How to install Google Messenger on Android 6.0.1

[Rodney Lux]

I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab e running marshmallow 6.0.1 when I try to download Google Messenger it says it's not compatible with my device. I know something must be wrong but I don't know what it is can someone help me? When I try to send a text message SMS using ,OK google, it fails to send because it is trying to use Google Messenger and Google Messenger is not installed on my device. I have rooted my device.

 

[LeoRex]

To send SMS, your device needs a full set of mobile radios.... Even tablet's that are mobile data ready lack the additional radio capabilities that phones have. That's why you get the 'incompatible' message.

Have you tried Google Voice for SMS? If you are set up with Google Voice, you also might be able to use Hangouts to send SMS messages via GV.

 

[Rodney Lux]

I am using Hangouts now to send SMS messages but I wanted to be able to use hands-free via 'ok Google' but that does not work with Hangouts. I am not using mobile data just wifi. The new Google Messenger was made for 6.0. I do not understand why it won't let me install it.

 

[LeoRex]

Your phone isn't on the list of supported devices. You can always download the apk from apkmirror.com and install it manually.

 

[Rodney Lux]

I found the version that will work on my device but now when I try to send an SMS it says SMS disabled.

 

[Rodney Lux]

I found the version for my device but when I try to send an SMS it says SMS disabled. I think it is trying to send using mobile data but I want to use wifi.

 

[TwitchyPuppy]

When you use Hangouts, do you specifically see "SMS" or it's a normal Hangouts message?

 

[Rodney Lux]

It SMS. I use SMS to text friends and family. None of them use hangouts.

 

[LeoRex]

In order to send an SMS message, you need to actually be connected to a phone network... Any data-only device, such as a tablet, even one that has mobile data capability, will not be able to send SMS messages.

The SMS protocol works over the phone network, not the data network.

Your only options is to use Google Voice and Hangouts to send/receive the text messages. That sends SMS via the network through Google rather than a carrier. But the method doesn't work with other SMS apps