Google Messages is the default text messaging and SMS app on many Android phones these days. It’s a powerful tool that has many tricks up its sleeve and allows users to answer their phone’s text messages from their computer.
Sure, apps like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram offer the same functionality, but if you’d rather use Google Messages for your texting needs, this article demonstrates how you can use Messages on your desktop computer.
Also read: How to Send and Read Messages with Google Assistant on Android
Before We Get Started
We should note one thing before we get down to business. You won’t be able to use Google Messages on your desktop computer without having the Google Messages app installed on your Android device.
If your phone doesn’t come with the app, no problem. You can download it from the Play Store, then set it as your default messaging app on your device.
How to Get Started Using Google Messages on Your Desktop
To begin using Google Messages on your PC, you will have to access this page in your browser.
Once the Google Messages web page is loaded in your browser, you’ll see a few instructions appear on the screen.
The first thing you need to do is go back to your phone and open the Google Messages app. Tap on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner and select the “Messages for web” option. Tap on the blue “QR code scanner” button to proceed.
This will open a QR code scanner on your phone. Aim your mobile device at the computer screen to scan the code displayed there. Messages for web should immediately load in your window.
Messages will ask you whether to remember this computer so that you can log in to your account instantly after visiting the Google Messages web page in your browser. You can do so if you want, although this is not such a good idea if you’re sharing the computer with someone else.
Now you can access your Google Messages on your PC and send and respond to text messages while you’re busy working on your computer without picking up your phone.
When it’s time to unpair the two devices, simply click on the three-dot menu on the right side of the display and select “Unpair.” Confirm your selection, and you’re done.
What Google Messages for Web Can and Can’t Do
Obviously, Google Messages for web doesn’t offer all the features that its mobile version does. For starters, you can’t place phone calls form within the web client like you can from your phone. You can, however, make video calls using both versions, as Google Messages will revert to Google Duo to provide this capability.
Other functions are inaccessible as well. For instance, you won’t be able to rely on Google Assistant to do stuff for you when using the service on your desktop. You can’t schedule messages either like you can with the mobile app.
However, other features, such as dark mode, group messaging, the ability to send emoji, GIFs and stickers, and lots others, are still onboard.
Wrapping Up
If you like chatting with people using Google Messages but aren’t a big fan of typing your messages using a tiny virtual keyboard, you can easily move all your texting to your PC. It’s extremely easy and convenient to do so.
Also read: 17 Google Messages Tips, Tricks, and Features You Should Know
Speaking of virtual keyboards, perhaps it’s time to upgrade yours. Check out our list of the seven best Gboard alternatives for Android users. Also;, learn how to fix issues with an Android phone not receiving text messages.
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Alexandra Arici –
Staff Writer
Alexandra is passionate about mobile tech and can be often found fiddling with a smartphone from some obscure company. She kick-started her career in tech journalism in 2013, after working a few years as a middle-school teacher. Constantly driven by curiosity, Alexandra likes to know how things work and to share that knowledge with everyone.
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