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Android Enthusiasts

Q&A for enthusiasts and power users of the Android operating system

Latest Questions

0 votes
0 answers
90 views
How to enable device pairing in Google Messages?
On a `ULEFONE NOTE15` running Android 12, fully up to date, and am trying to get the QR code reader to launch from Google Messages on the phone in order to pair with Google Messages on a desktop computer. I installed the Gamma Play QR code reader to scan the QR code for Google Messages and confirmed...
On a ULEFONE NOTE15 running Android 12, fully up to date, and am trying to get the QR code reader to launch from Google Messages on the phone in order to pair with Google Messages on a desktop computer. I installed the Gamma Play QR code reader to scan the QR code for Google Messages and confirmed that, indeed, I am currently using Google Messages. However, there's no option within the setting for Google Messages as expected in order to pair the phone's Google Messages with the website for desktop access. Scanning the QR code from the website with Gamma Play simply launches a browser on the phone, saying to select device pairing from Google Messages. There's no such option available from the phone version of Google Messages for some reason. version messages.android_20250 708_01_RC00.phone.go.dynamic Shows in app info. How can I pair this phone with a desktop for SMS?
Nicholas Saunders (191 rep)
Jul 27, 2025, 05:50 PM • Last activity: Aug 1, 2025, 08:22 PM
3 votes
1 answers
2584 views
How can I access my text messages in Google Messages without attaching them to a Google account?
My Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra updated today (10 December 2024). Now I can't access my text messages without choosing a Google account to attach them to. I have multiple Google accounts and I've never attached my text messages to one, nor do I want to. My accounts are aliases (as is my account here, CJ...
My Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra updated today (10 December 2024). Now I can't access my text messages without choosing a Google account to attach them to. I have multiple Google accounts and I've never attached my text messages to one, nor do I want to. My accounts are aliases (as is my account here, CJ Dennis is not my real name!) since I don't want to dox myself. The last thing I want is people being able to scrape my personal information from a Google API. How can I access my messages with Google Messages but without selecting an account? choose an account instead of reading messages
CJ Dennis (248 rep)
Dec 10, 2024, 10:46 AM • Last activity: Jul 15, 2025, 11:29 AM
2 votes
1 answers
493 views
Troubleshooting a Google Message issue - text to email
I have an Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which I've had for about a year (replacing a previous Samsung model). I routinely have need to send text messages to email addresses which worked quite well - until a week or so ago, when the messages stopped going through (to any address). These were MMS messages...
I have an Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which I've had for about a year (replacing a previous Samsung model). I routinely have need to send text messages to email addresses which worked quite well - until a week or so ago, when the messages stopped going through (to any address). These were MMS messages. Ordinary texting works just fine. I've tried clearing the cache, clearing the data (after backing up the messages!) and rebooting repeatedly. Over the course of my use of Samsung with Android, I've occasionally had similar problems, but they resolved after a couple of days (after clearing cache, etc.). I'd try uninstalling and reinstalling, but that doesn't seem to be possible for a built-in app. Any suggestions? Should I delete a pile of messages (something I'm pretty lazy about doing)? Something else?
Andrew (131 rep)
Jul 1, 2025, 11:39 PM • Last activity: Jul 3, 2025, 03:40 PM
0 votes
1 answers
391 views
What happens when you clear the storage on the Messages app?
What happens when you clear the storage on the **Messages** app on Android? I don't want to lose anything important. I have already cleared the cache. But don't know what clearing the storage actually does.
What happens when you clear the storage on the **Messages** app on Android? I don't want to lose anything important. I have already cleared the cache. But don't know what clearing the storage actually does.
Eli Dziedzicki (1 rep)
May 30, 2025, 07:29 PM • Last activity: May 31, 2025, 03:56 AM
1 votes
1 answers
316 views
Google messages app auto capitalizing text messages in languages other than English
Having an issue with new Android phone where text messages written in Greek language are automatically put in capital letters. Using only Google Messages app and Gboard. Cache and data cleared for both. GBoard is correctly inputting text in lower case but this is changed when the message is sent. Is...
