Samsung Messages Not on Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

[TreyWash8]

Since Samsung is supporting Samsung Messages again, how can I get Samsung Messages on my watch? Right now, Google Messages is the only app showing available, and as a result, I can't see incoming messages or use any messaging functions related to Samsung Messages. I only have Google Message options. Please help. 

[grimmixxty]

Got it — you’re actually hitting a real limitation that a lot of people with Samsung watches have been dealing with lately. Let’s break this down:

Why This Is Happening:

Samsung recently started supporting Samsung Messages again for watches running One UI Watch 5 and later (like Galaxy Watch 4, 5, 6 series).

BUT, for Samsung Messages to appear on your watch, both your phone and your watch must be set to use Samsung Messages as the default.

If Google Messages is your current default app, your watch will only show Google Messages — Samsung Messages won’t even appear as an option until you change it.

How to Fix It:

Set Samsung Messages as the Default on Your Phone

Open Settings > Apps > Choose Default Apps > SMS App.

Select Samsung Messages instead of Google Messages.

Restart Your Phone and Your Watch

After switching the default app, restart both devices. This forces the Galaxy Wearable app and the watch to re-scan available apps.

Update Galaxy Wearable and Watch Plugins

Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone.

Check if there are any updates available for the Watch Plugin and the Galaxy Wearable app itself.

Updated software is key because Samsung only added full support recently.

Re-sync Notifications and Apps

In the Galaxy Wearable app, go to Watch Settings > Notifications.

Make sure Samsung Messages is turned on for notifications.

You might also need to go to Manage Apps inside Wearable and confirm it's installed/enabled on the watch.

Check for a Samsung Messages Watch App Update

On your watch, open Google Play Store.

Search for Samsung Messages (sometimes the companion app needs an update separately).

Important Tip:

If your carrier (like Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) heavily customizes the Samsung Messages app, sometimes the feature might still be delayed depending on the carrier-branded software. Unlocking the full integration sometimes requires waiting for their approval.

Quick Summary:

Make Samsung Messages your default SMS app first.

Restart both devices.

Update all Samsung apps.

Re-enable notifications and apps via Galaxy Wearable.

Check Play Store on the watch for updates.

Would you like me to also show you how to quick-switch between Google Messages and Samsung Messages on the phone if you ever want both options easily?
(It’s super quick once you know the trick.)

[Mogay]

i am enjoying Google Message, i can read all my message from my laptop browser, phone, or watch

[realaud]

With you on that.  I avoid using Samsung apps that are proprietary to Samsung, as that's the way they lock you into the ecoverse.  Makes it very hard to switch brands (should one want to) when all your passwords, notes and contacts are stuck in your Samsung account and not exportable into other apps or formats

[TreyWash8]

I fixed this. I had to factory reset my watch and set it up as a new device. Do NOT import an old saved watch. It'll bring Samsung Messages back for use.

[userH1B1lQiDut]

Are there any updates up this as of 6.30.25? None of the steps worked. S25 ultra/Galaxy 7 watch

[TreyWash8]

If you factory reset it like i mentioned in the previous comment, it should work. Granted I'm still with the S24 Ultra.

[userH1B1lQiDut]

Thanks so much! Apparently now I'm getting messages again. I'm thinking it had to be one of the options you listed but still no Samsung app on the watch. Thinking about turning off automatic updates, lol.

[TreyWash8]

I would recommend turning them off just to be safe. I read every update that comes across these days lol

[polybiuspro]

Factory reset works as of 12/12/2025.
1. Set the default on phone to samsung messages
2. Reset and set up as new watch
3. Do not add your Google account until AFTER phone setup is complete