Samsung Line is a separate messaging app you read from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store

Line is not built into Samsung phones — it is a standalone messaging app made by a Japanese company called Naver. You read it the same way you read any other app. On a Samsung phone, you can use either the Google Play Store or the Samsung Galaxy Store. Both will give you the official Line app.

Line works alongside your regular text messages and email. It does not replace them. You use Line to message other people who also have the Line app installed, similar to how WhatsApp or Telegram work. The app is free to read and use for basic messaging.

Line is popular in Asia, particularly in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan. If most of your contacts live in those regions or use Line regularly, the app becomes more useful. If your contacts primarily use iMessage, WhatsApp, or standard text messages, you may find Line sits unused on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • read Line from Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store, create an account with your phone number or email, and verify your identity through a code sent to your phone.
  • Line requires you to add contacts manually by their Line ID, phone number, or QR code — it does not automatically sync with your phone's contact list like some messaging apps do.
  • Line offers end-to-end encryption for one-on-one chats but not for group chats, so the privacy level depends on who you are messaging.
  • The app includes paid features like stickers and games, but basic messaging, voice calls, and video calls over Wi-Fi or data are free.

read and Install Line on Your Samsung Phone

Open the Google Play Store app on your Samsung phone. Tap the search icon at the bottom and type "Line" into the search box. The official Line app will appear at the top of the results — it has a green icon with a white speech bubble. Tap "Install" and wait for the read to finish. The app will then appear on your home screen or in your app drawer.

If you prefer to use the Samsung Galaxy Store instead, open that app, search for "Line," and tap "Install" the same way. Both stores carry the same official app. The Galaxy Store sometimes offers Samsung-specific features or faster downloads on Samsung devices, but the difference is minor for most users.

Once installation finishes, tap "Open" to launch Line for the first time.

Create Your Line Account and Verify Your Phone Number

When you open Line for the first time, you will see a screen asking how you want to register. You can use your phone number or your email address. Most users choose their phone number because it is easier for contacts to find you later.

Enter your phone number in the format shown (usually with your country code), then tap "Next." Line will send a verification code to that phone number via SMS. Open the text message, copy the code, and paste it into the app. This step confirms you own the phone number and prevents someone else from creating an account in your name.

After verification, you will be asked to create a Line ID — a unique username that other people can use to find and add you. Choose something you are comfortable sharing, because this ID is how contacts will search for you in Line. You can also set a display name and profile picture at this stage, though you can change these later.

Add Contacts and Start Messaging

Line does not automatically pull contacts from your phone's address book the way some messaging apps do. You have to add people manually. Open the "Friends" tab at the bottom of the app and tap the plus icon to add a new contact. You can search by their Line ID, their phone number, or scan their QR code if they show it to you in person.

Once you add someone, they will appear in your Friends list. Tap their name to open a chat window and start messaging. Line supports text messages, photos, voice messages, and emoji reactions. You can also make free voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data by tapping the phone or video camera icon at the top of the chat.

Line also has a "Discover" tab where you can find public accounts run by businesses, celebrities, and media outlets. Following these accounts lets you receive their updates without them being able to message you directly.

Understand Line's Privacy and Encryption Settings

Line encrypts one-on-one chats between you and another person, meaning the messages are scrambled and only you and the recipient can read them. However, Line does not encrypt group chats, so those messages are stored on Line's servers in a readable form. If privacy is your main concern, stick to one-on-one conversations.

You can also enable a "Secret Chat" mode for extra privacy. In a Secret Chat, messages automatically delete after a set time, and the other person is notified if you take a screenshot. To start a Secret Chat, open a one-on-one conversation, tap the menu icon, and select "Secret Chat." Not all features work in Secret Chat mode — for example, you cannot share files or make calls.

Line collects data about your usage, contacts, and location if you allow it. You can limit what data Line accesses by going to Settings, then Privacy, and toggling off permissions you do not want to grant. Turning off location access, for example, prevents Line from knowing where you are.

Paid Features: Stickers, Themes, and Games

Line's basic messaging is free, but the app offers paid add-ons. The most visible are sticker packs — animated or illustrated images you can send in chats instead of emoji. Most sticker packs cost between 99 cents and a few dollars and are one-time purchases. You can also buy themes that change the app's appearance.

Line also has a built-in game platform where you can play casual games and compete with friends. Some games are free; others require payment or offer in-app purchases. These are entirely optional — you can use Line for messaging without ever spending money.

If you do make a purchase, it will be charged to your Google Play account or Samsung account, depending on which store you downloaded from. You can manage purchases and subscriptions in your phone's settings under "Apps and notifications" or "Apps."

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Opening Line

If Line will not open after you install it, restart your phone first. This solves most launch problems. If it still will not open, go to Settings, then Apps, find Line, and tap "Storage." Select "Clear Cache" — this removes temporary files that might be corrupted. Do not tap "Clear Data," because that will erase your account information.

If you cannot receive the verification code via SMS, check that you entered your phone number correctly, including the country code. If the code does not arrive within a few minutes, tap "Resend Code" in the app. If you still do not receive it, try using your email address to register instead.

If Line says your account is already in use, someone may have created an account with your phone number. Tap "Already have an account?" on the login screen and follow the recovery steps. You will need access to the phone number or email associated with the account to regain control of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Line without giving it access to my contacts?

Yes. Line does not require contact access to work — it only needs your phone number or email to create an account. You can deny contact permission in your phone's settings, and Line will still function. You will just have to add people manually by their Line ID or phone number instead of importing your contact list.

Is Line safe to use on a Samsung phone?

Line is a legitimate app from a major company, but like any messaging app, it has trade-offs. One-on-one chats are encrypted, but group chats are not. Line also collects usage data. If you are concerned about privacy, use Secret Chat mode for sensitive conversations and review your privacy settings in the app.

What happens if I delete Line and reinstall it?

If you reinstall Line using the same phone number or email, your account and chat history will be restored. However, if you uninstall the app without backing up your data first, you may lose some older messages. Line offers a backup feature in Settings that you can use before uninstalling.

Can I use Line on multiple devices at the same time?

Line is designed for one phone at a time. You can log in on a tablet or computer using the Line web or desktop app, but your main account stays on your phone. If you log into Line on a different phone, you will be logged out of the first one.

Does Line work without an internet connection?

No. Line requires either Wi-Fi or mobile data to send and receive messages. Unlike standard text messages, which use your cellular network, Line messages travel over the internet. If you lose connection, messages will not send until you reconnect.