Google Messages, the default SMS and messaging app on most Android phones, is packed with features you might not be aware of.
While instant messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and others are popular for staying in touch, SMS remains the simplest way to reach someone since all you need is a phone number.
From smart suggestions to scheduling messages, here are some lesser-known Google Messages features you should try in 2024.
Send Messages Over Data
In India, most network operators allow users to send up to 100 SMS per day. However, this daily limit can be easily bypassed by enabling Google's RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol. Since it uses mobile data, you can send messages longer than 160 characters and even receive reactions to your messages.
To enable RCS, open Google Messages on your Android device, tap your profile picture at the top right, and click on 'Message Settings.' On the screen that appears, tap 'RCS Chat' and proceed to enable the 'Turn on RCS Chats' toggle. Here, you can also turn on advanced features like 'Send Read Receipts' and 'Show Typing Indicators.'
Send and Receive Texts from Your PC or Other Devices
Google Messages' web version might lack some features compared to the Android version, but it can be paired with another device like a tablet to send and receive messages remotely. You can also access messages on your phone using the web.
To pair your phone with another Android device, tap your profile picture and select 'Device Pairing.' You can start the pairing process by opening the Google Messages app on your other device or by visiting ‘www.messages.google.com/web.’
If you want to view and send messages from your PC, simply scan the QR code that appears in your browser using the QR code scanner button in the Device Pairing section. For those looking to connect from another device like a tablet, you’ll need to install the app on the other device and sign in using the same Google account you use on your phone.
Schedule Messages
Like emails, Google Messages allows users to schedule messages to be sent at a preferred time and date. This might not be useful for everyone, but if you're someone who often forgets to send texts, this feature can be a lifesaver.
To schedule an SMS or RCS message in Google Messages, open the chat you want to send the text to and type your message in the text field. Once done, long-press the send button and you’ll see an option called ‘Schedule Send,’ as shown in the screenshot above. Here, you can either choose from some presets or select a specific date and time to send the message.
Auto-Delete OTPs
Most one-time passwords, also known as OTPs, have an expiration period after which they are no longer useful. If your inbox is cluttered with these sensitive passwords, manually deleting them can sometimes be cumbersome.
Thankfully, Google Messages has an option that deletes such messages after 24 hours. To enable the feature, go to the 'Message Settings' section by tapping your profile picture. Now, tap 'Message Organization' and turn on the toggle named 'Auto-delete OTPs after 24 hours.'
Transcribe Audio Messages
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone sends you an audio message but you're unable to listen to it? Google Messages has a nifty feature that transcribes audio messages, allowing you to read and respond to them without playing the audio.
This functionality is active by default on most phones, so if you receive an audio message, just tap the 'View Transcript' button that appears above it to get the text version. If you don’t see the option, go to 'Message Settings,' navigate to 'Voice Message Transcription,' and turn on the toggle called ‘Show Transcripts of Voice Messages.’
Enable Chat Bubbles
If you're using a phone that runs on Android 11 or later, Google Messages lets you quickly check and respond to messages using bubbles. To give you a quick recap, bubbles on Android were first adopted by Facebook Messenger but have since been adapted by select apps like Google Messages.
They eliminate the need to open Google Messages and are very handy if you're doing something on your phone and don’t want to switch to another app. To enable bubbles for specific contacts or everyone, tap your profile picture, go to 'Message Settings,' and find and tap 'Bubbles.' Here, you can choose whether you want bubbles to show for selected conversations, all conversations, or disable the feature entirely.
Enable ‘Suggestions’
Google Messages is often updated with new useful features that can save you time and reduce screen time. A good example is the suggestion feature, which provides users with presets they can easily tap to send. This feature can be found under 'Suggestions' in the 'Message Settings.'
Here, you’ll see three options to choose from – ‘Smart Reply,’ ‘Suggested Actions,’ and ‘Suggested Stickers.’ As the name suggests, the first one lets you send instant text replies to messages. ‘Suggested Actions’ integrates with other Google services like Meet, Calendar, and Maps, allowing you to easily perform actions like creating events, attaching recent photos, and sharing your location.