Verizon Message Plus is ending its service, and if you're a user, you're likely wondering what this means for you.
The service will be discontinued on a specific date, which is not publicly disclosed in the article.
If you're a Verizon customer, you'll need to find a new messaging service to use, as Message Plus will no longer be an option.
You can consider switching to Verizon's built-in messaging service or exploring other third-party options.
Additional reading: Service Set Identifier
What is Message Plus and Why Was It Discontinued?
Message Plus was Verizon's own text-messaging app that came preloaded on Android phones sold by the carrier until 2022.
It functioned as a combination SMS app and chat app, allowing users to send and receive standard SMS and MMS messages, as well as enhancements when texting other users who were also using the service.
The app allowed users to see typing indicators, set up group chats, and send texts from other devices like computers. This was similar to Apple's iMessage or Meta's WhatsApp.
Expand your knowledge: Mms Messaging Needs to Be Enabled to Send This Message
Verizon began sunsetting the app in October, and it will stop functioning entirely on December 9. At that time, any remaining customers still using it will need to change their texting app.
The email-to-SMS gateway was also a convenient method for converting emails into text messages, facilitating seamless delivery of alerts and notifications directly to mobile phones.
Verizon is encouraging users to transition to alternative messaging platforms, such as Google Messages, which became the Android default in 2022. This allows users to sync their data from Verizon's app so that their texts and media transfer over.
You might like: Bluetooth Dual Audio App
User Next Steps
If you're a Verizon Message+ user, it's time to take action to ensure you always have access to your alerts and notifications. To do this, we recommend taking one of the following actions.
Some users may want to explore alternative messaging apps, but for now, let's focus on the recommended next steps. Verizon Message+ users should take one of the following actions.
If you're unsure about what to do, don't worry, we've got you covered. To ensure convenient access to your alerts and notifications, take one of the recommended actions.
Verizon Message+ users should consider taking action to maintain access to their alerts and notifications. We recommend exploring the options outlined for VoiceWatch users.
Why Is Message Plus Discontinued?
Verizon Message Plus is being discontinued because the carrier is shifting its support to the RCS texting standard, which includes many of the same features.
The RCS texting standard allows for features like typing indicators, group chats, and sending texts from other devices, just like Message Plus did.
Verizon will stop preloading Android devices with Message Plus and instead start preloading Google Messages, which also offers these features.
By the end of 2021, Verizon had already begun sunsetting Message Plus, and by December 9, the app will stop functioning entirely.
This means that any remaining customers still using Message Plus will need to change their texting app to continue receiving and sending messages.
Verizon is encouraging users to transition to alternative messaging platforms, such as Google Messages or the native messaging apps that come with Apple devices.
For another approach, see: Google Photo Message
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my text messages transfer from message+ to Google Messages?
Yes, your SMS, MMS, photos, and videos under 5MB will transfer to Google Messages, but some Message+ features won't. Learn more about what's included and how to restore messages in the Message+ app.
Does Verizon send text messages?
Verizon offers a range of text messaging services, including 1-way and 2-way messaging. Yes, Verizon sends text messages as part of its TXT Messaging services.
Featured Images: pexels.com
