Verizon Messages (Message+) FAQs

There's no monthly subscription fee or charge to download the Verizon Messages (Message+) app from the app store on your device or computer.*

Important: Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app:

• Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.
  • Once the Message+ app is shut down, you won’t be able to use the Message+ app to send and receive messages.
  • For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
  • Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

Here’s a breakdown of how messaging affects your data plan:

• Smartphone messages: Messages you send and receive using Verizon Messages (Message+) on your smartphone will count towards your messaging plan, regardless of whether you are connected to the Verizon network or Wi-Fi.
• Tablet messages: Messages synced to and from your tablet using Verizon Messages (Message+) over a Wi-Fi network won’t count towards your data plan.

*Data charges may apply for downloading and using certain features. Data charges may also apply for the synching of messages among your devices. Downloading Verizon Messages (Message+) requires approximately 30 MB of data.

Anyone with a valid US mobile number and compatible device can use Verizon Messages (Message+), including non-Verizon customers.

Browse our Support articles for help with Verizon Messages (Messages +).

Important: Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app:

• Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.
  • Once the Message+ app is shut down, you won’t be able to use the Message+ app to send and receive messages.
  • For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
  • Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.
• eGift cards are no longer available to buy through Message+ after April 2024. You can redeem previously purchased eGift cards after this date.
  

Verizon Messages (Message+) is compatible with:

• Mobile devices running:
  • Android™ 4.2 and newer
  • iOS 7 and newer
• Computers running:
  • OS X 10.8 and newer

Note:

• When using Message+ on computers, certain features aren't available for desktop messaging.
• We no longer provide support for the Verizon Messages (Message+) Windows app (e.g., bug fixes or new features). 
  

Public profiles let all Verizon Messages (Message+) users, including those who aren't in your contacts, see your name and avatar. You can edit, delete or bypass the public profile feature at any time by going to your sidebar menu.

Group Chat provides fetures that allow you to:

• Create a Group Chat by tapping the Pencil icon.
• Add or remove members, assign administrators within the group, add avatar and background, and more. A group can have up to 250 participants.
• Customize the conversation for that group with a unique background, avatar and name. You can also make this your default setting for all group messages by updating your Group Conversations settings.

Good to know: If you switch to a messaging app other than Verizon Messages (Message+), you won't be able to access your Group Chats.

Important: Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app:

• Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.
• Once the Message+ app is shut down, you won’t be able to use the Message+ app to send and receive messages.
  • For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
  • Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.
    

When Driving Mode is turned on, the Verizon Messages (Message+) app will turn off incoming audio and pop-up message notifications and send an auto-reply message, saying that you're driving and you'll reply later.

The auto-reply message can be edited or turned off in the Driving Mode settings. Driving Mode is only available in Verizon Messages (Message+) for Android at this time.

If you turn on Auto-Glympse in the app's settings, your location will automatically be shared with anyone on your whitelist of Auto-Glympse contacts, if they message you while Driving Mode is turned on.

Refer to Driving Safety in the Terms and Conditions for more information.

Learn how to Use Driving Mode on Android.

Glympse is a way to share your real-time location on a map in a conversation. You can choose who can see you and for how long. Visit Glympse.com for more information.

You can turn on Driving Mode and Auto-Glympse in the app's settings. Then your location will automatically be shared with anyone who is on your whitelist of Auto-Glympse contacts and messages you while Driving Mode is on.

Refer to Location in the Terms and Conditions for more information.

Learn how to:

• Send a Glympse on Android
• Send a Glympse on Apple

Verizon Messages (Message+) integrates with Yelp, so you can quickly plan with your friends where and when to meet up.

Find a Yelp location and then share the hours of operation and directions all through the Verizon Messages (Message+) Yelp feature. It also estimates the time of arrival for both parties.

Beta Lab lets you explore cutting-edge features and provide feedback as we work to create new, innovative ways for you to communicate.

Yes, you can schedule messages to be sent at a specific date and time up to 1 year later. If you schedule a message to be sent at a later date, then we store that unsent message until the scheduled delivery date and for up to 90 days after delivery.

