Verizon shutting down its Message+ app. So what do you do now?

Verizon Messages (Message+) is simply a celebrated messaging app offered by nan telecom giant, but it will unopen down adjacent month. 

The app, which has complete 250 cardinal users, allows you to sync your matter conversations crossed each compatible devices. Verizon Messages is abstracted from your phone’s different messaging apps, specified arsenic iMessage and Google Messages. 

Once nan app shuts down, you'll request to move to another app to proceed sending and receiving messages. Here’s everything you request to cognize astir nan Message+ shutdown.

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The Message+ allowed users to sync matter conversations crossed compatible devices. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

Why is Message+ shutting down?

Verizon’s Message+ will afloat unopen down connected Nov. 7, 2024, owed to nan caller Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol. According to Verizon’s support page, nan app is being discontinued because nan institution wants to supply "the champion messaging experience." Google Messages, which comes pre-installed connected Android phones, already offers this acquisition acknowledgment to RCS support. Additionally, starting pinch iOS 18, iPhones will support nan RCS protocol arsenic well.

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So, what is RCS? It is simply a communication protocol modular for instant messaging, which brings loads of useful features. RCS messages let you to nonstop high-resolution photos and videos, stock files, nonstop messages complete Wi-Fi aliases mobile data, and more. They besides see publication receipts, typing indicators and nan expertise to chat successful groups.

RCS messaging was antecedently constricted to Android-to-Android chats, but pinch iOS 18, Apple made iPhones compatible pinch nan protocol arsenic well.

Users tin hole for nan app to unopen down. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

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What will hap erstwhile nan app shuts down?

Once nan app shuts down, you will nary longer beryllium capable to entree aliases usage immoderate of its features. If you still person it installed connected your phone, it’s a bully thought to uninstall it to free up abstraction and debar confusion. Any messages you’ve scheduled done Message+ that are group to beryllium sent aft Nov. 7 will not beryllium delivered, meaning you'll request to find an replacement measurement to nonstop those messages. 

Plus, nan Message+ app will beryllium wholly removed from some nan Apple App Store and Google Play Store, truthful you won’t beryllium capable to download aliases reinstall it successful nan future.

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How to move to Google Messages

Verizon recommends you move your messages to Google Messages erstwhile nan Messages+ app shuts down. This only applies to Android users and beneath are nan steps to do so.

• Download the Google Messages app from nan Google Play Store if you don’t person it already.
• Open the Google Messages app.
• When you first unfastened nan app, make Google Messages your default SMS app by tapping Set default SMS app pop-up.

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Google Messages app (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

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Google Messages alternatives

Google’s data-sharing policies whitethorn deter immoderate of you from switching to Google Messages. I’ve moreover received emails from group asking for replacement messaging apps. My apical recommendations are Signal, WhatsApp and Telegram. Signal stands retired arsenic nan champion action because it's developed by a not-for-profit statement and prioritizes keeping your information secure. I’ve provided detailed instructions connected really to get started pinch these apps here. While each of them are free, nan biggest hurdle is convincing your friends and family to move over. Unlike Message+, some nan sender and receiver must person nan app installed successful bid to commencement texting.

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Beware of scammers while switching to a different app

When transitioning to a caller messaging app, it's basal to enactment vigilant against scammers who whitethorn effort to utilization your switch. Scammers often target users during app changes, utilizing various strategies to summation entree to individual accusation aliases instrumentality you into downloading malicious software.

Scammers whitethorn nonstop you messages that look for illustration they’re from your caller messaging app, asking you to verify your relationship aliases supply individual information. Always cheque nan sender's reside and debar clicking connected suspicious links.

The champion measurement to safeguard yourself from malicious links that instal malware, perchance accessing your backstage information, is to person antivirus package installed connected each your devices. This protection tin besides alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your individual accusation and integer assets safe. Get my picks for nan champion 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Kurt’s cardinal takeaway

Verizon’s Message+ has been a celebrated default texting app for galore of us. However, it lacks respective features that modern messaging apps offer, making its shutdown a spot little inconvenient. You tin easy move to Google Messages aliases immoderate different messaging app of your prime for an improved experience. Just beryllium cautious of phishing links while utilizing these messaging apps, arsenic scammers often target users during transitions.

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