10 Essential Google Messages Features for Everyday Use
Discover the hidden power of Google Messages! Unleash a world of convenience with features like web texting, automatic OTP deletion, scheduled sending, reactions, message favorites, pinned conversations, text-to-speech, location sharing, message blocking, and enhanced RCS functionality
Texting on a smartphone is a fundamental feature, but it doesn't have to be dull. The "Messages" app from Google comes preinstalled on many Android devices and boasts several impressive features to elevate your text messaging experience.
Read and Send Text Messages From the Web
Messaging across multiple platforms, including desktop, is made incredibly simple with apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Unlike SMS, which lacks this functionality, Google has developed a solution that operates akin to iMessage.
"Messages for Web" offers you the convenience of accessing the app through a web browser on your computer. This feature is seamlessly integrated, eliminating the need for any complex workarounds or reliance on third-party applications. To utilize this feature, simply navigate to the "Device Pairing" option within the Messages app on your phone. From there, you can effortlessly scan the displayed QR code available at messages.google.com/web on your PC.
Automatically Delete OTPs (One-Time Passwords)
OTP (one-time password) messages are frequently received and often associated with two-factor authentication, a security measure that is strongly recommended. The Messages app conveniently deletes these messages automatically.
Schedule Text Messages to Send Later
To enable this feature, navigate to the Messages Settings and access the "Message Organization" section. Within this section, you will find an option labeled "Auto-delete OTPs after 24 hours." As the name suggests, the application will automatically attempt to remove OTPs from your inbox after a period of 24 hours. However, it should be noted that this automated process may not always function reliably, but having some level of automatic deletion is still preferable to none at all.
To avoid embarrassing situations like forgetting to wish someone a happy birthday or convey important information on time, you can rely on the Messages app. By composing a text message at your convenience, you can easily schedule it to be sent at the specific time you desire.
The
Add Reactions to a Text Message
feature is incredibly user-friendly, however, it is crucial to be aware of its location. Simply compose a text message in the usual manner, but instead of immediately sending it, press and hold the send button. This action will trigger a menu showcasing various options for scheduling the message to be sent.
Add Reactions to a Text Message
Indeed, text message reactions are not limited to iMessage users alone. The Messages app provides the capability to long-press on a message and promptly send a reaction. In addition to a selection of suggested emoji, you also have the freedom to include any emoji of your preference.
People who use the Messages app (whether they have RCS enabled or not) will be able to view the reaction directly on the message. Other users, such as iPhone users, will receive a separate message stating "[emoji] to [message]." If you have ever sent a text to an iMessage user, you may be acquainted with receiving similar messages.
Star Your Favorite Text Messages
Certain messages hold great importance or amusement, prompting the desire to preserve them. Rather than sifting through an extensive array of messages, the Messages app simplifies the process by enabling you to "star" such messages for effortless retrieval in the future.
The feature is both simple and highly beneficial. Just like in Gmail, you can mark any text message with a "star" to save it in the "Starred" category. To locate your starred messages, simply tap the search button located at the top of the app, and then select "Starred." It's important to note that starring a message does not trigger a notification for the other parties involved.
Pin Conversations to the Top
When you're engaging with numerous individuals, the conversation list can quickly become disorganized. However, the ability to preserve particular conversations at the top would certainly be advantageous. By utilizing the feature of pinning conversatios, you can easily achieve this convenience.
The Messages app provides the option to prioritize certain conversations by pinning up to five of them at the top of the list. To do so, simply long-press a conversation and select the pin icon located in the top bar. To remove a pinned conversation, repeat the same action and tap the pin icon once again. By utilizing this feature, your favorite conversations will always remain at the top of the list.
Hear Text Messages Read Out Loud
Although not exclusively a feature for Messages, it pairs seamlessly with the Messages app. By uttering the phrase, "Read my messages," you can command Google Assistant to read any text messages you receive.
Share Your Location in a Text Message
There is no need for any setup to use this feature. It is compatible with any messaging app, although the message must remain in the notification shade for Google Assistant to read it aloud. Once the message is spoken, you will be able to dictate a response using your voice and send it.
Thanks to smartphones, you can skip the hassle of explaining your whereabouts and estimated arrival time. The Messages app comes with a convenient Google Maps integration, enabling you to swiftly share your location with others.
To utilize this convenient functionality, simply tap the plus button located in the text box bar during a conversation. Within this menu, you will find a variety of options to send such as GIFs, stickers, files, and more. However, the specific feature you are seeking is the "Location" option. Upon selecting it, a map with several alternatives will appear. Once you have made your desired selection, simply tap "Send" and a Google Maps link will be promptly forwarded to your friend.
Block Text Messages
Annoying text messages (SMS), whether they are spam or unwanted messages from someone you know, are a common occurrence. Fortunately, blocking text messages using the Messages app is a quick and easy process.
Open the conversation with the desired phone number you wish to block and navigate to the "Details" option in the menu. Once there, select "Block & Report Spam" and proceed to block the number while also opting to report it as spam if necessary.
Enable RCS Features
RCS, the highly anticipated SMS successor, is now widely supported on Android devices. In essence, RCS transforms text messaging into a more instantaneous experience. With RCS, you can easily track message read receipts, observe the typing indicator, and share media content at significantly improved quality, among other notable features.
To determine if your Android device is compatible with RCS, navigate to the Messages Settings and locate the "RCS Chats" option. If it is present, your device is prepared for RCS. Proceed to access the "RCS Chats" settings and ensure that the "Turn on RCS chats" function is enabled. Additionally, you will find other customization choices available.
Differentiating between an RCS message and an SMS is effortless. The text box will display either "RCS message" or "text message" (SMS). Take note that it may be necessary to disable RCS prior to switching to a new phone.
