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Google (and the rest of the world, for that matter) got tired of waiting for Apple to “get the message” and adopt RCS messaging. Android phones use RCS messaging, and it allows Google Messages to do some pretty awesome things. Well, Google Messages will let you change the color of the bubble in conversations, but this is only if you’re on RCS.
If you don’t know what RCS messaging is, it’s a new standard for messaging that succeeds SMS. With it, you’re able to send larger files, use chat reactions, enjoy end-to-end encryption, and do all sorts of cool things. These are features that you’d get with online services like WhatsApp or Telegram, but RCS is handled through your carrier just like SMS. It’s much better and more secure than the old standard. If you’re currently using an Android phone and messaging another Android user, you’re already using RCS messaging.
You can change the color of chat bubbles in Google Messages, but only with RCS
Google recently announced some new features coming to Google Messages, and they’ve been making it a better platform to use. One of the features announced was the ability to change the color of your chat bubbles on a per-conversation basis. So, you can have one theme for a conversation with your mother and one for a conversation with your spouse. It’s a fun new addition to the app, and it will make it more customizable. This feature is currently rolling out to users, so there’s a chance that you won’t see it just yet.
If you’re in a conversation, you’ll need to tap on the three-dot menu at the top right of the UI. There, you’ll see the option to change the color of the bubbles. There are nine options for colors that you can choose. Also, if you want to have it set to the system default, it can match the colors of your system theme.
If you want to use this feature, you’ll need to be texting a person who’s using RCS. This basically excludes all iPhone users for the time being. iPhone users will gain RCS sometime next year. In the meantime, you’ll only be able to change the colors for conversations you’re having with other Android users.