{
  "id": 18759036,
  "title": "5 Google Messages settings you might want to disable",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/5-google-messages-settings-you-might-want-to-disable",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-07T17:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Engadget",
    "slug": "engadget",
    "url": "https://www.engadget.com/2306181/google-messages-settings-might-want-to-disable/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Google's default messaging settings aren't the most user-friendly. In the past, third-party texting apps were often better equipped to customize chats and manage notifications. However, Google has made Google Messages a standout option due to its RCS support and overall user experience. As a result, many experts now recommend tweaking some of Google Messages' default behaviors to enhance the app's functionality. Here are five settings you might want to disable for a better Google Messages experience:\n\nFirst, consider turning off read receipts. These indicators let others know when you've read their messages, which can lead to a mutual exchange of information. However, disabling read receipts makes both parties more vulnerable, as it removes plausible deniability for delayed responses. To disable read receipts in Google Messages, tap your profile picture in the app's home screen, select RCS chats, and toggle off read receipts.\n\nSecond, eliminate annoying sound effects. While personal preferences vary, some sounds produced by Google Messages can be quite bothersome, especially when multiple notifications trigger simultaneously. To turn off outgoing and incoming message sounds, go to the app's Settings menu, located by tapping your Google profile picture in the top right corner, then tap Hear outgoing and incoming message sounds and slide the toggle to the left.\n\nThird, avoid the bubble chat feature. Introduced in Android 10, bubble chats allow conversations to collapse into small circles while navigating other apps. Although intended to improve multitasking, they can be distracting and limit the visibility of the conversation. To disable bubble chats, open the Settings section of Google Messages by tapping your Google profile photo, then navigate to Settings Bubbles and select None.\n\nFourth, steer clear of Gemini integration. Google has attempted to incorporate its AI chatbot, Gemini, into several of its products, including Google Messages. However, this integration often proves to be unnecessary and intrusive. While Gemini may be useful outside of the application, the same functionality can be accessed via the more feature-rich Gemini app. Moreover, using Gemini within Messages raises privacy concerns due to Google's data collection practices. To disable Gemini, simply refrain from using the feature, as it is optional and not required for basic messaging functions.\n\nLastly, reduce the number of notifications. While notifications are essential for keeping track of incoming messages, having too many can be overwhelming and distracting. To manage notifications, go to your device's settings and adjust the notification settings for Google Messages accordingly. This way, you can maintain essential notifications while minimizing unnecessary interruptions.",
  "summary": "Google Messages is easily one of the best messaging apps available on Android, but that doesn't mean it's configured perfectly out of the box.",
  "key_points": [
    "Disable read receipts to remove plausible deniability for delayed responses",
    "Eliminate annoying sound effects for a less bothersome notification experience",
    "Avoid Gemini integration for privacy and unnecessary feature concerns"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}