How to install Google Messages?

To install Google Messages, visit the Google Play Store and search for the app, then tap the 'Install' button. The app will download and install automatically on your Android device.

Does Google Messages have ads?

No, Google Messages does not display advertisements, providing an ad-free user experience.

What permissions does Google Messages require?

Google Messages requires various permissions to function properly. You can view the complete list of permissions in the 'App Permissions' section on this page or in the Google Play Store listing.

Google Messages

Name: Google Messages
Rating: 4.5712714 (35057893 reviews)
Author: Google LLC

Screenshots

Description

Been using Google Messages for a couple months now. It’s basically a messaging app that’s trying to replace regular text messaging. Pretty solid app if you’re into texting with your friends and family.

Here’s what you can do: you can share high-quality photos and videos, see when your friends are typing, and enjoy group chats that even include your iPhone friends now. And there’s also fun stuff like custom chat bubble colors and selfie GIFs – took me a while to figure that out but it’s a nice touch.

Look, if you’re into messaging apps, you’ll probably like this. It’s not perfect – the ads can be annoying if you don’t pay – but overall it does the job. Worth checking out.

Editor Opinion

So here's my honest take on Google Messages. I've tested a bunch of messaging apps and this one's pretty good. The RCS features like high-res sharing and group chat are really nice, and I like how it integrates with iPhones now. But it's not without its issues - the upgrade system is kinda grindy and the ads get old fast. Overall though, I'd say it's one of the better messaging options out there if you're on Android.

Author Manya Lyalya Editor, Grand Screen

Pros & Cons

Pros

Tons of useful features like high-quality photo/video sharing
Smooth group chat that includes iPhone friends
Fun customization options like chat bubble colors
Free to use, no need to pay for the core experience

Cons

Upgrade system is a bit grindy, takes forever to level up
Ads can be annoying if you don't pay for the ad-free version
Interface is a little cluttered with all the features

Specifications

Updated	07.10.2025
Category	Communication
Age Rating	Everyone
Developer	Google LLC
Package Name	`com.google.android.apps.messaging`

Ratings

91

Google Play

4.6/5

35,057,893 reviews

Generally Favorable

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User Reviews

Holly Luther Oct 15, 2025

I wish this app was better with searching for a specific message. For example: if I'm trying to find a message about an appointment, it does show that there are...

Holly Gennaro Oct 15, 2025

I absolutely DESPISE this app. Maybe part of it has to do with being forced to use it, since my regular texting app has been removed, but there's no way...

Iris Burrows Oct 15, 2025

generally good experiences, but I can no longer search my messages with keywords, I think this function stopped working several months ago, I just decided to put in a review...

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