- Google Messages now allows customization of profile visibility with new sharing options.
- Users can control who sees their profile using three visibility settings.
- The feature offers seamless integration with Google Account settings for easy updates.
Google Messages has always been a convenient way to communicate, and with its new profile sharing feature, users can now control how they appear to others. Introduced earlier this year, this option was initially called Profile Discovery but has since been renamed to Profile Sharing. The change comes with additional customization, letting users manage their display name and picture visibility.
When you first open Google Messages, you’ll be prompted to “Customize how you are seen,” which is a simple way to personalize your profile. This prompt leads you to options that allow you to edit your name and profile picture. The customization process is linked to your Google Account, ensuring that you can make changes across all connected services.
Additionally, Google Messages now offers more control over who sees your profile. A new dropdown menu gives you three options: show your profile to people you message, only to your contacts, or to no one at all. This added flexibility makes sure that your privacy preferences are respected without compromising convenience.
Google Messages Features
The Google Messages update, featuring enhanced profile management tools, is now rolling out to users. With this change, managing how your profile is shared has become a key focus. Users can set preferences for how their name and photo are displayed, whether to just their contacts, anyone they message, or to keep it entirely private.
Before this update, profile discovery only allowed for turning profile sharing on or off, with no further granularity. Now, Google Messages gives you more control. Once you tap “Continue,” you can revisit and adjust these settings anytime through the avatar menu. This makes it easier to manage your profile visibility on the go.
How the Profile Sharing Works
Once you sign in to Google Messages with your Google Account, you can decide how your profile information is shared. This new feature ensures that your name and picture will only be visible to other Google Messages users after you send a message. It’s also important to note that this update does not make your profile publicly accessible. Your phone number is strictly used for verification and to help Google Messages users find you, but it won’t be shared across other Google services.
If one of your existing contacts shares their profile with you, a new photo will appear in your message thread. However, you’ll still see the name you’ve saved for them, even if it’s different from the one in their profile. This minor but valuable touch ensures that you can maintain personalization while benefiting from profile updates.
Rollout and Availability
At the moment, this feature is being rolled out gradually. We’ve noticed it appearing on phones running the latest beta version of Google Messages (version 20241014_05_RC00), though it’s not available to all users yet. As this rollout expands, more users will experience the benefits of profile customization in their messaging app.
Google Messages has evolved with this new Profile Sharing feature, allowing users to have more control over how their profiles are displayed to others. With options to customize visibility settings and seamless integration with Google Accounts, this update enhances both privacy and personalization for all users.
FAQ
How do I customize my profile in Google Messages?
You can customize your profile by tapping the prompt to “Customize how you are seen” and editing your name and picture.
Who can see my profile on Google Messages?
You can choose to show your profile to people you message, only to your contacts, or no one.
Will my phone number be shared?
No, your phone number is only used for verification and won’t be visible to others.
Can iPhone users see my profile in Google Messages?
No, this feature is only available for users of Google Messages.
