The Google Messages app for Android is the best when it comes to texting. With this application, you can send messages from a computer, and filter those pesky spam texts that have been irritating us for a while, and if your provider supports the Universal Profile, it can even offer RCS functionality.
However, you’ll need to set up Messages your default SMS app to get all of this functionality. Although many smartphones are provided with the software, multiple OEMs still choose to use their SMS app rather than Android Messages. Then some still have their default SMS app set up to an application they’ve used in the past. So this is the place to start if you want to make Google Voice default messaging app on Android.
Step 1: Install Android Messages
This is a wonderful chance to see if the app is up to date if it was preinstalled on your phone. Go to the following URL on your phone to start installing or modifying, and if requested, utilize the Play Store app to open it.
Step 2: Now Set Android Messages as the Default SMS App
You can use two ways to make Android Messages handle all SMS (and potentially RCS) contacts moving on. It depends on when you installed Messages and if you’ve utilized the app earlier, you might be required to use the Second Method.
Method 1: Create Messages the Default on the First-Run
For the first time using Android Messages or you’ve never used it before on your phone due to you utilizing a various app, this one is as simple and easy as it gets!
Just open the app to be welcomed by a message that lets you understand it must be your default SMS app to send messages. You’ll like to click “Next,” then in the latest popup, click “Yes” to verify the preference to make it your default SMS app. If it’s selected as your new system default, you can start using it.
Method 2: Manually Make It the Default
If you’ve used the app earlier and clicked “Skip” on that first prompt, or if you set it already as your system default the first time but switched to the next SMS app later, you’ll be required to set it to default manually.
Now open your system settings and type in the search bar “default apps” to see the location where you can switch out default apps for your system. Click the top search result.
Once you’re on the main screen for default apps, find the “Messaging app” section and click it. This opens a new menu. Look for Android Messages, which has the icon displayed below (matching the Play Store icon). Choose this app, then verify your option to set it as your default SMS app.
Conclusion
Setting up Google Voice as your default messaging app on Android is a very simple and easy process. By installing Android Messages and making it your default SMS app, you gain access to features like sending messages from your computer and filtering spam texts. Whether you’re prompted during the app’s first run or need to manually set it as the default, following these steps ensures you’re utilizing the best messaging experience on your Android device.