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UPDATE (July 4, 2024): We’ve seen some new changes inside the Google Messages app since the last update, including larger contact photos, double FAB for Gemini & more. Read more about the changes at the very end of the article.
The Google Messages app is Google’s texting application, in its essence. In the past, it was mainly an app to send out SMS and MMS messages, but things have changed a lot over the years. It now serves as a full-fledged instant messaging application, more on that soon. This application/service also had different names in the past, which we’ll talk about in this article as well. You’ll find a bunch of information below, so read on if you’d like to know more about Google’s messaging app.
What are Google Messages?
Google Messages is known both as an app and a service provided by the Mountain View giant. It kicked off as a regular SMS/MMS app, but these days it utilizes the power of RCS in order to be a full-fledged instant messaging app. Using this app, you can not only send SMS/MMS messages but also instant messages via the Internet thanks to RCS. That means you can also send out images, videos, and GIFs to other contacts that are using RCS. They do not necessarily need to use Google Messages, but they need to have access to RCS. Samsung’s default SMS app allows for RCS, use, for example.
This is not the original name Google used
Google initially went with a different name for Google Messages. This app/service launched back in 2014, so basically 10 years ago. It had three different names in the past, Messenger, Android Messages, and Messages by Google. Google decided to ditch the last name in December 2023 and went with a simpler name, Google Messages. Some of you are probably wondering why didn’t we mention ‘Hangouts’. Well, this is not the same service. Hangouts were active before Google Messages and were basically replaced by this app/service, directly.
What platforms are Google Messages available on?
You can use Google Messages on several platforms. The vast majority of people use the app for Android, as it comes pre-installed on a ton of Android smartphones as the default SMS application. Those who do not have it pre-installed can easily download it from the Google Play Store, and you can then set it as your default SMS app. That way you can have both your SMS messages and instant messages (via RCS) in one place. Do note that your phone does need to support Google Services in order to install and use this application. In other words, those of you who are using Huawei smartphones, for example, won’t be able to use it.
In addition to an app available for Android, there’s also support for Wear OS, and you can access your messages via the web too. All you need to do is navigate to messages.google.com/web, and follow the instructions so that you can start using the app. That way you can access your messages via your desktop PC, regardless of what device you’re using.
What are Google Messages’ competitors/alternatives?
If you’re looking at Google Messages as a whole, there are really no direct alternatives to it. If you’re looking at it as an SMS app only, there are plenty of third-party SMS apps. We have to look at both its SMS/MMS and RCS features as a whole, though, and there’s no replacement for it as of now, basically. As I mentioned earlier, Samsung Messages do support RCS, but they only have basic support for RCS. You can still communicate with users who use Google Messages, but you won’t have many of the features that Google is offering via Google Messages.
Can I use Google Messages to chat with iOS users?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Yes, it can be both at the same time. On one hand, you can message iOS users in the SMS format. For that, you don’t have to be online. If you’d like to chat via the Internet, send images, videos, and so on, well, then you can’t… not yet. Apple will bring RCS support to iOS later this year. The EU kind of forced Apple’s hand, though it remains to be seen what will the implementation look like exactly. These are good news, though, as it will push RCS forward, and kind of bring a universal way of communication between platforms. RCS will be supported by iMessage, Apple’s default texting app on iOS.
Can I use Google Messages if I’m not connected to the Internet?
Yes, but only partially. If you’re offline, you’ll only be able to use the app’s SMS/MMS functionality. If you’re connected to the Internet, RCS becomes fair game. In other words, if you’re online, you’ll be able to use Google Messages as a proper instant messaging app, with contacts that use an app that supports RCS as well. Think of it as a replacement for WhatsApp, Viber, and so on, in a way. An app that keeps both your SMS/MMS and instant messages in the same list. I repeat, though, if the other side doesn’t use a device/app that supports RCS, you’ll still be sending regular texts only. You need to pay attention to that in the conversation itself, as it’ll tell you if you’re sending an RCS message or a regular message.
What are the first things you should do in Google Messages before you start using it?
The very first thing you should do after you install Google Messages is set it as your default SMS app. This is a step you can ignore if the app already comes pre-installed on your device. If that’s the case, it’s already set as the default SMS app.
