Any special considerations when replacing messaging app?

[gf1701]

I've been using the Messages app that came with my phone (Motorola Moto Z) a couple of years ago, but I've begun receiving spam (phishing) texts, and that app has very poor blocking and reporting features, so I want to replace it. What I want to know is, is doing so as simple as downloading and installing another messaging app, or are there things I need to do in conjunction with that, such as changing settings on my phone and/or taking actions to preserve my existing message threads (or can't I even do that)? Thanks.

 

[VidJunky]

Nope changing SMS apps is as easy as installing a replacement and choosing it as your default. Most apps that I'm familiar with will import old threads and the whole operation is seamless and simple. Likely the biggest consideration will be finding an app you can live with, especially after having used the same app for so long.

You may find that you'll have to try a few before finding one that suits you. Free apps will have ads. One app may change the conversation layout in some way that is annoying to you. Another may have a lot of similarities to your old app but won't have that one thing that you really liked about the old app. Or you could find something altogether better, that you love and wonder why you didn't switch sooner. So if you want to be prepared for something, be prepared to try a few.

What carrier are you with? Verizon has one called Messages+, if you're with them, that has a decent spam feature, a decent UI and decent customizations. Google Messages isn't as customizable and doesn't have a few of bells and whistles of other apps, like delayed messages, but it is a solid offering without ads.

 

[gf1701]

Thanks for the helpful reply. My carrier is T-Mobile (well, MetroPCS by T-Mobile, to be precise). I never found the current app particularly easy to use (attaching and sending to multiple people is confusing), so adapting to a different app should not be a problem. I plan to start with Google Messages and see if that is good enough for me. Free and no ads is a good place to begin.

 

[mustang7757]

Thanks for the helpful reply. My carrier is T-Mobile (well, MetroPCS by T-Mobile, to be precise). I never found the current app particularly easy to use (attaching and sending to multiple people is confusing), so adapting to a different app should not be a problem. I plan to start with Google Messages and see if that is good enough for me. Free and no ads is a good place to begin.

Hi, google message is good message app , some use Textra also.

 

[Rukbat]

Phishing messages on TMobile (I'm on their towers too) has nothing to do with the app, it has to do with your phone number and your location. They're all robodialed (usually from overseas), so if your area is being hit by people running phishing message scams, you'll get hit by them. You can change your app, but you'll most likely find that it was a waste of effort. (And you can't block them - each one comes from a randomly chosen callerID - in your area code and central office code [the first 6 digits, in the US]. You'd have to block all calls that you probably want to receive.)