
As Android continues to dominate the mobile OS market, Google Messages emerges as a pivotal application for enhancing your messaging capabilities. This app isn’t just about SMS or MMS; it’s a robust platform packed with features designed to streamline communication across Android devices, and now, even with iOS users post the iOS 18 update.
Whether you own a Google Pixel or any Android smartphone, setting up Google Messages effectively can transform your texting experience. Here’s how to unleash the full potential of Google Messages on your Android phone.

RCS Messaging: The Foundation of Modern Texting
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is the modern standard in messaging, offering features that go beyond traditional SMS. This protocol is integrated into Google Messages under “RCS Chats,” forming the core of its functionality. With RCS, users enjoy enhanced group chats, typing indicators, and reduced reliance on MMS, among other benefits.
How to Enable RCS Messaging:
- Open Google Messages.
- Tap your profile photo and then tap ‘Messages settings.’
- Select ‘RCS chats.’
- Tap ‘Enable chat features’ and confirm.
Ensuring Message Delivery: Enable SMS Fallback
One of the biggest challenges in digital communication is ensuring message delivery when internet connectivity is inconsistent. Google Messages addresses this with the SMS fallback feature, similar to iMessage’s functionality, ensuring texts and photos are sent even if RCS fails.
Setting Up SMS Fallback:
- Go to Message settings in the Google Messages app.
- Under ‘RCS chats,’ toggle ‘Automatically resend as text (SMS/MMS).’
Streamlining the Interface: Disable Gemini
For those seeking a clutter-free messaging environment, disabling the Gemini feature in Google Messages is recommended. While Gemini might offer direct messaging capabilities, it is generally more efficient in a dedicated app or web browser.
How to Disable Gemini:
- In Google Messages, access ‘Message settings.’
- Select ‘Gemini in Messages.’
- Toggle off ‘Show Gemini button.’
High-Quality Media Sharing
In an era where visual communication dominates, sending high-quality photos is a must. Google Messages allows users to toggle off the default setting that compresses images heavily.
Enhancing Photo Quality:
- Within Google Messages, tap ‘Message settings.’
- Toggle off ‘Send photos faster’ to ensure only the highest quality images are sent.
Automatic OTP Deletion for a Cleaner Inbox
Google Messages can automatically delete one-time passwords (OTPs) after 24 hours, helping to maintain a tidy inbox.

Activating OTP Auto-Deletion:
- Tap ‘Message organization’ in the Messages settings.
- Toggle on ‘Auto-delete OTPs.’
Voice Message Transcription for Easy Listening
The app’s ability to transcribe voice messages into text enhances accessibility and convenience, especially when listening to audio messages isn’t feasible.
Turning On Voice Transcription:
- In the Messages settings, select ‘Voice message transcription.’
- Enable the feature.
Rich Previews for Enhanced Link Sharing
Google Messages also supports rich previews for links, providing visual and informative snippets that enhance the messaging experience, particularly useful for multimedia content like videos or website links.
Setting Up Automatic Previews:
- Go to ‘Automatic previews’ in the Messages settings.
- Toggle ‘Show all previews.’
Utilizing AI-Driven Suggestions
The application leverages artificial intelligence to offer smart replies, suggested actions, and more, enriching user interaction and making messaging more intuitive and efficient.

Enabling Suggestions:
- Access ‘Suggestions’ in the Messages settings.
- Enable the types of suggestions you prefer.
By optimizing these settings, Google Messages becomes more than just a texting app; it’s a powerful communication tool that enhances connectivity across different platforms and devices. Whether it’s ensuring reliable message delivery or sharing high-quality media, these settings are designed to enrich your messaging experience on Android.