The second thing we always do is check whether RCS messaging is activated. Google Messages do come with RCS activated out of the box, now. That was not the case before. Do note that if you disabled RCS in a previous installation, the app will remember that, so you need to check, just in case. Simply tap your profile icon in the top-right corner, go to Messages settings, and then navigate to RCS chats. Once you’re there, the first option will tell you whether RCS is activated or not.
Once you’ve done that, there’s really nothing else you should be doing. There are no extra settings you need to think about or anything of the sort. You can start using the app and messaging your contacts.
Is the Google Messages app free to use?
The Google Messages app/service is free to use, yes. You also won’t find any ads inside the app or anything of the sort. Google also intends to keep it that way, we doubt that will change moving forward, though you never know. You can grab the app for free from the Google Play Store in case it doesn’t come pre-installed on your device. Simply install it, and you’re good to go.
What are the best features of Google Messages?
The Google Messages app is filled with interesting features at this point. Google has been adding new ones since launch, basically, and it’s now a very compelling messaging app. Below, we’ll highlight some of the best features of Google Messages. Generally some of the most popular ones, and some that are our favorites. A mix of the two, if you will.
RCS chats
The first feature that comes to mind is RCS chats. Google has been pushing RCS strongly, trying to create SMS 2.0, basically. That dream has never been closer as Apple aims to provide RCS support in iMessage. You can easily use Google Messages as a general instant messaging app. You can send out images or videos, send out voice messages, or chat with your friends via a video call. All the features that you’re used to and love in other instant messaging apps are now here… well, most of them.
Scheduling messages
Scheduling messages is one feature that iOS users are still crying out for, at least they were at the time of writing this article. It’s a rather important feature for some, and it’s available in Google Messages. Regardless of whether you’d like to schedule an SMS message to go out or an RCS instant message, the Google Messages app has your back. How can you do it? It’s simple, once you write your message, press and hold on the send icon, and you’ll get the ‘Schedule send’ menu. From there you’ll either be able to use one of the predetermined times or schedule your own.
Voice message transcriptions
Voice Message Transcriptions are one of those outstanding features that you don’t think of first when it comes to instant messaging. However, it can come in really handy. Many people out there prefer to send out audio messages, as they’re either too lazy to type, or it’s more convenient to them because of their job, or whatever else. The problem with audio messages is that you’re not always in a position to listen to them. Well, thanks to the Voice Message Transcription feature, Google Messages can transcribe such messages to you… in plain text. That way you can know what they’re about without actually needing the audio side of things.
Reminders
I never thought I’d need reminders inside an instant messaging app, but I stand corrected. I got used to using reminders from Google Messages, even though it’s not exactly a feature you’d think of when it comes to messaging. You can easily remind yourself to do basically anything from the Google Messages app. This is a feature you may start using if you’re using Google Messages a lot. Be warned, though, once you start, it’s really hard to stop.
Video calling
If text and audio messages don’t do the trick, there’s always video calling. Google has one of the best video chat services out there, Google Meet. Well, it decided to integrate everything nicely and offer Google Messages users to video-chat with their loved ones. You can easily open up a contact you’d like to video chat with and tap the video icon at the top. Right next to it there’s also the audio call icon, if that’s what you prefer. The point is, you have plenty of options here.
Chat bubble customizations
If you don’t like the default Google Messages setup, in terms of design, you can change that a bit. Google is offering you a chance to customize each of your conversations. You can change up the background of your conversations, and the same goes for chat bubbles themselves. You can make each of the conversations completely unique so that you know exactly who you’re talking to just by the design. At the time of writing this article, however, this feature was available for select users only, it’s still rolling out.
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Updated May 3, 2024:
Google has decided to remove some features from the Google Messages Android app. The company is removing ‘Nudges’, after introducing them in 2022. ‘Nudges’ actually provided you with reply and birthday reminders, that was basically their whole purpose. It is noted that Nudges served as “reply reminders to follow up after a certain time to a message you sent or received”.The second suggestion type would remind you about upcoming birthdays based on the data stored in your phone’s contacts app. Well, Google is removing those too. They were removed from the latest Beta version of the app, and are going away soon on the stable version too.
Updated May 16, 2024:
Some new changes for Google Messages have been revealed recently. A single-line text field is starting to roll out to users. This actually comes after the announcement that the audio recorder and Selfie GIFs are coming too. Now, in regards to the single-line text field, you’ll start seeing the change after you start typing. You can see the difference in the image below, courtesy of 9to5Google, as we’re still not seeing this change ourselves.