Having an issue with new Android phone where text messages written in Greek language are automatically put in capital letters. Using only Google Messages app and Gboard. Cache and data cleared for both. GBoard is correctly inputting text in lower case but this is changed when the message is sent. Is this a bug or is there a way to fix this?
sleepy6758 (21 rep)
Jan 2, 2025, 06:10 AM • Last activity: Jan 5, 2025, 10:54 PM
2 votes
2 answers
46900 views
Will clearing Android Messages storage and cache cause lose of text messages?
I recently discovered that my [Android Messages app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging) (version: `messages.android_20240109_01_RCO4.phone_dynamic`, updated on Jan 25, 2024) in my Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G (SM-G781V, Android 13) has been displaying text m...
I recently discovered that my [Android Messages app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging) (version: messages.android_20240109_01_RCO4.phone_dynamic, updated on Jan 25, 2024) in my Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G (SM-G781V, Android 13) has been displaying text messages with an obnoxious line height. I found [this solution](https://support.google.com/messages/thread/254820276?hl=en&msgid=255549336) on a Google support forum, but before I try it, I want to make sure I won't lose all my old text messages. > Settings - applications - force stop then storage and cache - clear data then clear cache.
Keyslinger (123 rep)
Jan 28, 2024, 05:12 AM • Last activity: Dec 9, 2024, 05:43 PM
2 votes
1 answers
2061 views
Google Messenger: Incorrect profile letter
I recently moved from Hangouts to Messenger as my default SMS app. The profile letter icon against the messages I send is showing to be incorrect (letter 'S' instead of 'R' which shows up on other Google apps that I use). I have since changed my Google profile picture but even that does not show up,...
I recently moved from Hangouts to Messenger as my default SMS app. The profile letter icon against the messages I send is showing to be incorrect (letter 'S' instead of 'R' which shows up on other Google apps that I use). I have since changed my Google profile picture but even that does not show up, 'S' persists. I am not sure if this is a bug or if my account has been compromised. Any help to figure this out?
user173034 (21 rep)
Jun 24, 2016, 12:10 PM • Last activity: Nov 1, 2024, 05:15 PM
6 votes
1 answers
8900 views
How to permanently disable the annoying "RCS chats" popup in Messages app
I have a Pixel 3. I try to avoid using SMS and instead use Signal whenever possible. When I do use SMS (the Messages app), I don't want "RCS chats" to be enabled. But nearly every time I open the Messages app, I'm prompted with a popup where the "Agree" button is very prominent. [![Messages screensh...
I have a Pixel 3. I try to avoid using SMS and instead use Signal whenever possible. When I do use SMS (the Messages app), I don't want "RCS chats" to be enabled. But nearly every time I open the Messages app, I'm prompted with a popup where the "Agree" button is very prominent. Messages screenshot I do not want to agree to use RCS chats. I want my choice (when I click "Use Messages without RCS chats") to be permanent. How can I fix this?
Ryan (623 rep)
Sep 2, 2023, 04:06 PM • Last activity: Oct 31, 2024, 02:46 AM
0 votes
0 answers
92 views
ZTE Blade A54 reboots and resets its Phone, Contacts and Messages applications to the Google's ones
ZTE Blade A54 phone comes out of the box with Google applications for Phone, Contacts and Messages. Yesterday I downloaded alternative applications from Fossify and set them as default ones. Now I heared the phone vibrating. It seems that it rebooted without any obvious reason. After it booted, I fo...
