Google Messages is readying multi-device support

Google Messages could soon add multi-device support. The feature will allow you to access your messages, including RCS chats, across multiple devices. It will use your phone number and Google account to sync up messages.

Currently, Google Messages doesn’t support multi-device syncing of messages. You can use the web version to read, send, or receive messages on other devices, including your computer (devices are paired using a QR code). However, if you have two Android devices, you can’t use the Google Messages app with the same phone number on both of them.

For example, if you want to access your messages on the Pixel Tablet or any other Wi-Fi tablet, Google will redirect you to the web version of Messages via a pre-installed PWA (Progressive Web App). Even if your tablet supports SIM, you can use the Google Messages app with your phone number on your primary device only. This is not the connected experience users want from their Android ecosystem.

It appears Google has a fix in the works. App researcher AssembleDebug recently found code strings within the messaging app hinting at a multi-device syncing feature. “Use your phone number to send and receive messages on devices signed into your Google account,” one of the strings reads. “Message from your phone number on your other devices,” the other says.

These strings suggest Google will allow you to sync your messages across devices signed into the same Google account. Instead of setting up the Messages app with different phone numbers, you can use the same phone number on all of them. You don’t need to swap your SIM if you want to access messages from a different device. This is more convenient than using the web version.

Google is currently working on multi-device support for Messages

Multi-device support for Google Messages is currently in development. The source found the strings in the latest beta version of the app but couldn’t get the feature working. It appears the company isn’t done assembling all the puzzles for a working solution.

Meanwhile, the same report adds that Google Messages is also preparing to show you a warning screen when a screen reader is active. It will block access to your messages. “Screen reader active,” the warning is titled. “We suspect that there’s a screen reader active on your device. Your content will be accessible once it is turned off,” it explains. We will let you know when we have more information about these upcoming Google Messages features.