Updated

Verizon Messages (Message+) is a popular messaging app offered by the telecom giant, but it will shut down next month. 

The app, which has over 250 million users, allows you to sync your text conversations across all compatible devices. Verizon Messages is separate from your phone’s other messaging apps, such as iMessage and Google Messages. 

Once the app shuts down, you'll need to switch to another app to continue sending and receiving messages. Here’s everything you need to know about the Message+ shutdown.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

Verizon store in New York

A Verizon store in New York is seen on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024.? (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Why is Message+ shutting down?

Verizon’s Message+ will fully shut down on Nov. 7, 2024, due to the new Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol. According to Verizon’s support page, the app is being discontinued because the company wants to provide "the best messaging experience." Google Messages, which comes pre-installed on Android phones, already offers this experience thanks to RCS support. Additionally, starting with iOS 18, iPhones will support the RCS protocol as well.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

So, what is RCS? It is a communication protocol standard for instant messaging, which brings loads of useful features. RCS messages allow you to send high-resolution photos and videos, share files, send messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data, and more. They also include read receipts, typing indicators and the ability to chat in groups.

RCS messaging was previously limited to Android-to-Android chats, but with iOS 18, Apple made iPhones compatible with the protocol as well.

TOP NEW AFFORDABLE CELLPHONE PLANS

What will happen once the app shuts down?

Once the app shuts down, you will no longer be able to access or use any of its features. If you still have it installed on your phone, it’s a good idea to uninstall it to free up space and avoid confusion. Any messages you’ve scheduled through Message+ that are set to be sent after Nov. 7 will not be delivered, meaning you'll need to find an alternative way to send those messages. 

Plus, the Message+ app will be completely removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, so you won’t be able to download or reinstall it in the future.

HERE’S WHAT RUTHLESS HACKERS STOLE FROM 110 MILLION AT&T CUSTOMERS

Pros and cons of switching to Google Messages

Pros:

  • Better emoji support and more GIF options
  • Enhanced features like RCS messaging, read receipts and typing indicators
  • Seamless integration with other Google services
  • Regular updates and improvements

Cons:

  • Potential privacy concerns due to Google's data collection practices
  • Loss of some Verizon-specific features that were available in Message+
  • Learning curve for users accustomed to Message+ interface
  • No automatic transfer of message history from Message+ to Google Messages
  • Need for manual intervention to preserve old messages before the switch
  • Possible loss of message history if proper steps are not taken before Message+ shuts down
  • Requirement to use third-party backup apps or manual screenshots to save important conversations

How to move to Google Messages

Verizon recommends you move your messages to Google Messages once the Messages+ app shuts down. This only applies to Android users and below are the steps to do so.

  • Download the?Google Messages app from the Google Play Store if you don’t have it already.
  • Open the?Google Messages app.
  • When you first open the app, make Google Messages your default SMS app by tapping?Set default SMS app pop-up.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

messages app

Google Messages app (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

HOW SCAMMERS ARE USING YOUR PERSONAL DATA FOR FINANCIAL SCAMS AND HOW TO STOP THEM

What you need to know before switching to Google Messages

We reached out to Verizon, and a rep told us "SMS/MMS messages, photos and videos less than 5MB will be synced with Google Messages. Enhanced groups and some Message+ specific app features will not be synced with Google Messages."

However, if you have more than 5MB of SMS/MMS messages, photos and videos, you may want to take additional steps to preserve all of this, such as using a third-party backup app or manually saving important conversations.

To preserve your message history from the Verizon Message+ app and avoid losing older or unsynced content, consider using third-party backup apps or manually screenshotting important conversations before the app shuts down.

Google Messages alternatives

Google’s data-sharing policies may deter some of you from switching to Google Messages. I’ve even received emails from people asking for alternative messaging apps. My top recommendations are Signal, WhatsApp and Telegram. Signal stands out as the best option because it's developed by a not-for-profit organization and prioritizes keeping your data secure. I’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get started with these apps here. While all of them are free, the biggest hurdle is convincing your friends and family to switch over. Unlike Message+, both the sender and receiver must have the app installed in order to start texting.

WORLD’S LARGEST STOLEN PASSWORD DATABASE UPLOADED TO CRIMINAL FORUM

Beware of scammers while switching to a different app

When transitioning to a new messaging app, it's essential to stay vigilant against scammers who may try to exploit your switch. Scammers often target users during app changes, using various tactics to gain access to personal information or trick you into downloading malicious software.

