Verizon Message+ Shutdown: Reasons & Top Alternatives

In a significant move impacting millions of Verizon Wireless customers, the telecom giant has officially shut down its Message+ and Verizon Messages apps. This marks the end of an era for Verizon’s proprietary texting platforms, which were once preloaded on many Android devices sold by the carrier. The shutdown, effective December 9, forces customers still relying on these apps to find alternative messaging solutions. Here’s what you need to know about the change and the broader implications for messaging technology.

Why Is Verizon Shutting Down Its Messaging Apps?

Verizon’s decision to discontinue Message+ and Verizon Messages stems from the industry’s growing reliance on Rich Communication Services (RCS), an advanced messaging standard designed to replace SMS and MMS. The company started phasing out these apps in 2021 when it began preloading Google Messages on Android devices instead. By shutting down its proprietary apps, Verizon aims to streamline its services and support the universal adoption of RCS.

RCS offers many features that modern users demand, such as:

• Typing indicators.
• Read receipts.
• High-quality media sharing.
• Enhanced group messaging.

These features bring RCS closer to the experience of popular platforms like Apple’s iMessage or Meta’s WhatsApp.

However, Verizon’s apps were tied exclusively to its network, limiting their broader usability. By moving away from its proprietary platforms, Verizon aligns itself with a more universal and cross-platform solution.

Who Will Be Affected?

The shutdown primarily impacts Android users who purchased their phones through Verizon before 2022. These devices often came with Message+ as the default texting app. The impact is minimal for iPhone users, as Apple’s iMessage remains the default option for all iOS devices sold by Verizon.

Customers using Message+ on Android or iPhone can no longer send or receive messages through the app. Additionally, email aliases linked to the app will cease to function. While users can still view old messages after the shutdown, deleting the app will make these inaccessible.

How to Switch to a New Messaging App

For Android users, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages, the app now preloaded on most Android devices. Google Messages supports RCS and offers features comparable to those provided by Message+. Here’s how to make the switch:

1. Download Google Messages: If your phone doesn’t already have it, install the app from the Google Play Store.
2. Set as Default: Open the app, and it will prompt you to make it your default SMS app. Alternatively, you can change this setting manually by going to your phone’s settings.
3. Sync Your Messages: Google Messages can automatically transfer your text history, including SMS, MMS, and media files under 5MB, from Message+.
4. Explore Features: Familiarize yourself with RCS features like typing indicators, read receipts, and high-quality media sharing.

For iPhone users, no action is needed. The native iMessage app remains fully functional and unaffected by this change.

Other Messaging Options

While Google Messages is the most straightforward choice for Android users, other options exist. Many users prefer encrypted messaging apps, which offer enhanced privacy and security. Popular alternatives include:

• Signal: Known for its robust end-to-end encryption and nonprofit backing, Signal is a favourite for secure communication.
• WhatsApp: With a massive global user base, WhatsApp provides encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, and group chats.
• Telegram: Offers a wide range of features, including large group chats, media sharing, and cloud-based storage.
• Session: Focused on privacy, Session doesn’t require a phone number for registration, making it ideal for anonymous messaging.

These apps can be used alongside your default SMS app, allowing you to maintain secure conversations while accessing traditional texting.

What Is RCS and Why Does It Matter?

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is the next evolution of text messaging, aiming to replace the outdated SMS and MMS standards. Unlike SMS, which is limited to 160 characters and lacks multimedia capabilities, RCS provides a modern messaging experience comparable to popular chat apps. Key features include:

• Typing Indicators: See when someone is typing a response.
• Read Receipts: Know when your message has been read.
• High-Quality Media Sharing: Send photos and videos without compression.
• Group Chats: Enhanced functionality for managing group conversations.

RCS is supported by major carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, as well as phone manufacturers like Samsung and Google. It’s also gaining traction with Apple, which introduced limited RCS support in iOS 18.

Limitations of RCS

Despite its advantages, RCS has its challenges. The most significant drawback is the lack of end-to-end encryption for messages sent between different platforms. While Google Messages offers encryption for chats between two Google users, messages exchanged between Android and iPhone users remain vulnerable to interception.

This limitation has raised concerns among privacy advocates and government agencies. The FBI and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency have recommended using encrypted apps like WhatsApp or Signal for sensitive communications.

The Broader Context of Messaging App Changes

Verizon is one of many companies making significant changes to its messaging services. Earlier this year, Samsung also transitioned to Google Messages as the default app for Android devices in the US. These shifts reflect a broader trend toward standardization and interoperability in the messaging ecosystem.

Apple’s adoption of RCS in iOS 18 is another milestone, as it allows for improved texting between iPhone and Android users. However, Apple has emphasized that RCS is a carrier-provided service and does not offer the same level of security as iMessage.

The Security Concerns Surrounding Messaging Apps

The transition to RCS comes at a time of heightened cybersecurity threats. A recent hacking campaign, dubbed “Salt Typhoon” by Microsoft, has targeted US telecom firms, including Verizon and AT&T. This large-scale intelligence compromise underscores the importance of secure communication channels.

While RCS offers significant improvements over SMS, its lack of cross-platform encryption remains vulnerable. To mitigate risks, users are encouraged to adopt encrypted messaging apps for sensitive conversations.

What’s Next for Verizon Customers?

The shutdown of Message+ and Verizon Messages marks the end of a chapter for the telecom giant. The transition to alternative messaging platforms may seem inconvenient initially for customers, but it aligns with the broader industry shift toward more advanced and universal solutions.

As RCS continues to evolve, it has the potential to bridge the gap between different platforms and provide a seamless messaging experience for users worldwide. However, until cross-platform encryption becomes standard, privacy-conscious users should consider supplementing their default messaging app with secure options like Signal or WhatsApp.

Verizon’s decision to sunset its messaging apps reflects the rapidly changing communication technology landscape. While the move may disrupt some users in the short term, it paves the way for a more unified and feature-rich messaging experience.

For now, Verizon customers should take the time to explore their options and ensure a smooth transition to a new messaging app. Whether you choose Google Messages for its RCS compatibility or an encrypted app for added security, the goal is to stay connected in a way that meets your needs and protects your privacy.