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Google Messages and Messages+

Sundowner1981

Had Note 20 5G Ultra for 5 years. Upgraded two phones to S24 Ultra 1TB. Noted Messages+ EOL. Selected Google Messages, reluctantly, as the text app. Home network is Eero MAX 7 mesh network at 1 Gb. Wi-Fi speed is 800 Mb+. All worked fine on the Note 20. Setting included use Wi-Fi when available for Calling, text or data...as Verizon service in this neighborhood is, inexplicably, -115 dbm! Nevertheless, system worked fine and Note 20 always sent via Wi-Fi with Messages+. Now, Google messages won't send MMS messages. The reason, clearly, is Google Messages is trying to use Data over cellular vice the Wi-Fi. We've been over every Setting, spent 2 hours with tech support AND told Verizon this is a widely reported problem. Phone is unusable at home where cellular is beyond weak. Tech support was of no help even though we read them the solution from this community. The problem is with the Verizon network where the feature to use Wi-Fi over cellular...available with Messages+, isn't available and/or doesn't work with Android 14 and Google Messages.

Comments

Verizon_Support

Sundowner1981, thank you for sharing your experience and bringing this to our attention. We understand how important it is to be able to use your device as expected and how frustrating it can be when it isn't functioning as anticipated. You shared that you have previously spent a long time with tech support, can you share with us the troubleshooting steps that have been completed with you so far? You shared this is your experience with Google Messages, have you experienced any issues when utilizing Wi-Fi for any other functions on your device?

-Andi

Sundowner1981

Andi,

Here's the short answer and issue. Verizon doesn't support MMS messages over Wi-Fi, EXCEPT for the Verizon Messages+ App. That confirmation was posted by Verizon Tech Support on a Post with a similar issue.

The problem, now, is Verizon has decided to discontinue their Messages+ texting app, suggesting Users switch to Google Meesages.

Big problem! Most/many texts are to multiple people and/or contain pictures. This REQUIRES MMS which Verizon doesn't support over Wi-Fi, EXCEPT with Verizon's own App.

Tested it last night. Sent a picture and a multi party message to my kids and wife, using Messag+. The message was delivered instantly over my Eero MAX 7 Mesh Wi-Fi network.

Same message on Google messages...failed to send, repeatedly. Only option with Google Messages would be "cellular data" , which isn't available in our FL location from Verizon. Our Signal strength is...wait for it...-120dBm.

Verizon must enable MMS over Wi-Fi for other texting apps if Verizon is permanently closing Messages+.

VRaptor

So if I use Google Messages, does this mean all messages will be counted as cellular data (except while connected to wi-fi, obviously)? I'm still on a 5GB data plan.

Ann154

@VRaptor
wrote:
So if I use Google Messages, does this mean all messages will be counted as cellular data (except while connected to wi-fi, obviously)? I'm still on a 5GB data plan.

As far as I know, text messages, SMS or MMS, don't count as data usage regardless if it is sent over the cellular data connection or Wi-Fi.

Verizon_Support

Great question! As Ann154 stated, text messages are not a part of your data usage. Text messages for most plans are unlimited. Which plan do you currently have?

-Natasha

bebaker

I have the exact same issue. Cell service is nonexistent in my house in rural Florida. I have to go outside at this point to send a mms text because it won't go through wifi. Unbelievable that I pay nearly $400 a month for our family service and have to go walk around my yard to get a text to send.

Verizon_Support

Hello, bebaker. We understand the importance of having great service. Help is here. Based on the info provided, it sounds like the issue is that the signal doesn't have the ability to penetrate into your home. We do state via our terms and conditions, that we cannot guarantee service inside a home or building, and we do recommend using in-home solutions such as Wi-Fi to assist with in-home usage.

-Natasha

Rray76

Had the same issue. 1st I was forced to switch messaging apps (1 day in and I hate everything about the Google messages). We live in a rural area with zero signal and rely on wifi for messaging and phone calls.

spfautsch

Same issues here. Message+ is the only way MMS works well. Without it I will have to go back to disabling wifi and stand out in my driveway holding the phone above my head so it receives data service.

Please don't discontinue Message+. It's the only way many of us can use MMS within our homes. We don't care about RCS...

Pony363021

The dumbest thing Verizon has ever done is discontinue the absolutely best texting app. I just paid $30 yearly fee to Handcent which seemed cool….until trying to use their app on other devices glitches bc one must login every time to try to get text msgs. Keep message plus app. PLEASE! Google not good and none of the other paid text services work right either.

Carissa2025

You say: ".....we do recommend using in-home solutions such as Wi-Fi to assist with in-home usage."

That's the issue we are not able to use Wi-Fi to send text thousands have this issue and its not being fixed. I am one having this issue since canceling Messages+! Bring it back!..... or fix it! Samsung says its your issue not theirs!

Verizon_Support

Hey there Carissa2025. We are sorry that you are experiencing this issue among others. We'd like to look at alternate options while we work to get this resolved. Have you tried using Samsung Messages and are having the same or similar issue?

-Sara

Verizon_Support

Hello Carissa2025, we are still here to help if needed.

-Jaquetta

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