Scammers may send you messages that look like they’re from your new messaging app, asking you to verify your account or provide personal information. Always check the sender's address and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Kurt’s key takeaway

Verizon’s Message+ has been a popular default texting app for many of us. However, it lacks several features that modern messaging apps offer, making its shutdown a bit less inconvenient. You can easily switch to Google Messages or any other messaging app of your choice for an improved experience. Just be cautious of phishing links while using these messaging apps, as scammers often target users during transitions.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Will you switch to Google Messages once Verizon’s Message+ shuts down? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

seductrice.net
universo-virtual.com
buytrendz.net
thisforall.net
benchpressgains.com
qthzb.com
mindhunter9.com
dwjqp1.com
secure-signup.net
ahaayy.com
tressesindia.com
puresybian.com
krpano-chs.com
cre8workshop.com
hdkino.org
peixun021.com
qz786.com
utahperformingartscenter.org
worldqrmconference.com
shangyuwh.com
eejssdfsdfdfjsd.com
playminecraftfreeonline.com
trekvietnamtour.com
your-business-articles.com
essaywritingservice10.com
hindusamaaj.com
joggingvideo.com
wandercoups.com
wormblaster.net
tongchengchuyange0004.com
internetknowing.com
breachurch.com
peachesnginburlesque.com
dataarchitectoo.com
clientfunnelformula.com
30pps.com
cherylroll.com
ks2252.com
prowp.net
webmanicura.com
sofietsshotel.com
facetorch.com
nylawyerreview.com
apapromotions.com
shareparelli.com
goeaglepointe.com
thegreenmanpubphuket.com
karotorossian.com
publicsensor.com
taiwandefence.com
epcsur.com
mfhoudan.com
southstills.com
tvtv98.com
thewellington-hotel.com
bccaipiao.com
colectoresindustrialesgs.com
shenanddcg.com
capriartfilmfestival.com
replicabreitlingsale.com
thaiamarinnewtoncorner.com
gkmcww.com
mbnkbj.com
andrewbrennandesign.com
cod54.com
luobinzhang.com
faithfirst.net
zjyc28.com
tongchengjinyeyouyue0004.com
nhuan6.com
kftz5k.com
oldgardensflowers.com
lightupthefloor.com
bahamamamas-stjohns.com
ly2818.com
905onthebay.com
fonemenu.com
notanothermovie.com
ukrainehighclassescort.com
meincmagazine.com
av-5858.com
yallerdawg.com
donkeythemovie.com
corporatehospitalitygroup.com
boboyy88.com
miteinander-lernen.com
dannayconsulting.com
officialtomsshoesoutletstore.com
forsale-amoxil-amoxicillin.net
generictadalafil-canada.net
guitarlessonseastlondon.com
lesliesrestaurants.com
mattyno9.com
nri-homeloans.com
rtgvisas-qatar.com
salbutamolventolinonline.net
sportsinjuries.info
wedsna.com
rgkntk.com
bkkmarketplace.com
zxqcwx.com
breakupprogram.com
boxcardc.com
unblockyoutubeindonesia.com
fabulousbookmark.com
beat-the.com
guatemala-sailfishing-vacations-charters.com
magie-marketing.com
kingstonliteracy.com
guitaraffinity.com
eurelookinggoodapparel.com
howtolosecheekfat.net
marioncma.org
oliviadavismusic.com
shantelcampbellrealestate.com
shopleborn13.com
topindiafree.com
v-visitors.net
djjky.com
053hh.com
originbluei.com
baucishotel.com
33kkn.com
intrinsiqresearch.com
mariaescort-kiev.com
mymaguk.com
sponsored4u.com
crimsonclass.com
bataillenavale.com
searchtile.com
ze-stribrnych-struh.com
zenithalhype.com
modalpkv.com
bouisset-lafforgue.com
useupload.com
37r.net
autoankauf-muenster.com
bantinbongda.net
bilgius.com
brabustermagazine.com
indigrow.org
miicrosofts.net
mysmiletravel.com
selinasims.com
spellcubesapp.com
usa-faction.com
hypoallergenicdogsnames.com
dailyupdatez.com
foodphotographyreviews.com