It’s also worth noting that Google Messages will soon start hiding blocked contacts from your group chats. What’s odd is that blocked users will still be able to see the texts from people who blocked them. This could be a mistake on Google’s part, only time will tell. This feature is in testing and should start rolling out soon.
Updated May 24, 2024:
Google Messages app is finally starting to get an option to edit sent texts, kind of. This was one of the most requested features for Google Messages ever since RCS was made available. At the moment, Google is only testing the feature, as some beta users are now able to edit them. Google still didn’t say when the feature will roll out to the stable channel, but it’s likely coming in the near future. Once it’s made available for the stable version of the app, chances are that it will roll out to everyone. Google is handling the testing phase in the beta version of the app only.
Updated May 29, 2024:
Yet another change is coming to the Google Messages app. It seems like Google is preparing to change the app bar, and also tweak contact colors. In regards to the app bar, it will no longer have a background different from the rest of the main page. If you take a look at the image provided below, you’ll see the difference we’re talking about. The app bar will blend in with the main background color. What’s interesting, however, is that there’s no change in the light theme. Google is in the middle of testing this feature, so we’ll see what will happen. The change is visible in the beta version (for the dark theme), by the way.
Another change that is coming relates to the conversation list. When contacts don’t have a contact photo, you’re getting a standard letter for them. If the name of the contact starts with an ‘L’, there will be an ‘L’ inside a circle where the profile photo is supposed to sit. Behind that letter, you’ll notice a colorful background. Well, it seems like Google is changing up the color palette a little bit. In light mode, you’ll get a darker shade, while more pastel-looking colors will be used in dark mode.
Updated June 10, 2024:
Several interesting changes were either issued or announced for Google Messages since the last update. The most notable one is the ability to edit RCS chats in the app. This was one of the most requested features from Google, and it’s now available for Google Messages. You have 15 minutes after you send a message to edit it, which is the same time period iMessage offers, for example. All you have to do is hold your finger on the message bubble you sent, and you’ll be able to edit it.
What was also revealed is that Google Messages is hiding your drafted texts after you leave a conversation. This was reported as a bug, but it’s possible it’s not. It could be intended by Google. After leaving the thread, and leaving a part of the message unset, the most recently sent or receivied text is shown instead of ‘draft’. Let’s hope this is a bug and that Google will fix it, though we’re not sure at this point.
Google is also adding 911 emergency texting with RCS to Google Messages. This is something the company announced directly. The rollout already started, but it’s gradual, the company notes. This is a US-only feature, needless to say. The company could expand it to other countries, though it won’t be 911 in that case, but local numbers for emergency services.
Updated June 24, 2024:
A feature that was exclusive to Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones is now available on all Android devices. Google’s Gemini AI in Messages now works on any Android phone. Google also updated its Help page to indicate what is necessary to make this happen. Your Android device will need at least 6GB of RAM to take advantage of the feature. The vast majority of modern Android smartphones have that requirement.
Google’s Gemini is now supported in Messages in 164 countries, in English. In Canada it also supports French. That’s a bit odd as not even France has French language support for Gemini, but there you go. A wider language support is coming, Google is working on it. Google also notes that you’ll need to be 18 in order to access this new feature. You’ll also need to make sure that RCS is switched on, as you’ll need to start a new RCS chat in order to access Gemini in Google Messages.
Updated July 4, 2024:
Google Messages is now allowing you to see larger contact photos. We’re talking about the images that appear when you tap on contact photos in the conversation view. It is much bigger now compared to previous versions. It’s about the size of the avatar in Google Contacts, actually. Many users will find this more aesthetically appealing than what we’ve seen in the past. You can see the change below.
The second change has to do with Gemini. Gemini arrived to Google Messages not long ago, and the app now features a double FAB design. The Gemini icon is visible above the ‘Start chat’ icon. Do note that not everyone will see this change just yet, however. The last change that Google made is to roll out ‘Select receipients’ share UI redesign to Google Messages. This change was available in beta for a while, and it went stable just recently. When selecting Google Messages from the Android share sheet, you’ll be greeted with a fullscreen ‘Select recipients’ UI. You’ll be able to see five ‘Recent conversations’, along with a snippet of the last sent message.