Learn how to:

• Use message scheduling on Android
• Use message scheduling on Apple

Important:Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app.

Important: Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shizon.com/support/verizon-messagesut down the Verizon Message+ app.

• Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.
• Once the Message+ app is shut down, you won’t be able to use the Message+ app to send and receive messages.
  • For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
  • Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

Verizon's Message+ app currently supports some Advanced Messaging features including typing indicators and read receipts on select devices. These features are only available when messaging with another customer using an Advanced Messaging capable device and on the Verizon network.

You can find more information about RCS Advanced Messaging on the Advanced Messaging FAQs page.

Important: Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app:

• Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.
• Once the Message+ app is shut down, you won’t be able to use the Message+ app to send and receive messages.
  • For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
  • Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

Verizon Messages (Message+) supports most Verizon Android and Apple® phones and tablets. To check if your phone or tablet is supported:

1. Open the app store on your device (e.g., Play Store, App Store, etc.).
2. Tap the Search field.
3. Enter "Verizon Messages".

If "Verizon Messages" or "Message+" is listed in the search results, your device is supported. If one of those isn't listed, the app isn't supported on your device.

If your device isn't supported, check again later.

With Verizon Messages (Message+), you can:

• Set a profile picture or avatar
• Take and send selfies
• Edit and send videos
• Personalize images with sketches, captions or collages
• Use Kanvas to add stickers, doodles or text on a picture
• Customize conversation backgrounds, bubble styles and font
• Set auto reply messages
• Set a signature

Note: Not all features are available on every OS or version of Verizon Messages (Message+).

Learn how to:

• Use Verizon Messages (Message+) on Android
• Use Verizon Messages (Message+) on Apple

In the Group Conversations section in settings, you'll find a "Use MMS to start a group conversation" box. Checking or unchecking this box will change how you start a group conversation:

• With this box unchecked - Any time you send a message to multiple contacts, you'll be prompted to create a new enhanced group that includes everyone in the To field. You'll then be able to name the group, edit the group participant list, and customize the group with a unique background and avatar.
• With this box checked - You won't be prompted to create and name the group when you send a message to multiple contacts. It will be sent as a traditional multimedia message. If you want to create an enhanced group that you can customize, you'd need to create the group first, then send a message to the group.

Important: Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app:

• Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.
• Once the Message+ app is shut down, you won’t be able to use the Message+ app to send and receive messages.
  • For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging.. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
  • Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

Verizon Messages (Message+) may be the default Messaging app on many Verizon Android devices. On some devices, it doesn't replace the native texting app.

You can switch between the native texting app on your phone and Verizon Messages (Message+). Messages sent or received in one app will also appear in the other app.

You may receive duplicate notifications or only receive notifications from one app, depending on your notification settings. In addition, there may be differences in functionality that impact your messaging experience (e.g., on some devices, if you use the native app to send a group message to iPhone®, it may change your thread from group MMS to mass text).

We recommend selecting a primary messaging app, instead of jumping back and forth

No, Verizon Messages (Message+) uses your device's address book and contact list. It doesn't generate a unique address book.

To improve your messaging experience, you can use Verizon Cloud to back up all contacts from your primary smartphone to Verizon Cloud. This will let your contacts be synced in Verizon Messages (Message+) on any devices or the web.

Syncing to new additional devices is no longer supported.

Important: Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app:

• Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.
• Once the Message+ app is shut down, you won’t be able to use the Message+ app to send and receive messages.
  • For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging.. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
  • Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

Integrated Messaging is a service that works with Verizon Messages (Message+) to let you send and receive text and multimedia messages seamlessly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer using your Verizon mobile number. The service syncs up to 90 days of messages across your devices.

You can use Verizon Messages (Message+) to send and receive messages without the Integrated Messaging service. To use the Verizon Messages (Message+) app without the multi-device sync feature, simply unsubscribe from Integrated Messaging.

However, if you want to access your messages from a device other than your primary phone, like your tablet or computer, then you'll need to subscribe to Integrated Messaging.

Refer to Message Retention in the Terms and Conditions for more information.

