How to Get the New Hangouts with SMS Integration on Android

I’m all for combining apps. So when Google announced the new Hangouts app that allows me to use SMS from inside it, I wanted it. Let’s face it, anytime I can replace the Samsung TouchWiz UI, or LG UI, with a Google UI version of the app, I’m going to do it.

Hangouts, if you aren’t familiar, is Google’s old Gtalk instant messaging platform rebranded as “Hangouts”. It is integrated with Google+ and now, thanks to this update, is even integrated with your SMS.

Even though Google announced this new version, they haven’t put it in the Play Store for you to download yet. Thankfully though, someone posted the apk file for the new Hangouts and it’s super easy to install. Here’s how.

I. Before You Begin

  1. Allow your phone to install non-market apps by going to Settings > Security and tap ON Unknown Sources (may vary where this setting is but it’s somewhere in your Settings).Screenshots_2013-11-05-11-26-57

II. Download the App

  1. Head to this current procedure on your phone (if you are on a Desktop right now) and click the download link for the new Hangouts apk and save it to your device.Screenshots_2013-11-05-11-46-34
  2. Once downloaded, pull down the notification bar and tap the download complete confirmation to open the app.Screenshots_2013-11-05-11-48-21
  3. Click Install.Screenshots_2013-11-05-11-48-39
  4. Open the app and turn on SMS when prompted.Screenshots_2013-11-05-11-49-01
  5. Enjoy!

You may also want to turn off History if you are worried about such things.

You know what would go great with the new Hangouts app? The new Google Home launcher from Kitkat.

5 thoughts on “How to Get the New Hangouts with SMS Integration on Android”

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