Messages app Archives

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

Google Messages is picking up a couple of genuinely useful upgrades

Google is updating its Messages app to include a feature that allows users to copy a selected portion of a message by tapping and holding to reveal interactive options for inline text selection. This feature will enable users to highlight specific sections of text and use Android's copy function, while still retaining the option to copy the full text. Additionally, a new 'Mark as read' button will be added for Wear OS, allowing users to mark messages as read directly from the initial notification. This option will only be available when the notification first arrives.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

7 great WhatsApp alternatives for Android users — Google Messages, Discord, and more

WhatsApp has over three billion active users and includes features like video calls and image sharing. Google Messages is pre-installed on most Android devices and integrates with Google accounts, supporting RCS for cross-platform communication. Discord is popular among gamers for group chats and community engagement, using a server system for organized discussions. Session focuses on privacy with end-to-end encryption and does not require personal information for registration. Beeper aggregates various messaging services and offers zero-access encryption for chat backups. Facebook Messenger integrates with Facebook, providing essential messaging features and community engagement tools. Instagram's Direct Messages feature allows file sharing, chat customization, and integration with Spotify.

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

December 15, 2025

Meta Shuts Down Standalone Messenger Desktop App on December 15, 2025

Meta Platforms Inc. will discontinue its standalone Messenger desktop application for Windows and macOS on December 15, 2025. Users will be directed to use browser-based access or the main Facebook platform instead. The Messenger app was introduced to compete with video communication tools but has seen a decline in usage as users prefer mobile devices and web browsers. The shutdown will affect businesses that use Messenger for customer service, impacting features like notifications and offline message queuing. Users have expressed frustration over potential loss of chat histories and concerns about increased dependency on Meta's web portal. Alternatives like Signal and Telegram may attract former users. Meta's decision reflects a broader industry trend toward prioritizing mobile experiences and could allow the company to focus resources on metaverse development and AI features.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Google Messages update adds cleaner link and YouTube video previews

Google is introducing a redesigned link preview feature in its Messages app, focusing on larger website titles and thumbnails while removing full link URLs and descriptions. The new previews will display a general site URL beneath the title and prioritize a minimalist design, resembling Google Discover cards. Users can access the full URL by copying it or adjusting settings to disable link previews. The update is rolling out with version 2025112100RC01 on the beta channel, with wider availability expected soon.

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

October 23, 2025

Surprising change to Gboard app for Android can remove two major punctuation marks

The Gboard app for Android has introduced a feature that allows users to hide the period and comma keys from the QWERTY keyboard. Users can access this feature through the Messages app by navigating to Settings and selecting Preferences. The default settings enable both keys, but users can choose to disable either key. When both keys are turned off, the keyboard's bottom row simplifies to just the ?123 button and the enter key. Users can still insert a period by double-pressing the space bar, but must keep the comma key enabled to use commas. The update is available for both stable and beta versions of the app, including on devices like the Pixel 6 Pro running Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1 with Gboard version 16.2.4.815623744 beta.

AppWizard

October 15, 2025

Google Messages adds Key Verifier and spam link detection

Google has introduced two safety features for its Messages app: the Android Key Verifier and a spam protection feature. The Android Key Verifier is available for users on Android 10 and above, using QR codes to verify end-to-end encrypted message exchanges. Users can verify keys by tapping on the contact's name and selecting “Verify keys.” A confirmation message appears upon successful verification, and users are alerted if a contact's key changes due to reasons like acquiring a new device or SIM card, key expiration, or encryption protocol upgrades. Potential malicious reasons for key changes include man-in-the-middle attacks and SIM swapping. Users are advised to keep the Android System Key Verifier app updated. The spam protection feature prevents access to harmful links in texts unless marked as “not spam,” and it is now available worldwide.