Google Messages has quietly evolved into one of the most capable messaging apps on Android. While it still handles basic SMS and MMS duties, its real strength lies in how it leverages RCS (Rich Communication Services) and integrates smart features that make everyday texting faster, cleaner, and more secure. If you’re using a Pixel or any Android phone with Messages as the default, here’s a breakdown of the features that actually improve the experience—beyond the usual emoji reactions and typing indicators.
RCS Chat Features
The backbone of Google Messages’ modern functionality is RCS. Once enabled, it upgrades your conversations with read receipts, typing indicators, high-resolution media sharing, and end-to-end encryption for one-on-one chats. It’s not universal—both users need RCS enabled—but when it works, it feels closer to iMessage or WhatsApp than traditional SMS. Encryption status is visible via a padlock icon, and you can verify it per chat. For users concerned about privacy, this is a meaningful upgrade over legacy texting.
How to enable:
Open Google Messages > Tap your profile icon > “Messages settings” > “RCS chats” > Toggle on.
Messages for Web
One of the most underrated features is the ability to send and receive texts from a desktop browser. Messages for Web doesn’t require a separate app or extension—just scan a QR code at “messages.google.com/web” and your phone syncs with your browser. It’s not just convenient for typing long messages; it’s also useful for copying links, managing OTPs, or replying while working without picking up your phone. The connection persists across sessions if you choose to remember the device, making it a seamless part of your workflow.
How to use:
- Visit messages.google.com/web > Scan the QR code using your phone (Messages > Menu > “Device pairing”).
Message Scheduling
Google Messages lets you schedule texts for later delivery, which is surprisingly rare among mainstream messaging apps. Whether you want to send a birthday wish at midnight or a reminder during work hours, you can type the message, long-press the send button, and choose a specific date and time. It’s simple, reliable, and doesn’t require any third-party automation. Scheduled messages can be edited or canceled before they’re sent, giving you full control.
How to use:
- Type your message > Long-press the send button > Choose date/time > Tap “Save”.
Auto-Delete OTPs
If you use two-factor authentication or receive frequent one-time passwords, your inbox can get cluttered fast. Google Messages includes an option to automatically delete OTPs after 24 hours. It’s tucked under Message Organization in the settings, and once enabled, it quietly keeps your inbox clean without affecting other messages. It’s not perfect—some OTPs slip through—but it’s better than manually clearing them every few days.
How to enable:
- Messages settings > “Message organization” > Toggle on “Auto-delete OTPs after 24 hours”.
Pinning and Starring Conversations
For users who juggle multiple threads, pinning and starring help keep important messages accessible. You can pin up to three conversations to the top of your inbox, which is useful for keeping work contacts or family threads visible. Starring works at the message level—tap and hold a message, then star it to save for later. Starred messages are searchable and grouped under a dedicated tab, making it easier to find addresses, codes, or key info without scrolling through entire threads.
How to use:
- Pin: Long-press a conversation > Tap the pin icon.
- Star: Long-press a message > Tap the star icon > Access via “Starred” tab in search.
Smart Replies and Suggestions
Google Messages includes contextual suggestions that speed up replies and actions. Smart Replies offer quick responses based on the message content—like “Thanks!” or “Sounds good.” Suggested actions go further, offering calendar links, address lookups, or direct call buttons. These features are optional and can be toggled off, but they’re useful when you’re multitasking or replying on the go. Magic Compose, a newer addition, uses generative AI to rewrite or enhance your messages, though its usefulness depends on how much control you want over tone and phrasing.
How to enable/disable:
- Messages settings > “Suggestions” > Toggle “Smart reply” and “Suggested actions”.
Message Reminders
If you receive a message that requires action later—like a bill reminder or a meeting link—you can set a reminder directly from the message. Tap and hold, choose “Add reminder,” and pick a time. The message gets tagged with a clock icon, and you’ll get a notification when it’s due. It’s a lightweight alternative to setting calendar events or using a separate to-do app, and it keeps the context tied to the original message.
How to use:
- Long-press a message > Tap “Add reminder” > Choose time/date.
Search That Actually Works
Unlike most SMS apps, Google Messages includes a robust search function. You can search by contact, keyword, or even media type. Results are grouped by category—links, images, locations, and more—making it easier to find what you’re looking for. If you’ve ever tried to dig up an old address or photo from a months-old thread, this feature alone makes Messages worth using.
How to use:
- Tap the search icon > Enter keyword > Filter by type if needed.
Location Sharing
Messages supports real-time location sharing, which is useful for coordinating meetups or letting someone know where you are. Tap the plus icon in a conversation, choose “Location,” and send your current spot. It’s not as feature-rich as Google Maps’ live location sharing, but it’s fast and doesn’t require switching apps.
How to use:
- Tap the “+” icon > Choose “Location” > Send your current spot.
Reactions and Emoji Support
While not groundbreaking, emoji reactions help keep conversations lightweight. Long-press a message and choose a reaction—thumbs up, heart, laughter, etc. It’s a small touch, but it brings Messages closer to the experience users expect from apps like iMessage or Telegram. Reactions are synced across devices and visible in the web app, too.
How to use:
- Long-press a message > Choose an emoji reaction.
Spam Protection and Blocking
Google Messages includes built-in spam detection and lets you block senders with a few taps. Suspected spam messages are flagged and moved to a separate folder, and you can report them to help improve filtering. It’s not foolproof, but it’s better than relying on carrier-level filters or third-party apps.
How to enable:
- Messages settings > “Spam protection” > Toggle on.
Group Messaging Improvements
Group chats in Messages now support RCS features, including read receipts and typing indicators—provided all participants have RCS enabled. You can name groups, mute notifications, and manage members more easily than before. It’s still not as fluid as WhatsApp or Signal for group coordination, but it’s usable for casual threads and family chats.
How to use:
- Start a new message > Add multiple recipients > Tap “Group SMS” or “Group chat” depending on RCS status.
Google Messages isn’t trying to be everything—it’s not a social platform, and it doesn’t chase trends. But for users who want a clean, reliable messaging app that works across devices and supports modern features like encryption, scheduling, and smart replies, it’s hard to beat. The integration with RCS and the growing list of quality-of-life improvements make it a solid default for Android users. And unlike many third-party apps, it doesn’t require constant tweaking or permissions to stay useful.
If you’re still using your carrier’s default SMS app or haven’t explored Messages beyond basic texting, it’s worth digging into the settings and enabling features like RCS, OTP cleanup, and web sync. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re practical upgrades that make everyday messaging faster, cleaner, and more secure.
