Google Messages app will stop working on certain Android devices from March 31, 2021. As per a string found in the APK teardown of the Messages app, Google will disable the app from the uncertified devices. Google might be planning to offer end-to-end encryption for its messaging service and those uncertified devices may prove to be a security risk in doing so. Read on to know more details and check if your device is certified or not.

Also, read | Google May Delete Your Google Account After June 1, 2021: How to Stop It

What’s the matter?

As per XDA Developers, an APK teardown of the Google Messages app for Android version 7.2.203 revealed a string of text that suggested Google Messages would stop working on uncertified devices. Google is planning to bring some changes to the SMS app for Android.

Perhaps this will be the end-to-end encryption feature that Google is planning for its Messages, and because of this security feature, Google might be disabling the Messages app on “uncertified devices” i.e. the phones that are not certified to work with Google Mobile Services.

What’s an uncertified device?

An uncertified device is a device that runs on Android but has failed the Google’s Play Protect certification process for Google Mobile Services. The uncertified devices may include Android phones running on unofficial mod software and rooted devices. This also includes Huawei smartphones that are also not certified for GMS.

These devices don’t meet the requirements set by Google for its mobile services and could be a risk for the security of these services including Google Messages RCS support.

Also, read | How to Enable RCS Messaging in Google Messages on Android

How to check if your device is uncertified?

If you are using a new smartphone from any popular brand, there are very few chances of it being uncertified. However, you can still check if your device is certified or not by following the below-mentioned steps:

1] Open the Google Play Store on your device and tap on the three dots menu button.

2] Go to the Settings from the side menubar and scroll down to the About section.

3] Here, you will see a Play Protect certification option that will say- Device is certified or uncertified.

This way you can check your phone’s certification. If you root your phone or make changes to system settings, your device might get uncertified.

Google has not announced anything officially regarding this change in the Messages app. However, it seems that Google will soon notify affected users when there will be a future update of the Messages app.

For more such latest tech tips, stay tuned!

You can also follow us for instant tech news at Google News or for tips and tricks, smartphones & gadgets reviews, join GadgetsToUse Telegram Group or for the latest review videos subscribe GadgetsToUse Youtube Channel.