For several years, Verizon Wireless offered a unique messaging application known as message+ verizon (also called Verizon Messages). This app provided capabilities beyond standard texting, most notably the ability to sync conversations across various devices. However, if you’re trying to use or download Message+ today, you’ll find that Verizon has officially retired this service.
Message+ Has Been Discontinued
Verizon officially shut down and discontinued the Message+ Verizon app in December 2024.
- No Longer Functional: The app no longer sends or receives messages and cannot be used for its primary syncing functions.
- Removed from App Stores: It is no longer available for download on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Web/Desktop Access Retired: The associated web portal and desktop clients for Message+ were also phased out.
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Recap of Former Message+ Features
The message+ verizon app was known for several key capabilities:
- Cross-Device SMS/MMS Syncing: Its main advantage was letting users send and receive their Verizon SMS/MMS messages seamlessly across compatible phones, tablets, and computers (via web or desktop app).
- Additional Features: It often included extra tools like integrated eGifting, location sharing, customizable themes, and driving modes.
Why the Transition Away from Message+?
The retirement of carrier-specific messaging apps like Message+ is part of a broader industry shift towards standardized, richer communication built into devices:
- Advancement of Native Apps: Standard messaging apps like Google Messages (Android) and Apple Messages (iOS) have become much more powerful, incorporating features previously needing separate apps.
- RCS Adoption: Verizon, along with other carriers, now supports Rich Communication Services (RCS) through these native apps. RCS delivers an enhanced chat experience with features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing without needing a special carrier app.
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Current Recommended Messaging Apps on Verizon
With message+ verizon no longer active, users should rely on the default messaging applications on their smartphones:
- On Android Devices: Google Messages is Verizon’s recommended application. It handles SMS, MMS, and RCS messaging.
- On iPhones and iPads: Apple Messages is the standard, supporting SMS, MMS, iMessage, and RCS features (on compatible iOS versions).
What Happened to Your Messages?
If you were a message+ verizon user, here’s what happened to your data:
- Text History Safe: Your standard SMS and MMS messages were primarily stored locally on your phone. Switching your default messaging app to Google Messages or Apple Messages should allow you to see this existing conversation history within the new app.
- Syncing and Extra Features Lost: The specific ability to sync messages across platforms using the Message+ system is gone. You’ll need to use the syncing methods provided by Google (Messages for Web) or Apple (iCloud) if you need cross-device access. Unique Message+ features like eGifting are also no longer integrated into standard messaging.
Moving Forward After Message+
- Set Your Default App: Ensure Google Messages or Apple Messages is set as the default SMS/MMS handler on your device.
- Explore Modern Features: Discover the capabilities within your current default messaging app, including RCS chat features for enhanced communication.
