13 Pro Tips for Using Google Messages on the Web

The Google Messages app is a widely used text messaging app on Android. With its native feature, you can send SMS from a PC. Whether you're new to Messages on the web or want to enhance your texting experience, these tips will help you become a pro.

1. Remember Your Computer

Save time by letting the Messages app remember your computer. Open the Messages app on your phone, tap on the three-dot icon, and select “Device pairing.” Scan the QR code on messages.google.com/web/ with your phone. You can also remember your computer without unpairing by enabling the toggle in the Messages web version settings.

2. Enable Dark Mode

If you prefer dark mode, Google Messages on the web offers a native dark theme. Simply click on the three-dot icon, select “Turn on Dark theme,” or enable the toggle in Settings.

3. Change Appearance

Although Google Messages doesn't have themes, you can change its look using the High contrast feature. Enable the toggle in Settings under the Accessibility section.

4. Archive or Unarchive Chat

To hide a message thread without deleting it, archive the chat. Click on the three-dot icon next to the chat and select “Archive.” Use the Ctrl + Alt + h keyboard shortcut to archive the selected chat. To view archived conversations and unarchive a chat, click on “Archived” and click “Unarchive” next to the chat you want to unhide.

5. Turn on Automatic Emoji

Make your messages more expressive by enabling the automatic conversion of typed emoticons into emojis. Open Messages Settings on the web, and enable the toggle next to “Automatic emoticon to emoji.”

6. Change Emoji's Skin Tone

Just like on mobile, you can choose a different skin tone for emojis on the web version of Google Messages. Open the emoji panel, right-click on the emoji, and select the desired tone from the available options.

7. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Save time and navigate Messages on the web more efficiently by using keyboard shortcuts. Some useful shortcuts include starting a new conversation (Ctrl + k), deleting a conversation (Ctrl + d), opening settings (Ctrl + s), and showing/hiding the emoji picker (Ctrl + Shift + e). Press Shift + / to view the full list of keyboard shortcuts.

8. Create a Video Call

Initiate video calls directly from Google Messages on the web using Google Duo. Open the chat, click on the “Video call” icon, and create a video call through duo.google.com.

9. Drag and Drop Files

In addition to using the Attach file icon, you can also drag and drop pictures or videos into the conversation to send them more conveniently.

10. Mute Contact

To stop receiving notifications from a specific contact on your PC, mute them. Hover over the contact, click on the three-dot icon, and select “Mute.” Alternatively, open the message thread and click on the bell icon to mute the chat.

11. Turn off Notifications

Temporarily disable notifications from all chats by opening Settings and disabling the toggle next to “Notifications.”

12. Get Messages Notifications Without Using Web Version

If you only use the Google Messages web version for notifications or want to receive message notifications even when you close the tab, try using the Microsoft Your Phone app or Pushbullet to view notifications from all apps on your PC.

13. Unpair Devices

If you no longer want to use Google Messages on the web or need to log out from a friend's PC, unpair the devices. Click on the three-dot icon in the Messages web version and select “Unpair.” On the Messages mobile app, go to “Device pairing,” press the X icon next to the device you want to unpair, or tap “Unpair all devices.”

These pro tips will help you make the most out of Google Messages on the web. You can also explore features like scheduling messages and using chat features with Google RCS.