Google Messages is Google's official texting app, and while it hasn't always been first to roll out useful features, it has caught up to what other messaging services offer and has a handful of hidden hacks to make communicating and coordinating with contacts easier and safer. Here are the best tips and tricks that every Google Messages user should know.
Use the Keep integration to coordinate group events directly in Google Messages
Google Messages recently got a Google Keep integration, which allows group chat participants to collaborate on notes and checklists directly in the message thread without having to click over to a separate app. This also centralizes ideas in one place rather than spread across a thread with dozens of separate text messages. Changes to Keep Notes sync automatically for all users. Tap the plus icon in the message compose bar in Google Messages, select Keep Notes, and either choose an existing note or tap to create a new one to be shared in the chat.
Turn on advanced scam detection to protect against security threats
Over the last few years, Google has rolled out a number of security features for identifying and defending against scams and fraud spread via calls and text messages. These work by detecting suspected spam and either preventing it from being delivered or hiding it in a separate folder, as well as flagging suspicious links. A newer opt-in enhanced protection mode for Google Messages uses AI to catch more complex threats and alert you if a conversation or unfamiliar link that looks legit might put you at risk. Standard protection is on by default, but you can turn on enhanced protection under Messages settings > Protection & Safety > Spam and scam protection.
Use scheduled send to draft texts while maintaining good boundaries
If you have an idea you want to write down but not send immediately—because it's outside of work hours or late at night—you can draft it in Google Messages and schedule it for later. "Send later" features in messaging and chat apps are useful for maintaining good boundaries without having to remember to type and send at a different time. Once you've entered your message in the text field, touch and hold Send, choose from the suggested actions, then tap Send again.
Customize swipe actions for Google Messages inbox triage
Swiping left or right on your conversations in Google Messages will either archive or delete them. You can customize which swipe maps onto which action for quick inbox triaging or disable one or both to prevent accidentally triggering an unwanted action. Tap your profile photo > Message settings > Swipe actions > Customize to select your preferences.
Star messages to save important data to an aggregated list
Google Messages has a pinning feature that will anchor conversations at the top of your message history, but you can also star important messages you want to save and return to later. Starring makes it easy to keep track of data like flight information, contacts, or dates that might otherwise get lost in a thread or be difficult to pull up in a basic search—starred messages have their own search filter. Simply tap and hold the message and tap Star at the top, then go to Search conversations > Starred > More options > Starred to see your list of saved messages.
Turn on temporary snooze to silence group chats during live events you're not watching
We've all been in the overactive group chat that we don't want to see notifications from in real time but also don't want to leave. You can snooze threads semi-permanently, but you can also turn on a temporary snooze that will lift so notifications restart after a short period of time. This can be useful for threads discussing live events or games you will be catching up on later or if you need silence during a focused work period. Touch and hold the conversation, tap Snooze, then select your duration and tap Snooze to confirm. You can choose from 1 hour, 8 hours, 24 hours, or always.
Use Mass Text to send BCC messages and receive individual replies
Google Messages has two group chat modes. Group MMS is your typical group text—it sends a single message to all recipients, and everyone receives replies in the thread. Mass Text, by contrast, is like BCC. This sends your message to each user individually, and replies come only to the original sender. Using this mode allows you to share information with a bunch of people at once without creating the dreaded reply-all thread. You can change your default group messaging settings via profile > Message settings > Advanced > Group messaging.
Enable real-time location sharing when you need someone to know you're safe
Google Messages finally launched integrated real-time location sharing earlier this year, which allows you to send your live whereabouts to trusted contacts directly in a message thread. Location sharing makes it easier to coordinate meeting up or let someone know where you are if there are any safety concerns. You can set a limited duration or leave location sharing on indefinitely for specific contacts. Open a conversation and tap Attachment > Real-time location
Use "Delete for Everyone" to remove messages you accidentally sent
You don't have to live with the embarrassment of sending a text in error with Google Messages—at least not if you catch the mistake quickly. Google Messages has a "Delete for everyone" function that can remove sent messages from the devices of users who are running the latest version of the app. Conversations must be using RCS for this to work, and you have only a limited window—anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes, according to support documentation—to use the feature before your messages are permanent. Long-press a message to pull up available delete options.
Log into the web interface to use Google Messages on your computer
If you want to stay on top of your text threads but get distracted by other things every time you pick up your phone, you can log into the Google Messages web interface on your browser. This also makes it easier to send photos and files from your computer via Google Messages without having to transfer them to your phone first.