Chat features in the Messages app

Chat features are the latest enhancement to messaging on the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Chat features enhance messaging with new features not available with SMS and MMS.

Chat features include:

• Send larger text messages: Create larger messages up to 8000 characters long. With Android™ Messages Chat you're no longer limited to 160 characters.


• Typing indicators: See when your contact is typing in a conversation.


• Read receipts: See when your message has been read.


• Large group chats: Create group chats with up to 100 participants who also have chat features enabled.


• High-quality media sharing: Share pictures and videos in high-quality.


• Chat over WiFi: you can send messages over WiFi, even when you don't have a cellular connection.


• Transfer larger files: Send larger attachments than ever before.

For questions or issues related to chat features in the Messages app call (855) 971-9123.

Chat features are currently available on the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, right from the default Messages app.

There are no purchase or subscription charges to use chat features. However, data rates will apply because chat features use your data connection unlike traditional SMS and MMS messages.

Chat features are automatically enabled on compatible devices. No action on your part is required.

Which devices support chat features?

In order to send a chat message, both people must have chat features enabled on their devices. If the other person has enabled chat features then your messages will be sent automatically as chat messages. The Messages app uses SMS and MMS for messaging when chat features are not enabled.

When a message is sent to a device that doesn't support chat features, the message will be sent as a standard SMS/MMS text message.

Follow the steps below to see if chat features are enabled on your device or for a specific conversation. You can also check the type of message after you've sent it.

Check if chat features are enabled for a specific conversation

Open a conversation with another user who also has chat features. If the edit box says send "Chat message", then chat features are enabled on your device. If the edit box says "Text Message", your phone is not able to send chat messages to that user.

Check if chat features are enabled on your device

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap Advanced.
4. Tap Chat features. If you are able to open this menu, you should be enabled for Android Message Chat.

Check if a message was sent as a chat message

Long press a sent message and then select info from the top menu to see what method was used to send that message.

Open a conversation with another user who also has chat features. If the edit box says send "Chat message", then chat features are enabled on your device. If the edit box says "Text Message", your phone is not able to send chat messages to that user.

If you swap to a new SIM with the same number, you'll continue to have access to chat features without any intervention on your part.

If there is not a data connection for your phone (for example if you have turned data off, or if you are in an area that has poor data connectivity) the Messages app will switch to using SMS/MMS if a cellular connection is still available.

Yes, you can send chat messages when your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network. However, you may experience issues if you're not in a Verizon Wireless coverage area. While connected to Wi-Fi, your device still needs to periodically use your device's cellular connection to maintain service. If the Messages app is unable to make this connection, even while connected via Wi-Fi, chat features may be unavailable.

Yes.

To block a contact from sending you messages:

1. Open the conversation with the contact you want to block.
2. Tap the more icon.
3. Go to People and Options and tap Block.
4. Select the number you want to block.

To see a list of blocked contacts or to add a blocked contact without a conversation, go to the main Messages screen and tap blocked contacts.

You can either archive the conversation by swiping to the left or right or you can delete it by long pressing the conversation and selecting delete at the top of the screen. Visit the Messages Help website to learn how to clean up conversations.

If there is a problem with your chat message being delivered to the intended recipient and your device does not get confirmation that it was delivered, it will automatically fall back and try to resend the message as an SMS.

To manage these chat features:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Tap Advanced.
3. Tap Chat features.

To disable chat features on your device:

1. Go to the Messages app on your device.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap Advanced.
4. Tap Chat features.
5. Tap the switch by Enable Chat features and disabling to the Off position.

To begin a group message:

1. Tap the Plus icon on the bottom right.
2. Tap Start group conversation.
3. Enter the names of the users you would like to include in your group chat discussion.
4. Name the group (optional). Use the > button in the upper right to display a text box where you can name the group.
5. Use the > button in the upper right to start the group conversation.

In order for you to have a chat group, all members must have chat features enabled. If even one member does not have chat features enabled, the group will default back to MMS.