UPDATE 12/9: Verizon has now deleted an FAQ about its discontinued Message+ and Verizon Messages apps. Verizon announced that the apps would be completely phased out by today, although a quick search shows that the Message+ app is still listed in Apple’s App Store. We’ve reached out to Verizon for comment.

If you’re looking for a new messaging app besides Apple or Google Messages, we recommend checking out Signal, WhatsApp, Session, or any of the other encrypted messaging apps on our list. Signal has a simple interface, end-to-end encryption, group chats and video calls and is run by a non-profit organization, while WhatsApp has a huge user base for encrypted and free international communications as well as some of Meta’s AI features.

If you use Android, there are also other video chat apps you can try.

Original story 12/6:
Verizon is ditching its Message apps for iOS and Android and will close both on Monday, according to posts on the company’s website.

Verizon began discontinuing the apps, known as Message+ or Verizon Messages, in October. The telco says you will no longer be able to send or receive messages through the apps after December 9th. Your Message+ email alias will also no longer work starting Monday.

Verizon recommends Android users switch to Google Messages, which became the Android standard in 2022, while urging iPhone and iPad users to use Apple’s Messages app. But there are other options if you’re looking for an alternative messaging app to use in addition to these default settings.

Goodbye, Verizon Messages. (Source: PCMag via Apple App Store)

Google Messages can sync your data with the Verizon app, transferring your texts and media so you don’t have to lose your chat histories with family and friends. However, it’s a good idea to make sure the messages have been transferred before deleting the Verizon Messages app. However, you can still view your old Verizon Messages iOS or Android content even after the shutdown as long as you don’t delete the app. Once deleted, you will no longer be able to download Message+ as it will disappear from app stores. As of Friday morning, it appears to have already been removed from Google Play, but is still available in Apple’s App Store.

Verizon’s Message+ allows users to send MMS and SMS messages as well as group texts. Verizon warns that some group SMS messages may show messages from a 588 area code to close, but this simply means that one of the participants in a group chat has left the chat. “This does not require any action on your part. You can delete or ignore these network notification texts,” Verizon says.

While Apple’s Messages app is end-to-end encrypted, you can also use other E2E encrypted messaging apps. To text and call friends outside the US for free, WhatsApp is a good option. And for more anonymous messages there is Signal.

Verizon isn’t the only company to abandon its messaging app this year. In July, Samsung stopped rolling out its messaging app to new Android devices and instead switched to Google Messages for US users. Google continued to update its messaging app, adding improved fraud detection and content warnings in October.

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About Kate Irwin

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I’m a reporter for PCMag, covering tech news early in the morning. Before joining PCMag, I was a producer and reporter at Decrypt and founded its gaming division GG. I’ve previously written for Input, Game Rant, Dot Esports and other places, covering a range of gaming, technology, crypto and entertainment news.

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