ZTE Blade A54 phone comes out of the box with Google applications for Phone, Contacts and Messages. Yesterday I downloaded alternative applications from Fossify and set them as default ones. Now I heared the phone vibrating. It seems that it rebooted without any obvious reason. After it booted, I found out that Phone, Contacts and Messages applications were resetted back to the Google's ones. I thought that it was an automatic system update, but according to the log, the last system update was installed a month ago. How to find out which application / service triggered the restoration? Was it Google Play? Was it some system guard service? Howwto find it out?
Paul (151 rep)
Oct 7, 2024, 02:03 PM
1 votes
0 answers
705 views
How to emoji react in SMS to iPhone users in Google Messages?
I've tried searching online but haven't found an answer, but is there any way to emoji react to SMS messages (Samsung Galaxy A53) on messages sent from iPhone users? iPhone users are able to add emoji reactions to my messages, yet I cannot do the same back. I can react to messages from some other co...
I've tried searching online but haven't found an answer, but is there any way to emoji react to SMS messages (Samsung Galaxy A53) on messages sent from iPhone users? iPhone users are able to add emoji reactions to my messages, yet I cannot do the same back. I can react to messages from some other contacts though, presumably those with Android devices. I am using Google Messages and have all of the RCS chats enabled and verified.
zigojacko (111 rep)
Mar 4, 2024, 08:49 AM • Last activity: Sep 13, 2024, 01:05 PM
0 votes
1 answers
389 views
How do I hide the Gemini button in Google Messages?
Recently a Gemini button with a blue sparkle started appearing on the bottom right when I check my messages on the Google Messages app. I have no interest in using Google's AI service. How do I get rid of the Gemini button in Google Messages? [![Gemini button][1]][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/CgAyy...
Recently a Gemini button with a blue sparkle started appearing on the bottom right when I check my messages on the Google Messages app. I have no interest in using Google's AI service. How do I get rid of the Gemini button in Google Messages? Gemini button
Stevoisiak (291 rep)
Sep 11, 2024, 05:30 PM
1 votes
0 answers
128 views
Have a different ringtone for each person in an RCS chat?
I have a OnePlus 12 on Android 14, and a RCS chat in Google Messages with about a half dozen people that is very active. Currently, when someone sends a messages in that chat, it plays a custom ringtone that I set up. However, this has a problem: if I am not looking at my phone and I hear the notifi...
I have a OnePlus 12 on Android 14, and a RCS chat in Google Messages with about a half dozen people that is very active. Currently, when someone sends a messages in that chat, it plays a custom ringtone that I set up. However, this has a problem: if I am not looking at my phone and I hear the notification sound, I cannot tell at a(n auditory) glance who just sent a message. **Is there a way to set up individual ringtones based on sender in an RCS chat?** (I already know how to do this on a per-chat basis: Chat > triple dots > Group Details > Notifications > Ringtone. I am asking about doing this on a per-person basis in a single chat.)
bigyihsuan (163 rep)
Aug 19, 2024, 05:10 PM
1 votes
1 answers
436 views
RCS not working on Rooted Pixel 8 even when RCS says "Connected" and SafetyNet passes Device Integrity and Basic Integrity
**Context**: I have a rooted pixel 8. It's running chiteroman's play integrity fix. I pass both Device and Basic Integrity when using both the Play Integrity API checker and YASNAC. In Google Messages, RCS Chats say "connected". I'm on Mint Mobile. **Question**: Any ideas why, when trying to text pe...
**Context**: I have a rooted pixel 8. It's running chiteroman's play integrity fix. I pass both Device and Basic Integrity when using both the Play Integrity API checker and YASNAC. In Google Messages, RCS Chats say "connected". I'm on Mint Mobile. **Question**: Any ideas why, when trying to text people I *used to be able to text with RCS*, I can no longer do so? The message just fails and disappears when I hit send
Prithvi Boinpally (111 rep)
Jul 16, 2024, 05:17 PM • Last activity: Jul 17, 2024, 06:12 AM
0 votes
1 answers
4030 views
International area codes suddenly appearing in front of my contacts in "Messages" app
The other day I noticed that the international area prefix "+54 9" had started appearing in front of about half of my contacts in Android's native Messenger app. I can still send and receive messages from those contacts (verified with my wife's phone). But it's still annoying, and I worry that I'm g...
