With Android 4.4 KitKat and the Nexus 5, Google has killed the AOSP Messaging app and replaced it with Hangouts. However, on the older generation Nexus devices, the AOSP messaging app is still the stock messaging app with Hangouts replacing Google Talk. 

If you own a Nexus 5 and are not satisfied with Hangouts as the main messaging client, you can use easily change it to any other application of your liking. While it was no rocket science to change the stock messaging app in Jelly Bean and below, KitKat introduces some major changes that makes things a bit different.

In KitKat, only the stock SMS application can receive the new SMS_DELIVER_ACTION intent, which is broadcasted whenever a new message arrives. While other apps can read the messages using the SMS_RECEIVED_ACTION intent, they cannot send a new message successfully.

Anyways, the actual process to replace Hangouts with any other Messaging app is pretty easy in KitKat. First, head over to the Play Store and install the Messaging app of your choice. Don’t forget to make sure that the app has been updated for Android 4.4 KitKat, otherwise you might run into issues. After the app has been installed, head over to Settings -> Tap ‘More’ under Wireless & Networks, and then tap the ‘Default SMS app’ option. You can now select the stock SMS app from the list.

If you are looking for an app that is similar to the stock messaging app in Jelly Bean, have a look at 8sms. The app looks like the Jelly Bean messaging app with just the right amount of features and customizations making it the perfect Hangouts alternative.