Using the Verizon Messages (Message+) app on your phone, tablet, or computer will automatically subscribe you to the Integrated Messaging service. You can also sign up for Integrated Messaging by signing in to My Verizon from the My Messaging page and clicking Go to Web App.

If you have unsubscribed from the service, you can re-subscribe any time.

To unsubscribe from Integrated Messaging:

1. Tap the Menu icon in the Verizon Messages (Messages+) app.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap Account.
4. Tap Delete My Account.
5. Enter your phone number and tap DELETE ACCOUNT.
   
   Note: This is a permanent process and can't be undone.
6. Scroll to and tap Unsubscribe.

Your account will be deleted, and you can continue to use the Verizon Messages (Message+) app without the Integrated Messaging service.

However, if you want to access your messages from a device other than your primary phone, like your tablet or computer, then you'll need to subscribe to Integrated Messaging.

Yes, most business accounts are eligible to use Integrated Messaging and can subscribe to this service.

Note: Integrated Messaging with Verizon Messages (Message+) isn't designed for secure transmission or storage of personal healthcare information. Therefore, it must not be used to store or transmit Protected Health Information (PHI) as defined in the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 and accompanying regulations (collectively "HIPAA").

To make sure your messages are synced across your devices, we store the messages you keep on your devices for up to 90 days. When you delete a message from one device, we delete it from our servers and also from your other devices. This syncing process may not be instantaneous.

If you no longer want to use Integrated Messaging on any device, then you must unsubscribe from Integrated Messaging to stop it from syncing and storing your messages. Deleting the Verizon Messages (Message+) app from a device or switching to another messaging app, even the default messaging app on the device, won't stop the storage of messages.

Refer to Message Retention in the Terms and Conditions for more information.

No, Integrated Messaging with Verizon Messages (Message+) isn't designed for secure transmission or storage of personal healthcare information. Therefore, it must not be used to store or transmit Protected Health Information (PHI) as defined in the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 and accompanying regulations (collectively "HIPAA"). If you're a Covered Entity or a Business Associate as defined by HIPAA, you must not use Integrated Messaging to store or transmit PHI. If your business is a Covered Entity or Business Associate as defined by HIPAA, or otherwise doesn't want its users to save messages to the cloud, an authorized representative must block Integrated Messaging.

To learn more about HIPAA, go to http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/index.html.

Refer to HIPAA in the Terms and Conditions for more information.

Important:Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app:

• Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.
• Once the Message+ app is shut down, you won’t be able to use the Message+ app to send and receive messages.
  • For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging.. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
  • Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

Important: Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app:

• Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.
• Once the Message+ app is shut down, you won’t be able to use the Message+ app to send and receive messages.
  • For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging.. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
  • Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

Yes, refer to the following guides to set up a Palm device or a tablet on your account:

• Set up Verizon Messages (Message+) on Android
• Set up Verizon Messages (Message+) on Apple

Note: Messages start syncing on the day you sign up for Integrated Messaging. Any messages you sent before you signed up for the service won't be synced. The Integrated Messaging service syncs up to 90 days of messages between the web and your iPhone, tablet or other devices. Messages older than 90 days will remain on your phone, but won't be synced to the web.

Refer to Message Retention in the Terms and Conditions for more information.

No, each Palm or tablet only syncs to a single phone number at a time through Verizon Messages.

To switch your Palm (connected device) or tablet to a new phone number, you must remove the device from the list of synced devices for the old number. Then you can add the device to the synced devices for the new number.

You can have multiple devices linked to a single phone number.

Messages sent through Verizon Messages (Message+) are billed just like they would be with any other messaging app.

• If you have an unlimited messaging plan: You won't be charged extra for messages sent or received with Verizon Messages (Message+). However, certain features will use data according to your data plan.
• If you haven't subscribed to a messaging plan: You'll be charged standard "pay as you go" rates for text messages and multimedia messages.
• If you're on a business account with a text-only plan: You'll be billed for multimedia messages at standard rates.

Refer to Charges in the Terms and Conditions for more information.

