in Message+
- Learning curve for users accustomed to Message+ interface
- No automatic transfer of message history from Message+ to Google Messages
- Need for manual intervention to preserve old messages before the switch
- Possible loss of message history if proper steps are not taken before Message+ shuts down
- Requirement to use third-party backup apps or manual screenshots to save important conversations
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What you need to know before switching to Google Messages
We reached out to Verizon, and a rep told us that “SMS/MMS messages, photos, and videos less than 5MB will be synced with Google Messages. Enhanced groups and some Message+ specific app features will not be synced with Google Messages.”
However, if you have more than 5MB of SMS/MMS messages, photos, and videos, you may want to take additional steps to preserve all of this, such as using a third-party backup app or manually saving important conversations.
To preserve your message history from the Verizon Message+ app and avoid losing older or unsynced content, consider using third-party backup apps or manually screenshotting important conversations before the app shuts down.
Google Messages alternatives
Google’s data-sharing policies may deter some of you from switching to Google Messages. I’ve even received emails from people asking for alternative messaging apps. My top recommendations are Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Signal stands out as the best option because it’s developed by a not-for-profit organization and prioritizes keeping your data secure.
I’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get started with these apps here.
While all of them are free, the biggest hurdle is convincing your friends and family to switch over. Unlike Message+, both the sender and receiver must have the app installed in order to start texting.
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Beware of scammers while switching to a different app
When transitioning to a new messaging app, it’s essential to stay vigilant against scammers who may try to exploit your switch. Scammers often target users during app changes, using various tactics to gain access to personal information or trick you into downloading malicious software.
Scammers may send you messages that look like they’re from your new messaging app, asking you to verify your account or provide personal information. Always check the sender’s address and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
My top pick is TotalAV, and you can get a limited-time deal for CyberGuy readers: $19 your first year (80% off) for the TotalAV Antivirus Pro package.
Kurt’s key takeaway
Verizon’s Message+ has been a popular default texting app for many of us. However, it lacks several features that modern messaging apps offer, making its shutdown a bit less inconvenient. You can easily switch to Google Messages or any other messaging app of your choice for an improved experience. Just be cautious of phishing links while using these messaging apps, as scammers often target users during transitions.
Will you switch to Google Messages once Verizon’s Message+ shuts down? Let us know in the comments below.
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14 comments
Hate the fact that Verizon is getting rid of Message+ and definitely won’t be switching to Google for my text messages. Google already has shown their data collection is intrusive as shown by the whole “incognito mode” debacle. This is aggervating enough that I may leave verizon over this. They really should have kept Message+ instead of trying to force it’s customers to use something they have no desire to use. Especially since RCS only works if the person you’re texting is also using Google messages. If they are, then it’s not protected so what’s the point?
I totally agree, I’m not a technology expert but when 250 M ppl use your app. why reinvent the wheel?! I LOVE the “Schedule Message” feature and would love to know if any other apps have that? TY.
I am leaving Verizon over this… had it with super companies… Verizon and Google, need to be trustbusted. Going to Signal. Good luck all.
Totally frustrating and inconvenient. And every attempt to switch to Google, the app shuts down…..not sure why, but I have an older Android phone that probably isn’t compatible with the app……
I don’t even have a Google account set up on my smartphone, so I don’t have access to the Google Play Store and will not be switching to Google for text messages.
I’ve been trying different text apps for about a month now, and Google messages seems to be among the worst for preserving group chats. My 3 siblings all have iPhones and in our group chat ALL of their messages disappeared. Other groups are saved inconsistently, no apparent rhyme or reason. Heck no, Google!
Textra seems like a good option and seems to preserve all group messages though often in what looks like a one- on- one conversation with the latest respondent. So that sibling chat now shows up in my messages with one sister. I have NOT found any app that imports all my group chats correctly from Message+.
This really sucks. I have a lot of important info in my text history and don’t want to lose it. Also have not found a good backup system. SMS Backup & Restore app was promising but I can’t open the XML backup, even saving to Google drive and downloading fonto my computer doesn’t work. Can’t open w html, text editor, Word, – haven’t tried yet w excel.
Call me silly, but seems appropriate business practice, especially a service based business, would be more customer centric. Like why haven’t they deceloped and marketed the msgr+ replacement before moving forward with a new protocol rendering the current version obsolete? Were any of the 250,000,000 platform users surveyed/involved in the process? Verizon didn’t take the time, or ask my opinion.
I refuse to use google, so will have to find another service. Will go to a tech consultant to save all my messenger history. I wonder how much google pays Verizon…
Good motivation to dump Android and go to Apple.
Apple is the worst at safeguarding your data from government intrusion. They have a blanket policy of open doors for any intel group to monitor –
I’m not sending messages that i have to worry about, but we need to stop government from expanding their surveillance-as it becomes ‘thought control’ and in some cases, already has (youtube, google ‘dark’ mode complete abuse)
don’t have message + on android but WAS on my i pad. since i don’t use that much didn’t think much about it but went to use tablet and noticed had a few messages there. went open it up and poof all messages past and current all gone! and all i get is switch to google ‘see details’ but NO info on how to switch or anything.
I do not use Google for anything if I can avoid it. the messaging is working fine. When are you companies going to get this principle: If it’s not broken, DON’T FIX IT!
By being signed-in to Google, on your smart phone, you are providing an open-door to creeps. I do not like Google, however, if one is to use it, then make sure that you sign-out and disable it when you are finished with your task. I say these things based on my own personal experience(s).
I will not use Google messages and the 3rd part options all have serious limitations (mainly that the person on the other end has to also be using the same App.). Google has recently come out and said: “End-to-end encrypted messages: End-to-end encryption keeps your eligible communications safe, so no one (including Google and third parties) can read or view your messages or attachments.”. But as always they have a wiggle word “eligible” so this statement is of no value.
I am paying Verizon for communications services and not Google. I will switch providers (after being a 19+ year Verizon customer) over this matter.