Google announced that the popular Hangouts instant messaging app and service will now support SMS and MMS messages. Essentially replacing the stock SMS app on our Android smartphones.
It first came with Android 4.4 KitKat on the Nexus 5, and this week they started rolling out the new Hangouts v2.0 for all Android devices on the Google Play Store. It’s nice to be able to control all communication in one simple-to-use app, but it won’t be for everyone. On first launch it will ask you if you want to use Hangouts as SMS and if you select yes the feature will be enabled and all messages will be imported. Here are the simple steps to enable or disable SMS in Hangouts.
If users choose not to activate on first boot, you’re ready and no further steps are needed. However, if you try SMS in Hangouts and you don’t like the experience, or you want to revert to your previous setup and status, here’s how to do it.
Instructions
Go to Google Hangouts and tap the menu (or 3 dots for softkeys) on your device, go to settings, then tap “SMS” and from there you can enable or disable SMS in Hangouts. It’s that easy, just like you can see in the screenshot given below.
However, if you are an Android 4.4 KitKat or new Nexus 5 user, the experience and steps are slightly different. KitKat has a custom area in the settings for the app you want to be the default messaging client and service. Using the same steps as above will take you to settings instead of unchecking the option. Tap more in Settings > Wireless & Networks, then the second option listed as “default SMS app” is where you can quickly switch from Hangouts, Handcent, GO SMS, or any other text messaging app you prefer.
While stock devices will be able to toggle the option here, older devices not running Android 4.4 KitKat will need to follow the steps outlined above in the Hangouts app. Many third-party SMS apps have already been updated with full support for Android 4.4 KitKat, so when you get the update you’ll want to have the latest version of your preferred SMS app.
