Things to do while setting up Google Messages

Google Messages is the default messaging application on Android devices. For many years, this app was limited in functionality to just handling SMS messages, which basically meant that it was something we used only when we absolutely had 

A few years ago though, Google updated the app to support RCS. RCS or Rich Communication Service is a messaging protocol that essentially upgrades your regular SMS messages to something more like WhatsApp messages. These are digital messages with more functionality such as read receipts, support for photos and videos, animated gifs, and of course, encryption for enhanced security.

ALSO READ: RCS vs SMS messages: What is the difference?

Now, to make the most Google Messages, here are a few things you can do when setting it up for the first time.

1. Enable read receipts and typing indicators

These should be enabled by default when you’re setting up a new Android device, but sometimes they might be missed or not part of the setup process. If that’s the case, here’s how you enable read receipts and typing indicators of the type you see in WhatsApp: 

For this, open Messages > Tap on your profile picture > Messages settings > Chat features > Enable chat features.

You will now see read receipts and typing indicators when chatting with people.

2. Sort messages and auto-delete OTPs

Another useful feature is the option to sort messages by categories, including OTPs, order updates, and more. This is convenient as you can then focus on only the messages that matter to you and ignore the rest. Additionally, Google Messages also has a feature that lets you auto-delete OTPs after 24 hours. This is again very convenient as you’re not wasting space storing messages that you’ll never refer to again.

ALSO READ: Get tasks done in a snap with a simple “Hey Google”

To help ensure your inbox remains clean and organised at all times, open Messages > Tap on your profile picture > Messages settings > Message organisation>By category > Auto-delete OTPs after 24 hours.

3. Enable Message bubbles

Message bubbles have been around quite a while in Android, but you’ve probably not used them with the Messages app, owing to how limited in function it used to be. Now, you can enable or disable message bubbles for selected conversations to make sure that you have quicker access to the people in your life that matter. To do this: 

To do this, open Messages > Tap on your profile picture > Messages settings > Bubbles, and the select one of the following: ‘All conversations, Selected convos, Off.’ 

4. Voice Message Transcription

One of the most useful features in Messages is that your Android phone can directly translate voice messages when they’re sent to you. You won’t need to open a voice message to hear it, or be forced to plug in headphones in a public space. The feature can be enabled by taking the following steps:

To access the transcription feature, open Messages > Tap on your profile picture > Messages settings > Voice Message Transcription > Show transcripts of voice messages. 

5. Smart reply and suggested actions

Did you know that Google Messages leverages AI to help you respond to texts faster, and with more relevant information? This integrated feature comes under ‘Smart Reply and Suggested Actions.’ The former allows Google to suggest appropriate responses to the conversation you’re having. It suggests suitable emojis as responses, prompts you to share location data if it was requested, and more. Suggested Actions go a step further by allowing Google to suggest setting up meetings, send shared calendar invites, and more. These are both very useful features and worth enabling by default in Google Messages. To do so: 

For smart replies and suggested actions, open Messages > Tap on your profile picture > Messages settings, and enable ‘Smart Reply, Suggested Actions, and Nudges.’ 

ALSO READ: Google has blocked RCS messaging on rooted Android devices: Here’s why

Google Messages is a powerful and versatile that’s very different from the SMS apps of yore. If you haven’t already, give Messages another shot, and do enable the features we’ve suggested for a more interesting, powerful, and intuitive experience.