What to know:

  • Google Messages has introduced a new “Sending as” profile notice feature that displays your Google Account profile picture and name above the text field in RCS conversations.
  • The feature helps users identify which profile they’re using when sending messages, especially useful in group conversations.
  • Users can customize their profile visibility settings, choosing to share their information with all message recipients, only contacts, or no one.

Google Messages has rolled out a new feature that shows users exactly which profile they’re using when sending messages. The update introduces a “Sending as” notice that appears right above your message composition area in RCS chats, displaying your Google Account profile picture and name.

According to 9To5Google, the feature works seamlessly within the messaging experience, showing the profile information before you send a message and disappearing after the message is sent. This new addition comes as part of the Google Messages beta version 20241112_00_RC00, but the “Sending as” feature has now made its way beyond beta testing, as users of the regular Google Messages app (version 20241029_00_RC01) report spotting this new addition in their conversations.

Source: 9To5Google

Users now have more control over their profile-sharing preferences. You can access these settings through the profile menu in the top-right corner, where a “Your profile” option lets you customize your name and photo. Any changes to these elements will redirect you to your Google Account settings.

The update includes three visibility options for your profile information. You can choose to show your name and picture to everyone you message, limit it to only your contacts, or keep it private from everyone. This granular control helps protect your privacy while maintaining the convenience of profile sharing when needed.

For added security, if you accidentally share your profile with a suspected spammer, you can block and report the conversation. This action immediately removes your profile information from that conversation, ensuring your privacy remains protected.

This enhancement to Google Messages reflects the platform’s commitment to improving user recognition in conversations while maintaining privacy controls. The feature particularly shines in group chats, where clear identification of participants can sometimes be challenging.