RCS Archives

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

Google is linking your phone number to accounts you wanted to keep separate

Google has started automatically linking phone numbers to all Google accounts signed in on Android devices, including primary, secondary work, and alternate profiles. Users have reported receiving verification emails indicating their phone numbers have been verified without consent. This feature aims to improve services like account recovery and RCS messaging but raises privacy concerns, particularly regarding the separation of personal and professional accounts. Users can disable the automatic verification feature in their settings, but some have noted that it may revert to default without warning. Disabling the feature does not remove existing links; users must manually delete their phone numbers from accounts they wish to disassociate. Google has not clarified whether it will change this policy or the reasoning behind it.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

Google Messages Update: Games Coming Soon?

Google Messages is set to introduce a new gaming feature within chats, similar to Apple’s iMessage GamePigeon. The latest beta update reveals plans for a dedicated “Games” section with games codenamed “Midnight,” including titles like Chess, Pool, Darts, Cup Pong, Checkers, Crazy 8s, Basketball, Four in a Row, and Word Scramble. Details on whether these games will support multiplayer functionality remain unclear.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Media struggles to send in RCS for Google Messages—a fix is coming after users report

Users in the Google Messages and Pixel communities are experiencing issues sending media via RCS, with some unable to send files at all and others facing delays where all files are sent simultaneously. These problems reportedly began after an August update. Google has acknowledged the bug affecting some users and is rolling out a fix, which may take a couple of weeks to reach everyone. This situation is similar to past issues with Google Messages, where a server-side patch resolved media sending failures. Additionally, Samsung Galaxy users faced RCS chat failures earlier this year after using Smart Switch, prompting Google to collaborate with carriers to address the problems.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

RCS misbehaving in Messages? Google says a fix is on the way

Users of Google Messages are experiencing issues with media attachments failing to send via RCS. Google has acknowledged a bug affecting some users and is rolling out a fix expected to reach all affected users in the coming weeks. Users are advised to keep the Google Messages app updated to expedite the resolution.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Google Messages could soon make voice notes easier to initiate

Google Messages is exploring a single-tap feature for initiating voice recordings in RCS chats, as seen in the beta version messages.android2026092101_RC00. This change aims to simplify the current two-step process of sending voice notes, which involves tapping the waveform icon and then the microphone icon or long-pressing the waveform icon. While the single-tap feature could enhance accessibility, it raises concerns about accidental activation. Other messaging platforms, like Telegram, require a long press to start a voice note to minimize unintentional recordings. WhatsApp for Android has already implemented a similar single-tap feature. There is hope that Google will introduce a toggle in the settings menu to allow users to choose between the new single-tap method and the traditional approach.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

I turned off these 8 Google Messages features, and the app is so much better now

Google Messages has evolved to include features such as read receipts, Gemini integration, typing indicators, and chat bubbles. Some users find these enhancements beneficial, while others view them as intrusive. The author disabled several features for a more streamlined experience, leading to less clutter and fewer distractions. The features disabled include: 1. Gemini Button: A floating icon for AI-assisted messaging, which can be disabled in Message settings. 2. Profile Sharing: Allows visibility of name and photo to contacts, with customizable privacy settings available. 3. Outgoing Message Sounds: Can be turned off to create a quieter messaging environment. 4. Floating Chat Heads (Bubbles): Can be disabled to avoid distractions and protect sensitive information. 5. Follow-Up Reminders: Prompts to respond to message threads, which can be turned off in Message settings. 6. Read Receipts and Typing Indicators: Create pressure to respond quickly and can be disabled in Message settings. 7. Sensitive Content Warnings: Can misidentify benign images and can be turned off for a smoother experience. 8. Smart Reply and Suggested Actions: Offers quick responses that may not fit all conversations and can be disabled. These adjustments have improved the author's messaging experience, allowing for more personal and less stressful interactions.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

Google Messages gets a major gesture and menu refresh

Google Messages is introducing refined gestures to enhance user experience on Android. Long-pressing a message now opens a floating menu with shortcuts for actions like copying, starring, or replying. Users can select specific text snippets instead of copying entire messages. Swiping left reveals message timestamps and encryption statuses, while swiping right allows for instant replies. The long-press menu replaces the top toolbar, providing quick access to functions such as Reply, Forward, Copy, Star, Delete, Select more, and Info. For images, options like Save and Remix are available. The text copying feature allows selection of portions of text, extending to images, videos, links, files, locations, and contact cards. Tapping a message reveals read receipts and timestamps briefly appear after a tap. These features are part of recent builds of Google Messages, including version 2026091003RC02, but the rollout is server-side, so not all devices will receive the updates at the same time.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

GrapheneOS just confirmed its first supported non-Pixel phone

GrapheneOS has announced that the Motorola Signature 27 will be its first supported device from Motorola. This decision was confirmed on social media, with GrapheneOS stating it would be the initial supported phone. The Signature 27 features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chip and promises seven years of operating system and security updates. Key features include hardware memory tagging and enhanced secure-element integration. GrapheneOS aims to provide alternatives to Google’s Pixel phones while focusing on privacy and security. The announcement follows challenges GrapheneOS faced with Google regarding the Pixel 11 and access to certain Android APIs. Additionally, GrapheneOS is revamping its software ecosystem, including updates to its Messaging app and new privacy features.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Samsung’s Gallery App is Getting New Google Photos Sync Feature

Samsung is replacing the OneDrive integration in its Gallery Android app with Google Photos, following Microsoft's announcement that OneDrive photo backup will cease after September 30, 2026. The new cloud sync feature with Google Photos is being rolled out to select Galaxy users, who must update their Gallery Cloud Sync, Samsung Cloud, and Samsung Gallery apps. The integration does not support supervised personal Google accounts or Google Workspace accounts. Users can back up their camera roll, specific albums, and local device folders to Google Photos, but edited photos will appear as separate items, and some Google Photos features will not be accessible for synced photos. Samsung's Gallery app will continue to operate alongside Google Photos, and the company is developing its own web browser for Android and Windows.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

No RCS, no problem: Chat themes in Messages are now available for standard texts

Google Messages has expanded its customization capabilities to include standard SMS conversations, allowing users to set custom chat themes. This feature, which was previously available only for RCS chats, has been quietly rolled out, enabling users to access chat themes in non-RCS chats. Users can find the chat themes option in the three-dot menu or by navigating to the contact info page. The customization applies only to the individual who sets it, rather than affecting all participants in a chat. This update enhances the visual appeal of SMS conversations without imposing changes on others.