How to use Google Messages on your laptop or desktop

After a decade of searching for a solution to its messaging woes, Google can have finally made a decision about their messaging platform (no promises). Messages is the newest service from Google. It combines old-school SMS with RCS capabilities to create a competent client — assuming you’re willing to ignore more than half of the people in the US who use iPhones. It’s packed with all sorts of cool tricks to make messaging much easier, like: B. the option to text directly from your computer.

Although Google has its own desktop operating system, you don’t have to use ChromeOS to send messages from your computer. However, you must use the service in your web browser. How to use Google Messages on your laptop or desktop.

How to send and receive Google Messages from your computer or laptop

While many Android phones ship with Messages preloaded — like the Google Pixel 7 Pro and Galaxy S22 devices — not everyone has access out of the box. If Messages isn’t already downloaded to your device, get it from the Play Store.

After downloading the app, follow the instructions to make it your default messaging app. Now you can set up the Messages client in your browser:

1. Open your browser and go to Google Messages.

2. Look for the “News for the Web” button in the upper-right corner.
3. Click on it to start the web client for messages. (You don’t need to be signed in to your Google account to load this.)

4. Open the Messages app.
5. Select “Device pairing” from the overflow menu in the top right.

6. Tap on “QR code scanner” to open your phone’s camera.

7. Hold your phone against your laptop or desktop PC to scan the QR code that appears.
8. Your phone and computer will both reboot.

9. Your web browser will display your inbox with a list of conversations on the left.

To keep messages linked to your computer even after you close your window, make sure you click Yes in the pop-up message above your threads if you haven’t previously checked them.

The Messages web app works just like it does on your phone, from the Start Chat button to the same basic menu system. Even if you haven’t signed in to your Google account, you’ll still see all your phone contacts synced directly to the web client.

Also, be sure to check the settings. These are accessible via the triple dot menu button. Not only can you turn dark mode on or off, but you can also turn on notifications, turn read receipts on or off, and change how you send messages using the Enter key on your keyboard.

Is there a Google Messages app for Windows or macOS?

The short answer is no. There is a workaround though, because let’s face it – Messages as a web app isn’t an ideal solution. If you have multiple tabs open, you’ll need to swipe to find your message window. Having it in the background means minimizing your other apps whenever you want to find it. And while Google may think everything should be in the browser, many people disagree. However, Google Chrome users are in luck as you can “install” messages from the browser:

1. Open Messages for Web in Chrome.
2. Tap the overflow icon (three dots). in the top right corner of Chrome.
3. Choose Install messages.

There are other options

There are many more robust alternatives to messages used by people around the world. We especially like a lot of the best end-to-end encrypted messaging apps. If you’ve already said goodbye to Google’s messaging platform and joined the two billion people who use WhatsApp, check out our favorite tips and tricks.