Why isn't Android Messages compatible with Samsung Galaxy Tab S3?

[Android Central Question]

I`m pissed. I just bought a Galaxy Tab S3 so I could use Android Messages. This app works best with the members of a group I'm responsible for, and I couldn't use it on an iPad 4. So I tried to download the app and got the "not compatible" message. What is Google thinking?

 

[2ISAB]

I`m pissed. I just bought a Galaxy Tab S3 so I could use Android Messages. This app works best with the members of a group I'm responsible for, and I couldn't use it on an iPad 4. So I tried to download the app and got the "not compatible" message. What is Google thinking?

Download it from another reputable site.
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/messenger-google-inc/

 

[hallux]

Because it's an app for texting which is a phone capability.

I expect with RCS coming there may be the ability to put it on a tablet eventually.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! hallux is correct. Google's Messages app is an SMS/MMS app, which requires telephony. Even if your tablet is LTE-enabled, it doesn't have telephony -- the LTE is only for mobile data. That's what Google (and Samsung) are thinking.

 

[TRESV]

Welcome to Android Central! hallux is correct. Google's Messages app is an SMS/MMS app, which requires telephony. Even if your tablet is LTE-enabled, it doesn't have telephony -- the LTE is only for mobile data. That's what Google (and Samsung) are thinking.

Forgive my telephony ignorance, but how does messages work over strictly wifi access then on the phone? and why wouldn't it work for the S3 on wifi?

 

[hallux]

Forgive my telephony ignorance, but how does messages work over strictly wifi access then on the phone? and why wouldn't it work for the S3 on wifi?

The WiFi is just the "pipe", SMS/MMS is still the protocol that is being fed through the pipe.

 

[B. Diddy]

I don't know much about the technicalities, but as far as I can ascertain, standard SMS requires a phone line, not just a data line. This might not be the case with certain 3rd party modifications (like, for example, the Verizon Messages+ app, which is still based on your actual phone number of the primary line), but I don't believe Google's own Messages app has a workaround for this.

If I'm wrong about this, someone please correct me!

 

[soundchasr]

Many texting apps work over WiFi (Textra for example). On Verizon I can turn off cellular on my phone and then use WiFi only for texting if I'm on a flight. Further, Verizon messaging can be installed on the S3 for texting over WiFi. Despite this, however, many apps won't download from the app store (they just say not compatible), not sure why. If you have Verizon try its messaging app.


Further clarification:
>Download messaging to S3
>Enter mobile phone number
>Code is sent to phone
>Scan code with S3
>S3 can then send texts over WiFi and it will act like it's using your mobile number

 

[pea pod]

This works using Google messages on your phone. Look at

https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/19/17479554/android-messages-how-to-text-from-web-feature

Works on my tab s3 and windows surface book. Good luck to you, hope not too late.

 

[pea pod]

Btw. Follow instructions in that Verge link I sent you. You do not need to have GM on tablet or laptop. When you do first QR scan GM is installed. Remember to turn on remember device so you don't have to repeat process everytime. Works good 4 me.