The other day I noticed that the international area prefix "+54 9" had started appearing in front of about half of my contacts in Android's native Messenger app. I can still send and receive messages from those contacts (verified with my wife's phone). But it's still annoying, and I worry that I'm getting charged extra by my phone company. When I go into my contacts and try to edit the numbers, the prefix is no longer there, but it shows up again the next time I add them to a texting thread. Has anybody ever experienced this?
Adjwilley (121 rep)
Oct 20, 2021, 03:42 AM • Last activity: May 25, 2024, 11:05 AM
7 votes
1 answers
29202 views
How can I copy entire chain of text messages (not just a single one) with the stock Android messages app?
How can I copy or export an entire chain of text messages (not just a single one) with the stock Android messages app? This is needed for a claim. I know I can screenshot stuff, but the date for older messages is missing. I know I can long press on a single message to select it. I can long press on...
How can I copy or export an entire chain of text messages (not just a single one) with the stock Android messages app? This is needed for a claim. I know I can screenshot stuff, but the date for older messages is missing. I know I can long press on a single message to select it. I can long press on multiple messages. But that's beside the point: how can I grab the data --- message, date & time received? If it's relevant, the phone is Pixel 4a.
Bryce (445 rep)
Oct 5, 2021, 07:35 AM • Last activity: May 20, 2024, 05:47 PM
2 votes
1 answers
460 views
Chats are no longer RCS after restore
I have Android 14 with root. I restored my text messages from a backup made with Swift Backup. Now no conversations are using RCS, even the ones that did before the restore. For example it's now showing the received and red check marks. RCS is already turned on in settings. I tried toggling it but i...
I have Android 14 with root. I restored my text messages from a backup made with Swift Backup. Now no conversations are using RCS, even the ones that did before the restore. For example it's now showing the received and red check marks. RCS is already turned on in settings. I tried toggling it but it didn't help. I'm using the stock SMS app. How can I fix this?
lamppost01 (91 rep)
Dec 15, 2023, 08:00 AM • Last activity: Mar 2, 2024, 12:38 AM
4 votes
0 answers
886 views
Restoring Lost Messages
I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing while using Messages for Web and instead of typing in a new message to my wife, I did _something_ to cause our whole 5 year long conversation thread to disappear. (I say 'disappear' than 'deleted' for reasons I'll describe below.) Since I was on Messages...
I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing while using Messages for Web and instead of typing in a new message to my wife, I did _something_ to cause our whole 5 year long conversation thread to disappear. (I say 'disappear' than 'deleted' for reasons I'll describe below.) Since I was on Messages for Web, I quickly hopped on my phone. Nope, gone there too. I checked the Archive. Not there. So I started Googling. Most sites said that if texts are deleted, then they're gone for good, but I did find this that says to use the app _SMS Backup and Restore_ to check if the messages are truly gone. So I download the app and lo and behold, the entire conversation is there! I successfully create a backup of the entire conversation! I can see the messages in the xml file that is generated and I have it stored in triplicate on my phone, my Google Drive, and my desktop. The problem now lies in restoring the messages. When I try to use _SMS Backup and Restore_'s restore feature, it runs, but at conclusion says that all ~30000 items are duplicates and that nothing was restored. This leads to my question: How can I restore these messages - either using _SMS Back and Restore_, or by some other method, since they clearly still exist on the phone in some unknown location.
Andrew Kline (141 rep)
Jan 25, 2024, 05:01 PM
1 votes
2 answers
1484 views
Google Messages: Contact names are not displayed
Recently, I've found that Google Messages doesn't show a contact name for most of the messages. It's just a phone number displayed. When I click on Details, there is no contact information. When I go to contact via Contacts (Google) app then the number is here. It doesn't show contact both on the ph...
