Question Non-Samsung version of Google Messages?

[holz75]

Hey everyone. This is my first Samsung, so please excuse me if this has been discussed at length already. Is there any way to get the normal version of Google Messages on a Samsung phone? The huge MESSAGES header when you open up the app is very annoying and never happened on my Pixel 4 XL. I'd love to know!

Thanks!

 

[swedespeed7]

Following since I'm also coming from Pixel. Why can't we just have Samsung hardware with stock Android haha.

 

[holz75]

Ok, I actually found this on another forum. Download the universal apk from another mirror site and store it on your phone. Go to the Play Store, uninstall updates of Messages and turn off auto update, go back to the Messages app and clear the cache, then install the other downloaded apk. Apparently, that works! They did say though that the app can't be updated by the Play Store. You have to manually do it. I haven't tried this yet.

 

[goTouch]

Ok, I actually found this on another forum. Download the universal apk from another mirror site and store it on your phone. Go to the Play Store, uninstall updates of Messages and turn off auto update, go back to the Messages app and clear the cache, then install the other downloaded apk. Apparently, that works! They did say though that the app can't be updated by the Play Store. You have to manually do it. I haven't tried this yet.

It works just the way you said. But if you update in play store, it will revert to Samsung's version and it is going to force close

 

[Sheetzie03]

It works just the way you said. But if you update in play store, it will revert to Samsung's version and it is going to force close

Yeah you'd have to turn up dates off and just manually update the regular version. Apk mirror is legit

 

[arfore]

So I use the Google Messages app on my S22+ (just as I did on my Note 10+). No sideloading necessary. This is Google's app from the playstore. No huge app header or anything.

Those headers are specific to Samsung's app design language. You need to remember that Google Messages and Samsung Messages have the same app name in the drawer, but the app icons are different.

 

[bearone2]

i use/have used verizon message + on several samsung phones..pop-up on lock-screen + read message.

currently not a verizon phone.