9 Google Messages settings I change on every new Android phone - and why

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Google Messages is one of those apps that seem simple enough, until they aren't. It has settings for RCS chats , read receipts , typing indicators, verification codes, nudity warnings , Gemini , spam filtering , bubbles, and so much more. That's a lot for a texting app.

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So, when I set up a new Android phone , I always do a quick Google Messages check and adjust a few things before firing off my first messages. My goal is to text whom I want as easily, privately, and securely as I can, with minimal interruptions and data sharing. Why am I using a Google app then? I know. But there are ways to improve Messages and get a much better experience.

Google's Sensitive Content Warnings feature can detect, blur, and warn about images that may contain nudity. The warnings appear when receiving, sending, or forwarding images in a chat. All detection happens on the device, and no images are sent to Google.

But it's powered by a controversial "Android System SafetyCore" feature that arrived quietly one day last year without Google explicitly warning users what it does. The feature is essentially an underlying system service that apps can use for on-device content detection.

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Google said warnings are off by default for adults, but it's one of the first things I check because I don't want auto-generated alerts in my personal messages. I also uninstall SafetyCore on my Android phone to prevent it from taking similar actions in other apps.

Note: Uninstalling SafetyCore may impact some features, including Spam protection (open Google Messages, tap the profile picture or initials, go to "Messages settings," scroll to "Protection and safety," and look for "Spam protection"), which helps detect and warn about scams in chats. I also suspect SafetyCore may help hide the "sensitive" lock-screen previews I mention in tip 8 below.

Google Messages shares my Google Account profile, including my name and picture, with anyone I'm texting. But Google said its profile sharing feature won't show my email address or phone number, and the setting can be customized to show nothing at all.

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Open Google Messages, tap the profile photo or initials, then tap "Your profile." On the "Customize how you're seen" screen, change the "Show name and picture" setting to "No one," or choose "Only your contacts" or "People you message," if preferred.