How to Change HTC 10 Text Message App

The new HTC 10 has a lot to offer buyers with a great design, great sound, fingerprint scanner and all-aluminum body. It also runs very close to the stock version of Android. However, things are still changing here and there, and as a result, this guide will explain how to change the default text messaging app on HTC 10.

HTC’s new 10 smartphones were announced on April 12, with a US release date set for early May. Once again, when owners get their new phone, they will have a lot of questions about small little tasks.

Most stock text apps aren’t that attractive (we’re looking at you Samsung) and they’re not very customizable. Fortunately, the power of Android means that you can download any of the hundreds of text message replacement apps from the Play Store, set them as the default option, and use them with ease. You can even change the notification icon, add quick create features to the notification bar, and more. Lets start.

On the HTC 10, the dedicated app for text messages is called “messages” and it looks pretty standard with Android 6.0 material design interface features, but isn’t very customizable most of the time. It works fine, but there are better options all over the place and many owners prefer to install something else.

When you replace your stock app with something from game store you’ll probably be able to customize it with themes, change the look of message bubbles, customize the font, and more. It all depends on what you choose to download and the link above details a few of our favourites, then the guide below will help you change that.

While the HTC 10 has a theme store that changes the look of everything, including the text app, it’s just visual. Some 3rd party options in the Play Store allow for tons of customization like no other. Our favorite is Textra, which is what we’ll replace below, but other good options can be found like ChompSMS, GoSMS, and more.

Instructions

Starting with Android 4.4 KitKat in late 2013, Google has made it extremely easy to replace the stock text messaging app on Android devices. There is a special option in settings that turns one on and the other off so you don’t get two notifications from both the stock app and the new app you installed.

First you’ll want to go to the Google Play Store and download one of the many different third-party text apps. Textra is our favourite. Download and you are ready. Some even change the default app settings for you like Textra does or follow the next few steps.

Go to settings by pulling down the notification bar and tapping the gear-shaped icon, or find the settings app in the app tray. From here go to settings which is the three dots at the top and select .

Here we then select the option labeled “Default Apps”. Next, owners will see options to set the default browser, phone app, and finally the text app. If your chosen messaging app didn’t set this up, tap Default messaging app and choose which one you downloaded. In our case, it’s Textra. Do not select any of the other pre-installed apps.

Changing HTC 10 Text App Is Simple

We’re all done. Now all incoming or outgoing text messages will default to Textra and owners will not receive double notifications. Go to Textra (or the downloaded app) and customize it as you see fit. Textra allows changing colors, balloon colors, font, text size, notification icon and even a pop-up notification all exactly to your preference. It is very powerful, which is why it is the main text client we recommend.

Now enjoy a better, faster and more customizable text messaging experience on the new HTC 10 smartphone. While you’re here, check out the beautiful official HTC 10 accessories below.