Recently, I've found that Google Messages doesn't show a contact name for most of the messages. It's just a phone number displayed. When I click on Details, there is no contact information. When I go to contact via Contacts (Google) app then the number is here. It doesn't show contact both on the phone and at https://messages.google.com . The app has permission to allow Contacts. App version: messages.android_2022101_01_RC02.phone_dynamic Mobile OS: MIUI 13.0.15 / Android 12 SKQ1.210908.001 Any ideas on how to fix it?
Dariusz Woźniak (161 rep)
Nov 23, 2022, 04:04 PM • Last activity: Jan 4, 2024, 02:49 PM
0 votes
1 answers
103 views
Android messages app not adding the correct number to group chat
I am running Android version 10 with the latest Messages app. At some point a group chat was created with me and 2 other people, one of whom's phone number is not correct (the incorrect number is the same as the correct number, except the incorrect number does not have an area code attached to it, a...
I am running Android version 10 with the latest Messages app. At some point a group chat was created with me and 2 other people, one of whom's phone number is not correct (the incorrect number is the same as the correct number, except the incorrect number does not have an area code attached to it, and as I am in a different area code, it will default to adding the wrong area code). The correct number is stored in my Contacts app, but when I delete the incorrect group chat and try to create a new group chat with those numbers, it adds the incorrect number to the group chat (the one without an area code, even though the Contacts app does have the area code). How do I fix this?
Jonathan (1 rep)
Oct 13, 2023, 06:46 PM • Last activity: Oct 13, 2023, 08:12 PM
1 votes
0 answers
1373 views
Why "Messages" app is never seen in the app list?
This has been puzzling me for years. Why it is impossible to switch back to [_Messages_ app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging) from any other app using app list? Two scenarios: 1. _Messages_ is **an active one**. I press the three dash app list button a...
This has been puzzling me for years. Why it is impossible to switch back to [_Messages_ app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging) from any other app using app list? Two scenarios: 1. _Messages_ is **an active one**. I press the three dash app list button and I **can see it** in the list. I can _switch from that app_ to some other one. 2. I did what in above, _Messages_ app is now **in the background**. When I press the app list button, **it is not listed there**. I cannot _switch to that app_ from any other. I don't know like others, but for me this is very iritatting. Whenever I need to do something in another app (i.e. copy some contact details that I want to post via SMS), when I want to get back to _Messages_, I always must: * press _Home_ * find _Messages_ app's icon: * switch left/right to find the screen where I have _Messages_ app icon or * open app drawer and swipe left/right to find the correct app pane * tap that icon to "re-launch" _Messages_ app. What is so special in this app that it does not or cannot appear in the regular app list? I think I can name only this single app that has such a weird behaviour. I thought that the answer [is in here](https://android.stackexchange.com/q/1136/20449) that it simply behaves as Gmail. But that 2011's answer is no longer valid, because _Gmail_ does appear in the app list, while _Messages_ are not. ---- **EDIT**: I am using [realme GT 5G](https://www.gsmchoice.com/en/catalogue/realme/gt5g/) with Android 12 **13** and realme UI 3.0. But, as far as I recall, I have been observing this behaviour on **each and every phone** that I have been using since introduction of _Messages by Google_ app in 2014. Including: all my Motorola Motos (E3, E4, G4, Z2), Motorola One, TP-Link Neffos X9 and Xiaomi Redmi 6. The _Messages by Google_ app is seen (among others) in the app list **only** if you press app list button while having it in foreground. Switching to _any other_ app and pressing app list button again shows all apps in the background _except_ this one. All my phones were never rooted nor has any custom ROM installed. All of them has been used as they came from the shop, from the beginning till end.
trejder (2643 rep)
Jun 28, 2023, 10:30 AM • Last activity: Sep 5, 2023, 08:55 AM
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