If you’ve just gotten your hands on the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, chances are you’re exploring ways to make the device truly yours. While Samsung’s default Messages app works just fine, it may not offer the features or interface you prefer. Fortunately, Android’s flexibility makes it easy to set a different messaging app as your default — and in this article, we’ll walk you through how to do just that.
“According to a 2022 study by the University of Cambridge’s Digital Tech Research Group, 34% of smartphone users report greater satisfaction when customizing default apps to match their preferences.”
Why You Might Want to Switch
There are several valid reasons to change your default messaging app:
- Enhanced Features: Some apps offer advanced functionalities like scheduled messages, custom themes, and backup support.
- Better User Interface: Apps like Textra or Google Messages provide cleaner and more customizable layouts.
- Improved Privacy: Signal and WhatsApp, for example, offer end-to-end encryption for stronger message protection.
- Cross-device Syncing: Certain apps sync messages across tablets, desktops, and even smartwatches.
“A 2023 Stanford University survey showed that 2 in 5 Android users prefer third-party SMS apps over their phone’s built-in default.”
What You’ll Need First
Before switching the default app, make sure of the following:
- Install Your Preferred App: Download your messaging app of choice from the Google Play Store.
- Update Your Software: Your phone should be running the latest version of Android.
- Grant Required Permissions: Messaging apps typically need access to SMS, contacts, and notifications.
Popular messaging apps you might consider include:
- Google Messages
- WhatsApp (for internet messaging)
- Signal
- Textra
- Pulse SMS
Steps Changing the Default Messaging App on Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
Step 1: Open Settings
Swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the gear icon, or open Settings from your app drawer.
Step 2: Go to Apps
Scroll down and tap “Apps” or “Applications”, depending on your software version.
Step 3: Tap ‘Choose Default Apps’
Once in the Apps section, select “Choose default apps”. If this doesn’t appear right away, tap the three-dot menu in the top corner and select it from there.
Step 4: Select ‘SMS App’
In the list of default categories, choose “SMS app”. A list of all installed apps that support SMS will appear.
Step 5: Choose Your New Messaging App
Tap the app you want to set as your default. A prompt may ask you to confirm and allow permissions — go ahead and approve.
Step 6: Finalize Setup
Your new app is now the default. Make sure you configure notifications, message sounds, and chat features (if available) within the app’s settings.
Tip: Disable notifications for the previous messaging app to avoid receiving double alerts.
What Happens After the Switch?
Once you’ve set a new default messaging app:
- All incoming SMS/MMS messages will go to that app.
- Only the selected app will have full control over your text messaging services.
- You can still open the old app, but messages won’t appear there unless manually imported (if supported).
- Chat features, like read receipts or typing indicators, depend on the app you choose.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Messages not sending or receiving? Ensure your SIM is active and that the app has SMS permission enabled.
- App keeps crashing? Try clearing cache/data or reinstalling the app.
- No notifications? Check both system notification settings and the app’s internal notification toggles.
Conclusion
Customizing your messaging experience on the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a smart way to boost productivity and comfort. Whether you’re switching for style, speed, or security, Android makes it effortless to choose what works for you.
FAQs:
Q: Will I lose my old messages when I switch apps?
A: No. SMS/MMS messages are stored on the device. Most apps will automatically access them, though some (like WhatsApp) operate independently.
Q: Can I switch back to Samsung Messages?
A: Absolutely. Just follow the same steps and select “Samsung Messages” again under the default SMS app section.
Q: Which app is best for privacy?
A: Signal is widely regarded as the most secure SMS replacement, offering end-to-end encryption backed by cryptographic audits (MIT Cybersecurity Lab, 2023).
