Switching guide

Switching from Google Messages to ZenSMS

ZenSMS is an SMS/MMS app. It is not an RCS replacement. If your conversations depend on RCS chats or RCS groups, staying on Google Messages is the better choice.

The short version

Changing your default SMS app does not convert Google Messages RCS history into SMS. ZenSMS can import SMS and MMS that Android keeps in the shared system messaging store. It cannot import, display, or continue RCS chats. Google Messages remains the right app when RCS is a requirement, not a nice-to-have.

ZenSMS is not affiliated with Google or Google Messages. This guide is for people comparing SMS apps and planning a manual switch.

Should I switch?

Use this as a decision check, not a ranking. Google Messages is a capable default SMS app, especially where RCS is available.

ZenSMS may fit if you mainly want

Standard carrier SMS and MMS.
Inbox folders, including system folders and optional Premium custom folders.
On-device spam filtering, with flagged messages kept for review.
Local-only storage: no ZenSMS account and no cloud copy of your messages.
No ads and no analytics SDKs in the app.

Stay on Google Messages if you need

RCS chats, including typing indicators, read receipts, and higher-resolution sharing over data.
RCS group chats that should keep working as RCS groups.
Google Messages for web or other Google Messages device pairing.
Any other Google Messages feature that is not SMS or MMS.

What happens to my messages?

SMS/MMS and RCS are different layers. Switching the default SMS app is not a full inbox migration from Google Messages into ZenSMS.

SMS and MMS

On Android, SMS and MMS live in a shared system store. Messaging apps read from that store. After you set ZenSMS as the default SMS app, ZenSMS can import the SMS and MMS that Android exposes there. The import makes an organized copy for folders. It does not delete the system copies, and it does not remove those messages from other SMS apps.

Only the default SMS app receives incoming SMS and MMS. Until ZenSMS is the default, it cannot take over new SMS/MMS delivery.

One caution that applies across apps: deleting a message in any SMS app removes it from the shared store, so it disappears for every app. Hold off on deleting threads while you are testing.

RCS

RCS (the “RCS chats” / chat features in Google Messages) is not the same as SMS or MMS. Android’s shared SMS/MMS store does not expose old RCS history to third-party SMS apps. ZenSMS cannot recover, import, convert, or display those RCS conversations.

Changing the default SMS app does not turn past RCS threads into SMS/MMS threads. Those conversations stay in the RCS layer. While your number is still registered for RCS, some contacts may continue trying to reach you through RCS. Those messages are not available to ZenSMS as SMS/MMS.

What happens to group conversations?

Treat these as two different things:

SMS/MMS groups are carrier group texts. ZenSMS can send and receive those when it is the default SMS app, subject to normal carrier MMS limits and settings. Picture and group MMS often need mobile data.
RCS groups are RCS conversations. An existing RCS group should not be assumed to become an equivalent SMS/MMS group in ZenSMS. ZenSMS cannot join or continue that RCS group.

An existing RCS group should not be expected to convert into an MMS group. If you want standard group messaging in ZenSMS, start a fresh SMS/MMS group. If messages stop reaching you after you change messaging apps, follow Google’s RCS-off guidance for your number. The FAQ has the in-app steps.

Do I need to turn off RCS?

You do not need to turn RCS off merely to install or test ZenSMS. You can set ZenSMS as the default SMS app without touching RCS.

If messages stop reaching you after you switch messaging apps, Google recommends turning RCS chats off in Google Messages. See Google’s steps if you switch to another messaging app and do not receive your messages.

Google also warns that turning RCS chats off and on is not advised, and that doing so removes you from RCS group chats. That is another reason to stay on Google Messages when those groups matter.

If you do turn RCS off and you have the device, use the Google Messages app: open Messages, go to Messages settings, open RCS chats, and turn RCS chats off. If you cannot use the device, use Google’s deactivation portal at messages.google.com/disable-chat.

Turning RCS off does not convert old RCS history into SMS or MMS.

How to switch

Install ZenSMS from Google Play.
You do not need to turn RCS off merely to install or test. If messages stop reaching you after you switch, turn RCS chats off in Google Messages for your number.
Open ZenSMS and set it as the default SMS app when Android asks. You can also set it later in Android Settings under default apps / SMS app.
Import existing messages when ZenSMS prompts you, so it can organize SMS/MMS already in the system store.
Send a test SMS to a trusted contact. If you use photos or MMS groups, send or receive a test MMS with mobile data on.
If some people still do not arrive, follow the RCS steps in the FAQ and support guide rather than reinstalling.

Can I switch back?

Yes. Set Google Messages as the default SMS app again in Android settings. SMS and MMS remain in the shared system store, so they are still there for Google Messages to read. You do not need ZenSMS to “export” SMS/MMS back.

That does not restore RCS to its previous state. RCS chats live in Google Messages’ RCS layer. Google says it is not advised to turn RCS chats off and on, and that doing so removes you from group chats. Do not assume that turning RCS back on later will restore your previous RCS group memberships. Do not switch away from Google Messages as a temporary experiment if those RCS groups are important.

When you should not switch

Stay on Google Messages if any of these are true:

You depend on RCS group chats and need them to keep working as RCS groups.
You use Google Messages for web, a tablet, or another paired device as part of daily messaging.
You need RCS-only behavior such as typing indicators, read receipts, or sending larger photos and files over data instead of carrier MMS.
Important contacts may still try to reach you through RCS, and you need those messages to arrive.

In those cases ZenSMS is the wrong tool, not a lesser version of Google Messages.

Need help?

For missing messages, expired MMS pictures, and RCS deregistration, start with the FAQ. For diagnostics, email support@zensms.app from the support guide.