Google Messages’ easiest pairing method is about to disappear
Google Messages will drop its QR code pairing feature in the upcoming v20260511 beta, forcing users to sign in with their Google account for both web and Android access.
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Google Messages
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What new Google Messages features are rolling out May 2026
Google Messages rolls out redesigned read receipts, discontinues Samsung Messages, and introduces encrypted RCS for cross-platform communication.
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Google Messages gets closer to custom chat backgrounds and smarter Smart Reply controls
Google Messages is developing custom chat backgrounds and a clearer Smart Reply settings screen, as revealed in the latest beta. The changes aim to lure users from the soon-to-depart Samsung Messages.
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Samsung Messages shutting down: Here are 2 free ways to back up your texts
Samsung is shutting down its Messages app in July, requiring Android 12 or newer users to switch to Google Messages. Here are two free ways to back up your texts before the transition.
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Google Messages adds Trash feature to recover accidentally deleted texts
Google introduces a Trash feature in Android Messages that temporarily stores deleted SMS messages for 30 days, allowing users to recover accidentally deleted texts.
