Google Messages Now Lets You Directly Notify Contacts in Group Chats
Google Messages is rolling out a highly requested feature: the ability to directly mention other users within group conversations.This update aims to streamline dialog and ensure meaningful messages don’t get lost in busy group threads.
Getting Someone’s Attention Just Got Easier
Previously, grabbing a specific person’s attention in a group chat could be challenging. Now, you can use the “@” symbol followed by a contact’s name to instantly notify them. Even if they have muted notifications for the chat, they’ll be alerted to your mention.
How to Use the New @ Mention Feature
Here’s how to try it out:
* Start a new message or open an existing group chat in google Messages.
* Type the “@” symbol.
* A menu of your contacts should appear.
* Select the person you want to notify.
* A small prompt will appear: “Try @ to get their attention.”
The contact’s name will appear as it’s saved in your Google Contacts app. You can even edit how the name appears to others within the message, allowing you to remove last names or nicknames for privacy or clarity.
Current Availability
Currently, the feature is appearing for users on the Google Messages beta (version 20251103_00_RC00).However, widespread availability is still in progress. Keep your app updated to receive the feature as soon as it’s available in your region.
Recent Updates to Google Messages
Google has been actively enhancing the Messages app with several new features recently. These include:
* Custom Group Icons: Introduced in june,allowing you to personalize group chat appearances.
* Invite Links & QR Codes: Launched in April, simplifying the process of adding people to group chats.
These updates demonstrate Google’s commitment to improving the messaging experience and providing users with more control and convenience.
Worth a look