Google Messages vs Verizon Message+: Which Should You Use?

If you are a Verizon customer, you may have noticed both Google Messages and Verizon Message+ on your Android phone and wondered which one to use. Here is a complete breakdown of both apps, their differences, and which one is the better choice in 2026.

What Is Google Messages?

Google Messages is the default messaging app on most Android phones. It supports both traditional SMS/MMS and the newer RCS (Rich Communication Services) chat protocol, which enables features similar to iMessage.

1. RCS chat with read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality photo sharing.
2. End-to-end encryption for RCS conversations.
3. Spam and scam detection built in.
4. Access messages from a web browser at messages.google.com.
5. Works with any carrier on any Android phone.
6. Gemini AI integration for smart replies and suggestions.

What Is Verizon Message+?

Verizon Message+ was Verizon’s proprietary messaging app that let customers sync texts across multiple devices. However, Verizon has been phasing out Message+ in favor of Google Messages with RCS support.

1. Synced messages across phones, tablets, and computers.
2. Group chats with up to 250 people.
3. Location sharing and Yelp integration.
4. Driving mode for auto-replies.
5. Only worked with a valid Verizon US number.

Key Differences Between Google Messages and Message+

The most important difference is that Google Messages uses the universal RCS standard while Message+ was a Verizon-only solution. RCS works across all carriers and is now supported by both Android and iPhone starting with iOS 18, making it far more useful for cross-platform messaging.

1. Google Messages works on any carrier. Message+ only worked on Verizon.
2. Google Messages supports end-to-end encryption. Message+ did not.
3. Google Messages receives regular updates with new features. Message+ is no longer actively developed.
4. Google Messages has web access at messages.google.com. Message+ had its own web portal that has been discontinued.
5. Google Messages integrates with Gemini AI for smart features. Message+ had no AI features.

Which App Should You Use in 2026?

Google Messages is the clear choice. Verizon has officially moved away from Message+ and now ships Google Messages as the default on all Verizon Android phones. RCS is the industry standard for messaging on Android, and with Apple adding RCS support in iOS 18, your messages will work seamlessly with both Android and iPhone users.

1. Open Google Messages on your phone or download it from the Google Play Store.
2. Set it as your default messaging app when prompted.
3. Enable RCS chat by going to Messages Settings, then Chat features, and toggling on Enable chat features.
4. If you still have Message+ installed, you can uninstall or disable it through Settings, then Apps, then Message+.

How to Transfer Messages from Message+ to Google Messages

If you have been using Message+ and want to switch, your SMS and MMS messages stored on the device should automatically appear in Google Messages once you set it as the default app. Messages that were only stored in the Verizon cloud through Message+ may not transfer.

1. Open Message+ and make sure all messages are downloaded to your device.
2. Install Google Messages from the Play Store if needed.
3. Open Google Messages and accept the prompt to set it as your default SMS app.
4. Your existing SMS and MMS messages will appear in Google Messages.
5. Go to Settings, then Apps, then Message+ and tap Disable or Uninstall.