cricutcom-setup.com
chprowebdesign.com
katyrealty-kanepa.com
tasramar.com
bilgipinari.org
four-am.com
indiarepublicday.com
inquick-enbooks.com
iracmpi.com
kakaschoenen.com
lsm99flash.com
nana1255.com
ngen-niagara.com
technwzs.com
virtualonlinecasino1345.com
wallpapertop.net
casino-natali.com
iprofit-internet.com
denochemexicana.com
eventhalfkg.com
medcon-taiwan.com
life-himawari.com
myriamshomes.com
nightmarevue.com
healthandfitnesslives.com
androidnews-jp.com
allstarsru.com
bestofthebuckeyestate.com
bestofthefirststate.com
bestwireless7.com
britsmile.com
declarationintermittent.com
findhereall.com
jingyou888.com
lsm99deal.com
lsm99galaxy.com
moozatech.com
nuagh.com
patliyo.com
philomenamagikz.net
rckouba.net
saturnunipessoallda.com
tallahasseefrolics.com
thematurehardcore.net
totalenvironment-inthatquietearth.com
velislavakaymakanova.com
vermontenergetic.com
kakakpintar.com
jerusalemdispatch.com
begorgeouslady.com
1800birks4u.com
2wheelstogo.com
6strip4you.com
bigdata-world.net
emailandco.net
gacapal.com
jharpost.com
krishnaastro.com
lsm99credit.com
mascalzonicampani.com
sitemapxml.org
thecityslums.net
topagh.com
flairnetwebdesign.com
rajasthancarservices.com
bangkaeair.com
beneventocoupon.com
noternet.org
oqtive.com
smilebrightrx.com
decollage-etiquette.com
1millionbestdownloads.com
7658.info
bidbass.com
devlopworldtech.com
digitalmarketingrajkot.com
fluginfo.net
naqlafshk.com
passion-decouverte.com
playsirius.com
spacceleratorintl.com
stikyballs.com
top10way.com
yokidsyogurt.com
zszyhl.com
16firthcrescent.com
abogadolaboralistamd.com
apk2wap.com
aromacremeria.com
banparacard.com
bosmanraws.com
businessproviderblog.com
caltonosa.com
calvaryrevivalchurch.org
chastenedsoulwithabrokenheart.com
cheminotsgardcevennes.com
cooksspot.com
cqxzpt.com
deesywig.com
deltacartoonmaps.com
despixelsetdeshommes.com
duocoracaobrasileiro.com
fareshopbd.com
goodpainspills.com
hemendekor.com
kobisitecdn.com
makaigoods.com
mgs1454.com
piccadillyresidences.com
radiolaondafresca.com
rubendorf.com
searchengineimprov.com
sellmyhrvahome.com
shugahouseessentials.com
sonihullquad.com
subtractkilos.com
valeriekelmansky.com
vipasdigitalmarketing.com
voolivrerj.com
worldhealthstory.com
zeelonggroup.com
1015southrockhill.com
10x10b.com
111-online-casinos.com
191cb.com
3665arpentunitd.com
aitesonics.com
bag-shokunin.com
brightotech.com
communication-digitale-services.com
covoakland.org
dariaprimapack.com
freefortniteaccountss.com
gatebizglobal.com
global1entertainmentnews.com
greatytene.com
hiroshiwakita.com
iktodaypk.com
jahatsakong.com
meadowbrookgolfgroup.com
newsbharati.net
platinumstudiosdesign.com
slotxogamesplay.com
strikestaruk.com
techguroh.com
trucosdefortnite.com
ufabetrune.com
weddedtowhitmore.com
12940brycecanyonunitb.com
1311dietrichoaks.com
2monarchtraceunit303.com
601legendhill.com
850elaine.com
adieusolasomade.com
andora-ke.com
bestslotxogames.com
cannagomcallen.com
endlesslyhot.com
iestpjva.com
ouqprint.com
pwmaplefest.com
qtylmr.com
rb88betting.com
buscadogues.com
1007macfm.com
born-wild.com
growthinvests.com
promocode-casino.com
proyectogalgoargentina.com
wbthompson-art.com
whitemountainwheels.com
7thavehvl.com
developmethis.com
funkydogbowties.com
travelodgegrandjunction.com
gao-town.com
globalmarketsuite.com
blogshippo.com
hdbka.com
proboards67.com
outletonline-michaelkors.com
kalkis-research.com
thuthuatit.net
buckcash.com
hollistercanada.com
docterror.com
asadart.com
vmayke.org
erwincomputers.com
dirimart.org
okkii.com
loteriasdecehegin.com
mountanalog.com
healingtaobritain.com
ttxmonitor.com
nwordpress.com
11bolabonanza.com