Here’s the breakdown of Verizon Messages (Message+) costs:

• Regular text? That’s a standard text message.
• Adding something fun like a picture or video? As long as it’s under 5 MB, it’s one multimedia message.
• Big files (over 5 MB) or special features? Those use your data, so check your data plan.
• Sending an eGift card? You pay the standard multimedia message rate, and so does the lucky recipient. The cost also depends on the eGift card amount.

Refer to Charges in the Terms and Conditions for more information.

No, you'll only be charged one time according to your messaging plan when you send or receive a message. You'll be charged the same rate per message, per recipient, regardless of whether you send your message from your mobile phone, tablet, computer or other device.

Refer to Charges in the Terms and Conditions for more information.

Data charges may apply when downloading and using certain features of Verizon Messages (Message+).

If you have Verizon service: Sending and receiving texts (including images, audio, video under 5 MB, etc.) will be billed according to your messaging allowance, not your data allowance. Use of other features, including the following, will count against your data allowance (unless you’re using Wi-Fi):

• Sending and receiving videos over 5 MB
• Glympse messages
• Places by Yelp
• Image preview
• Calls on linked secondary devices using Integrated Calling (such as your watch or tablet)
• Kanvas images/editing, administrative features including (auto-reply, muted/unmuted conversations, Scheduled Messages, updating group details, and public profile updates)

If you're not a Verizon customer: You'll be billed under your own provider's messaging and data plans.

You'll be billed at data rates for sending and receiving attachments that are 5 MB or larger (unless you're on Wi-Fi), according to your messaging and data plans with Verizon or your wireless provider.

When using Verizon Messages (Message+) outside of the US, Global Data charges will apply.

Yes, you can use Verizon Messages (Message+) while in another country using Wi-Fi, mobile data or a roaming network.

Verizon Messages (Message+) 5.0 and later will prefer Wi-Fi when roaming and then mobile data if Wi-Fi is unavailable. Domestic message rates will apply when using Wi-Fi or mobile data. In addition, international data roaming charges will apply when using mobile data.

International roaming networks will be used when Wi-Fi or mobile data isn't available. International messaging rates will apply.

Refer to Charges in the Terms and Conditions for more information.

Important: eGift cards are no longer available to buy through Message+ after April 2024. You can redeem previously purchased eGift cards after this date.

You can attach an eGift card from Verizon Messages (Message+) and send it to any US mobile phone that can receive picture and video messages. The formatted eGift card will be delivered as a picture message.

The recipient can use the barcode in the store, or add the value of the eGift card to an existing gift card or to the company's mobile app.

Important: eGift cards are no longer available to buy through Message+ after April 2024. You can redeem previously purchased eGift cards after this date.

Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app. Sunset of the app completes by November 2024

• For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
• Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

You can transfer the balance of the eGift card by copying the card number and PIN provided with the eGift card to any existing card app. This can be done online, within the app, or at most merchant locations.

You can purchase eGifts in Verizon Messages (Message+) 2 ways:

• Credit card - All major credit cards are accepted, as well as Visa® Debit and MasterCard® Debit cards. The spending limits may vary depending on the eGift you're ordering or on other factors. There's no limit to the number of credit cards you can add to your account, but this activity is monitored to prevent fraud.
• Charge to your Verizon account - Each line on your account can spend a maximum of $100/month. Orders will appear on your next month's bill*.

Learn how to:

• Send an eGift on Android
• Send an eGift on Apple

Refer to Gift Card purchases in the Terms and Conditions for more information.

*Web purchase, Gifting eligibility and limit requirements apply.

The PIN is used to protect your account from unauthorized purchases. Because you don't need to enter your card info when you use a saved card, we use the PIN to verify your identity.

Learn how to:

• Reset your PIN on Android
• Reset your PIN on Apple

Important: eGift cards are no longer available to buy through Message+ after April 2024. You can redeem previously purchased eGift cards after this date.

Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app. Sunset of the app completes by November 2024

• For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
• Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

If you enter an incorrect PIN 5 times, you'll be locked out from accessing your saved credit cards, and you'll need to reset your PIN.

