For many years, Verizon Wireless customers in the United States had access to a specialized messaging application called verizon message+ (often also referred to as Verizon Messages). This app offered features beyond standard texting, but as messaging technology evolved, Verizon phased out this proprietary service in favor of more universal standards.
What Was Verizon Message+?
Verizon message+ was Verizon’s own messaging application designed to provide an enhanced communication experience for its customers. Available on smartphones, tablets, and even via web browsers, it offered several popular features:
- Multi-Device Syncing: Allowed users to send and receive text messages (SMS/MMS) seamlessly across multiple registered devices using their primary Verizon phone number.
- Wi-Fi Calling and Texting: Enabled communication over Wi-Fi networks, which was useful in areas with poor cellular reception.
- Rich Features (Early Version): Incorporated early versions of richer messaging features like larger group chats, typing indicators, read receipts (often primarily between Message+ users), and sending eGift cards (though this specific feature was discontinued earlier).
- Customization: Offered themes and other personalization options.
verizon message+
Why Verizon Message+ Was Discontinued
The mobile industry increasingly moved towards adopting a universal standard for advanced messaging called Rich Communication Services (RCS). Google Messages became the primary platform for implementing RCS on Android devices. To provide a more consistent and interoperable messaging experience that worked better across different carriers and devices (including eventual compatibility between Android and iPhone via RCS), Verizon made the strategic decision to:
- Adopt Google Messages: Set Google Messages as the default messaging app for Android smartphones on its network.
- Sunset Verizon Message+: Gradually phase out and eventually shut down the proprietary verizon message+ application.
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The End of Service for Verizon Message+
Verizon officially discontinued the verizon message+ application in December 2024.
- App Shutdown: The app ceased functioning for sending and receiving messages.
- App Store Removal: The verizon message+ app was removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, preventing new downloads or re-installations.
- Associated Features: Features unique to the app, like the ability to use an @vtext.com email alias for messaging, were also discontinued.
Where Did My Messages Go?
If you were using verizon message+, the good news is that your standard text message history (SMS/MMS) was generally stored locally on your device, not just within the app. When you switch to a new default messaging application on your phone, these past messages should still be accessible within the new app.
Recommended Alternatives After Verizon Message+
With verizon message+ no longer supported, Verizon recommends users switch to the standard messaging applications for their devices:
- For Android Users: Google Messages is the recommended replacement. It comes pre-loaded on most modern Verizon Android phones and fully supports the RCS standard, offering features like high-resolution photo/video sharing, better group chats, typing indicators, read receipts, and end-to-end encryption for eligible conversations.
- For iOS Users (iPhone/iPad): Apple Messages (iMessage) remains the standard. It handles iMessages between Apple devices and standard SMS/MMS (as well as RCS messages starting with iOS 18) with non-Apple devices.
While other third-party messaging apps exist (like Signal or WhatsApp), Google Messages and Apple Messages are the default, integrated solutions recommended by Verizon post-verizon message+.
Making the Switch (Android Example)
If you were using verizon message+ on an Android phone and need to switch to Google Messages:
- Open the Google Messages app (install it from the Play Store if necessary).
- The app will likely prompt you to become the default SMS app.
- Tap “Set default SMS app” or similar confirmation prompts.
- Select “Messages” (the Google Messages icon).
- Tap “Set as default.”
Your previous SMS/MMS message history should now appear within Google Messages.
Conclusion: Moving Forward in the Post-Verizon Message+ Era
While verizon message+ offered useful features like multi-device syncing for many years, its discontinuation reflects the industry’s move towards standardized, interoperable messaging through RCS. By switching to default apps like Google Messages or Apple Messages, former verizon message+ users in the US can access modern messaging features supported across a wider range of devices and carriers.
