Replace standard SMS app

[shodo]

Hi,

I would like to replace the standard SMS app, because it sends the SMS in the new "caht" format, which I don't want to use. 

Can I replace the SMS app by another one?  Any recommendation?

Thanks

[Jonas · Accepted solution]

Hi @shodo!

I'm not quite sure that I understand what you mean with the new "chat" format, would it be possible for you to elaborate a bit?

You can download any SMS application of your liking from the Google Play store and when you start it up, you will be asked if you want to use this application as the default one for text message and you will then need to accept this. All your previous text messages will now become visible in the new application and you can start using it.

I use the pre-installed Google Messages application and it works fine for me. I rarely send text messages though, so I haven't checked if there are any better options available, but if you search for "sms" in the Google Play store, you will have plenty of option to choose from and can take read some of the reviews, or simply try them out, one by one!

I hope that helps and if you could get back to me regarding the chat feature, I would appreciate it!

[shodo]

Hi Jonas,

I downloaded the Google SMS app and it is muich better than the preinstalled one. The preinstalled app is from Telekom in Germany and tries to force me to use the new "chat" format, which I don't like. It doesn't surprise me that you don't know it, only a few people use it. 

The Google app does not support "chat".

Bye

[Jonas]

Hi again @shodo!

Perfect! That's the application that is preinstalled in our later models and have some other features, such as a dark mode!

Oh, that sounds like the RCS service that is supposed to replace SMS all together and supports sending bigger files, works over mobile data and Wi-Fi instead of the mobile network and so forth. It's fairly new still and I think only one operator here in the Nordics supports it.

It could very well be some other things though, but that is what comes to mind at least!

Have a nice Friday and a great weekend!

[Strampke]

Hi @shodo 

@Jonasgave you a good advise.

However I would still recommend Signal as first choice.

It's SMS and the safe alternative for Whatsapp together.

You can send photos and documents with it.

Try it, you'll like it.