AT&T’s messaging apps are saying goodbye soon

If you’re still rocking AT&T Messages for Tablet or the AT&T Messages Backup & Sync service, it’s time to start packing your digital bags because these services are shutting down by the end of 2024. After years of loyal service, AT&T is officially sunsetting its messaging apps. And guess what? It’s not the first to do so.

It’s all part of a larger trend in the tech world where everyone is rallying around one universal messaging standard — RCS (Rich Communication Services) — and Google Messages is the go-to app for this transition. AT&T is following in the footsteps of Verizon, which waved goodbye to its Message+ app earlier, and even Samsung, which has been nudging users away from Samsung Messages despite a fresh look courtesy of the new One UI 7 beta update. The goal? To make messaging smoother and more consistent across devices and networks, with Google Messages leading the charge.

Here’s the deal:

• AT&T Messages for Tablet: If you’re still using this app, you might have noticed a warning popping up since June 1, 2024. Once the app shuts down, any messages stored in the cloud will vanish. Don’t panic, though — those messages should already be saved on your phone.
• AT&T Messages Backup & Sync: This service will also bite the dust. Your phone will automatically switch to its default messaging app, but you won’t be able to access messages on other devices anymore.

The good news? Google Messages is here to save the day. It’s already preloaded on most Android devices, and if you don’t have it yet, you can snag it from Google Play Store. With Google Messages, you can keep sending and receiving texts seamlessly while enjoying all the perks of RCS, like typing indicators, read receipts, and high-quality media sharing. However, the recent iOS 18.1.1 update may have messed up some of these perks for iPhone and Android users keeping in touch.

Here’s how to switch:

1. Open your default messaging app or download Google Messages from Google Play Store.
2. Set it as your default SMS app.
3. All your stored messages will be there, ready to go.

With only a few weeks left in 2024, time is ticking. Waiting until the last minute might mean losing access to important messages if they’re only stored in AT&T’s cloud. Plus, switching to Google Messages now will give you a head start on getting familiar with the app.

As noted, Verizon and Samsung have already made similar moves, and this push for RCS as the messaging standard shows no signs of slowing down. It’s all about simplifying communication, no matter which device or network you’re on.