Google Messages app Archives

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

Android 17’s new App Lock might stop your notifications from spilling secrets

A native App Lock feature is anticipated to be introduced in Android 17, allowing users to secure specific applications for enhanced privacy. In the Android Canary 2601 release, new code indicates that notifications from locked apps will be delivered with obscured content, showing generic messages like “New message” or “New notification.” The app name and icon may still be visible in these notifications, helping users identify the source while keeping the content private. These features are not finalized and will be confirmed upon the official release by Google.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

How to remix images in Google Messages

Google Messages has introduced a feature called Remix, launched in November 2025, which allows users to create remixed images using the Nano Banana image-generation model. This opt-in feature requires users to accept terms and conditions and is available only to those aged 18 and older. Users can modify or generate new visuals directly within the app by selecting a photo, long-pressing it, and using the Remix button. The feature is compatible across devices, enabling friends to view and respond to remixed images.

AppWizard

November 8, 2025

Android users can now pin up to 20 chats in Google Messages

Google Messages has increased the number of conversations users can pin to the top of their inbox from ten to twenty in the latest update, specifically in version messages.android2025110300_RC00. This feature allows users to pin up to 20 conversations, a significant increase from the previous limits of three, five, and ten. Users can pin chats by touching and holding a conversation, then tapping the pin icon. After updating the app, users will receive a notification indicating the new limit of pinned conversations.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

Google To Enhance Photo Access And Privacy In Messages App With Android 16 Update

Users can access photos in the Google Messages app on Android by tapping a “plus sign [+]” button, which offers options like Gallery, Camera, GIFs, Stickers, Files, Location, Contacts, and Schedule Send. Selecting the Gallery shows recent images and videos stored locally, but accessing cloud-stored photos requires an additional tap on the Folders button. Google is working on a solution to streamline this process. The custom media picker currently requires access to the full media gallery, raising security concerns. However, with the upcoming Android 16, an embedded photo picker will allow apps to integrate a photo picker directly, showing both cloud-hosted and locally stored media without needing broad permissions. This new feature will enhance user privacy and eliminate the extra step for accessing cloud-hosted content.

AppWizard

August 31, 2025

Messaging app on your Galaxy phone gets more expressive design

Google is updating its Google Messages app with a new design called Material 3 Expressive, which began rolling out to users, especially those with Galaxy devices. The redesign features a container-centric layout, with chat threads housed in rounded containers for better organization. The interface includes a revamped emoji picker and a repositioned search bar for emojis below the tab bar. The Plus menu for adding attachments has also been redesigned with monochrome icons in pill-shaped containers. Additionally, enhancements are being made to other Google applications like Google Clock, Contacts, Phone, Gmail, and Translate for Android.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Does your Google Messages app keep crashing? This could be the reason why

The latest beta version of the Google Messages app (version 2025080500RC00) crashes upon opening for some users, affecting various Android devices including Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, and is not linked to any specific service provider. Users can still respond to incoming messages via notifications as a temporary workaround. Traditional fixes like restarting the device or clearing the app's cache have not worked for many, though some users have successfully resolved the issue by uninstalling and reinstalling the beta update. There are ongoing efforts to get a comment from Google regarding a timeline for a resolution.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Latest Google Messages beta brings its Expressive redesign to more users

A Reddit user with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 has reported the new M3 Expressive redesign for Google Messages, which includes a reworked plus icon menu and a "connected button group" for emojis and GIFs. The beta update features a solid-color background for conversations, distinguishing texts from contact options. The redesign is not yet available in the stable version of Google Messages but is gradually being rolled out to beta users. The conversation field now has a rounded-corner container, separating it from calling and menu buttons. Not all beta users have received the update, indicating it is still being distributed. The Material 3 Expressive design philosophy aims to enhance the Android experience with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes. Similar updates have been noted in other Google applications, such as Gmail.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google’s March Pixel Drop is here with a ton of Android upgrades

Google's latest Pixel Drop update enhances the Pixel series with new features, including expanded satellite messaging capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, which now supports users in Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and parts of Europe. This feature allows users to connect to compatible satellite networks for emergency assistance when cellular service is unavailable. The update will also support Verizon and T-Mobile for satellite messaging. Additionally, the Pixel 9 family introduces a video recording feature that enables simultaneous recording from multiple angles using another Pixel device or a compatible GoPro camera. The AI-powered scam detection feature will be available on all currently supported Android devices, allowing Google Messages app users to identify potential scam texts, while comprehensive phone call scam alerts will remain exclusive to the Pixel 9 series.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

More Android phones should copy how the Xiaomi 15 offers its AI writing tools

The Xiaomi 15 series integrates AI writing tools directly into the Android text selection menu, allowing users to summarize, proofread, extend, or rewrite text across all applications. Users can access these features by selecting text and tapping the AI writing button in the selection menu. In contrast, competitors like Google Pixel and OnePlus limit their AI writing capabilities to specific first-party applications. Samsung's upcoming One UI 7 update will also enable system-wide access to AI writing features, indicating a potential trend in the smartphone industry towards broader integration of such tools.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Here’s what satellite messaging could look like in Google Messages

T-Mobile is set to begin beta testing a satellite messaging service in partnership with Starlink, specifically designed for Android 15 users. This service will allow users to send messages via the Google Messages app when outside cellular or Wi-Fi range. Users will receive a prompt to connect to satellite messaging on the Google Messages home screen and during one-on-one chats, though group chats may not be supported. Selecting the “Connect” option will initiate a satellite connection, but it is unclear if the connection will automatically disengage when cellular or Wi-Fi access is restored.