If you forget your credit card PIN, you won't be able to send eGifts using a saved credit card. You'll need to remove all of your saved credit cards and then re-add them. You'll be able to create a new PIN when you re-add your credit card.

Learn how to:

• Reset your credit card PIN on Android
• Reset your credit card PIN on Apple

You can resend the same eGift card to the person if they accidentally delete theirs.

To resend an eGift:

1. Open the message conversation with the person you're resending the eGift to.
2. Tap the three dots on the eGift you sent and tap Resend eGift Card.

You have successfully resent an eGift.

Yes, to give away an eGift that's been given to you:

1. Tap the eGift category at the top to view your eGifts.
2. Find the eGift you want to give to someone else, and tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.
3. Tap Send to a friend.
4. Enter the mobile number or email address you want to send the eGift to.
5. Tap Send.

You have successfully given your eGift to someone else.

Yes, you can buy and send data as a gift to another Verizon mobile account. Learn more about data gifting including how to use it.

Verizon will use location information collected from Message+ and other apps to better personalize customer experiences, including advertising, and to develop new location-based features and services.

Important:Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app. Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.

• For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
• Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

When you allow it, we collect cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and sensor (gyroscope, accelerometer, light, magnetometer and pressure) information.

The collection of location information for Verizon purposes is completely optional in Message+. You provide permission when prompted in the app. If you decide that you don't want Verizon to collect and use this information, you can still use the app and as well as any location-based features in the app, such as Glympse and Yelp. You can change your choice at any time through the app Settings page by toggling the Verizon location data collection setting.

Yes. If you agree to it, location will be collected even when the app isn't in use.

No, not in a way that identifies individual users. Verizon may share certain de-identified location information with third parties for limited aggregate purposes, such as traffic reporting. We don't sell, rent or share precise location data that identifies you with others for their own purposes.

Message+ is no longer pre-installed on Samsung phones. Please use Google Messages as the replacement messaging app.

Important: Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app. Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.

• For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
• Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

If you used Verizon Messages (Message+) on your old phone, you may not see your past messages in the default messaging app on your new Samsung phone.

You can transfer your messages using the Samsung Smart Switch app.

Important: Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app. Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.

• For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
• Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

Important: eGift cards are no longer available to buy through Message+ after April 2024. You can redeem previously purchased eGift cards after this date.

Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app. Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.

• For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
• Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

If you used Verizon Messages (Message+) on your old phone, you may not receive your group messages on your new phone if Samsung Messages is set as your default messaging app.

To access your group messages, swipe right on your home screen and open the Message+ app. When prompted, set Verizon Messages (Message+) as your default messaging app. Once you’ve done that, your group messages should start coming through again.

Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app. Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.

• For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
• Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

Messages start syncing on the day you sign up for the Integrated Messaging service. Any messages you sent before you signed up for the service won't be synced. This syncing process may not be instantaneous.

The Integrated Messaging service syncs up to 90 days of messages to your Palm (connected device), tablet or other devices. Messages older than 90 days will remain on your phone, but won't be synced to other devices.

Refer to Message Retention in the Terms and Conditions for more information.

Yes, with Verizon Messages (Message+), you can save your messages to an external SD card (if your phone supports one) and restore them later.

Note: Many newer devices don't automatically save to the external SD card. However, you can change the default directory where messages are saved to the external SD card.

Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app. Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.

• For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
• Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

Yes, you can restore messages on Android devices that have been synced with Verizon Messages (Message+) in the last 90 days.

Learn more about restoring messages by visiting our Verizon Messages (Message+) - Android Smartphone - Restore Messages page or our Verizon Cloud - Android - Restore Content page.

Data usage applies unless you're connected to a Wi-Fi network. Restoring from online may take some time if you have a lot of messages to restore.

Starting in September 2024, Verizon will shut down the Verizon Message+ app. Sunset of the app completes by November 2024.

• For Android devices, Verizon recommends switching to Google Messages as the replacement app for messaging. For more information, see VZ Messages Recommendations.
• Apple Messages is recommended for iPhone and iPad devices.

To make all your messages available in Verizon Messages (Message+), you'll need to turn off iMessage®.