Verizon Messages (Message+) is a well-liked messaging app supplied by the telecom big, however will probably be discontinued subsequent month.
The app, which has over 250 million customers, permits you to sync your textual content conversations throughout all appropriate units. Verizon Messages is totally different from different messaging apps in your telephone, equivalent to iMessage and Google Messages.
When the app closes, you’ll need to change to it Another app To proceed sending and receiving messages. This is every thing that you must find out about turning off Message+.
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Message+ allowed customers to sync textual content conversations throughout appropriate units. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
Why is Message+ shutting down?
Because of the new Wealthy Communication Providers (RCS) protocol, Verizon’s Message+ might be utterly phased out on November 7, 2024. Accordingly Verizon’s support pageThe app is being discontinued as the corporate desires to supply “the most effective messaging expertise.” Google Messages, which comes pre-installed on Android telephones, already provides this expertise because of RCS help. Moreover, beginning with iOS 18, iPhones will even help the RCS protocol.
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So, what’s RCS? This can be a Communication protocol standard for instant messagingWhich brings a great deal of helpful options. RCS Messages permits you to ship high-resolution photographs and movies, share information, ship messages over Wi-Fi or cell knowledge, and extra. Additionally they embody learn receipts, typing indicators and the flexibility to speak in teams.
RCS messaging was beforehand restricted to Android-to-Android chats, however with iOS 18, Apple made iPhones appropriate with the protocol.
Customers can put together to shut the app. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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What occurs after the app is closed?
As soon as the App is closed, you won’t be able to entry or use any of its options. In case you nonetheless have it put in in your telephone, it is a good suggestion to uninstall it to release house and keep away from confusion. Any messages you schedule by means of Message+ which might be set to be despatched after November seventh won’t be delivered, which means you’ll need to search out an alternate technique to ship these messages.
Additionally, the Message+ app might be utterly faraway from each the Apple App Retailer and Google Play Retailer, so you will not have the ability to obtain or reinstall it sooner or later.
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Learn how to go to Google Messages
Verizon recommends that you just ship your messages to Google Messages after closing the Messages+ app. That is solely relevant to Android customers and the next are the steps to take action.
- Obtain the Google Messages app From the Google Play Retailer in case you do not have already got it.
- open the Google Messages App.
- If you open the app for the primary time, faucet to make Google Messages your default SMS app Set default SMS App pop-up.
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Google Messages app (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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Google Messages Choices
Google’s data-sharing insurance policies could stop a few of you from accessing Google Messages. I’ve additionally acquired emails from individuals asking for various messaging apps. My high suggestions are Sign, WhatsApp and Telegram. Sign stands out as the best choice as it’s developed by a non-profit group and prioritizes preserving your knowledge protected. I’ve supplied Here are detailed instructions on how to get started with these apps. Whereas all of those are free, the most important hurdle is convincing your family and friends to make the swap. Not like Message+, each the sender and receiver will need to have the app put in to start out sending messages.
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Watch out for scammers when switching to a special app
When switching to a brand new messaging app, it is essential to be cautious of scammers making an attempt to take advantage of your swap. Scammers typically goal customers throughout app transitions, utilizing varied tips to realize entry to non-public info or trick you into downloading malicious software program.
Scammers could ship you messages that look like out of your new messaging app, asking you to confirm your account or present private info. All the time test the sender’s deal with and keep away from clicking on suspicious hyperlinks.
One of the simplest ways to guard your self from malicious hyperlinks that set up malware, doubtlessly accessing your private info, is to put in antivirus software program on all of your units. This safety may also provide you with a warning to phishing emails and ransomware scams, preserving your private info and digital belongings protected. Get my picks for 2024’s best antivirus security winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Kurt’s key takeaway
Verizon’s Message+ has been a preferred default texting app for many people. Nevertheless, it lacks many options that trendy messaging apps supply, making its closure rather less inconvenient. You may simply swap to Google Messages or some other messaging app of your selection for a greater expertise. Simply watch out Phishing links When utilizing these messaging apps, as scammers typically goal customers throughout transitions.
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