Is Google Messages annoying? Here is how to fix its two biggest problems

The Google Messages app is the preferred choice for many Android users, especially for those who switch devices frequently or enjoy texting from a computer via the web version. Despite its clear advantages, the app comes with two default settings that have been a source of frustration for years. Fortunately, it is very easy to resolve them and significantly improve the daily user experience.

Customizing swipe gestures

The first issue concerns swipe gestures. By default, swiping right and swiping left on a message perform the exact same action: archiving. This is a waste of a useful gesture, but Google allows you to change this easily. To assign different actions, enter the app settings via your profile picture, select "Swipe actions," and customize the directions. For example, you can set it so that swiping left marks a message as read, while swiping right sends it directly to the trash.

Editing before sending

The second, equally annoying problem is related to the "Smart Reply" feature. The system suggests quick responses like "Sure" or "Okay" under incoming messages, but tapping them sends them immediately. This behavior can lead to the accidental sending of messages that feel too cold or robotic, without giving you a chance to edit them or add a personal touch before sending.

To solve this, Google has added an option to change the default behavior of quick replies to an edit mode. Simply enter the app settings, go to the "Suggestions and actions" menu, select "Suggestions," and toggle the "Tap to edit" option. From now on, clicking on a suggestion will move it directly to your text box, allowing you to modify it as you wish before hitting the send button.

Alongside these changes, you can further improve the experience by disabling full-screen animations and turning off incoming and outgoing message sounds in the settings. These small adjustments make the app much more pleasant, quiet, and tailored to your needs.