Google Messages: Messaging App

Google Messages is a messaging app by Google LLC that uses RCS to replace SMS and MMS with features like high-quality media sharing and typing indicators.

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Google Messages is a free communication app that supports end-to-end encryption for personal chats and offers AI-powered suggestions. It is suitable for anyone looking for an official messaging solution from Google, and it requires Android 6.0 or higher. The app has a download size of 9 MB and has been updated as recently as October 8, 2026.

Size: 9 MB
Requires Android: 6.0
Updated: 08.10.2026
Installs: 10B+
Rating: ★ 4.58 (50 447 936)
Category: Communication
Developer: Google LLC
Content rating: Everyone
Package: com.google.android.apps.messaging
Free: ✓

Screenshots

Home screen showing recent conversations list with contact names and message previews.

Individual chat thread with blue and gray message bubbles, text input field at the bottom.

Group chat screen with multiple participants, showing typing indicators and message reactions.

Photo sharing view with high-resolution image attached to a message, with caption field.

Magic Compose AI feature screen with suggested reply options and custom text input.

Settings screen with options for chat features, privacy, and spam protection.

End-to-end encryption indicator showing a lock icon and secure chat message.

Cross-device sync screen displaying options to continue chat on tablet or computer.

Google Messages is a communication app by Google LLC that serves as the default text messaging client on many Android devices, with RCS support to modernize traditional SMS and MMS. It addresses the limitations of outdated text messaging by adopting the Rich Communication Services standard, which enables high-resolution media sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts across Android and now iPhone users. Privacy is partially addressed through end-to-end encryption for one-on-one chats between Google Messages users, ensuring that neither Google nor outside parties can access those conversations. The app also incorporates AI-assisted writing and spam protection to streamline daily communication, while cross-device sync lets users hop between a phone, computer, or Wear OS watch without losing the thread of a conversation.

Key features

High-quality photo and video sharing over RCS, avoiding the compression of traditional MMS.
End-to-end encryption for one-on-one conversations between Google Messages users, preventing third-party access.
Dynamic group chats with typing indicators and read receipts, now interoperable with iPhone users via RCS.
Magic Compose, an AI-powered feature that suggests and refines message replies.
Customizable chat bubble colors and the ability to send selfie GIFs for a personal touch.
Cross-device continuity, allowing chats to be continued on a tablet, computer, or Wear OS smartwatch.
Advanced spam protection that filters unwanted messages automatically.

How to install

Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file, which is about 9 MB in size.
When prompted by Android, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the 'Install unknown apps' setting.
Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or file manager.
Tap 'Install' and wait for the process to complete.
Open the app. The minimum required Android version is 6.0.

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Pros

End-to-end encryption is enabled by default for eligible one-on-one RCS chats.
No advertisements or in-app purchases, keeping the interface clean and focused.
Regular updates from Google, including spam protection improvements and bug fixes.
Seamless integration with Wear OS and web-based desktop access.
RCS interoperability with iPhones bridges a long-standing gap between platforms.

Cons

Requests a broad set of permissions, including identity, location, camera, and microphone, which may feel excessive for a messaging app.
End-to-end encryption is limited to conversations with other Google Messages users, leaving SMS/MMS chats unprotected.
RCS availability depends on carrier and region, so features like high-quality media sharing are not universally accessible.
Does not support end-to-end encryption for group chats in all scenarios.

What's New

This update brings bug fixes and stability improvements to Google Messages.

Version History

Version	Size	Requires Android	Updated
1.9.041 (4109217-38.phone)	18 MB	4.1	25.09.2019
4.3.094 (griffin_RC05_alldpi.armeabi-v7a.wear)	9 MB	6.0	30.04.2019
1.9.518 (3202766-48.phone)	18 MB	7.1	11.10.2016
1.1.057 (1704610-04)	8.1 MB	5.1	10.03.2015

This app is ideal for Android users who want a modern, default texting app that goes beyond SMS without installing a third-party client, especially those who frequently message other Google Messages users or iPhone contacts and value encrypted conversations, cross-device access, and AI-powered writing assistance.

To maximize privacy, verify that your conversation shows a lock icon, indicating end-to-end encryption is active; if not, the chat is falling back to standard SMS and lacks that protection.

App Permissions

IdentityContactsLocationSMSPhonePhotos/Media/FilesStorageCameraMicrophoneDevice ID & call information

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Google Messages handle chats with iPhone users?

It relies on Rich Communication Services (RCS), which supports high-resolution photos and videos, typing indicators, and dynamic group chats that can include iPhone users. Keep in mind that RCS availability depends on your region and carrier, and a data plan may be required.

What kind of privacy protection does Google Messages offer?

Personal conversations are protected with end-to-end encryption between Google Messages users, meaning nobody, including Google or third parties, can read your messages or attachments except the person you are messaging. The app also includes advanced spam protection.

Can I continue a conversation started on my phone elsewhere?

Yes. You can begin a chat on your phone and continue it on a tablet or computer, and the app is also compatible with Wear OS devices.

What options are available for personalizing conversations?

You can customize chat bubble colors and send fun selfie GIFs to make conversations your own. In addition, AI-powered features like Magic Compose suggestions help you craft messages.

What are the basic requirements and details of the app?

Google Messages requires Android 6.0 or newer and is about 9 MB in size. It was released on November 12, 2014, last updated on October 8, 2026, and is free with no ads and no in-app purchases.

Google Messages delivers an encrypted, feature-rich texting experience backed by Google's vast infrastructure, but its value is shadowed by extensive permission requests that may give some privacy-minded users pause.