Use Android Messages for Web

3 Parts:

Setup Android Messages for Web

Android Messages Web Settings

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The long-awaited Messages for Web, by Android Messages, is finally available to all Android users. Sending and receiving text messages via a computer isn't new, there are plenty of apps that have been around for quite some time that perform well. However, Android Messages is one of the more popular messaging apps in use today, so having a web interface that syncs with a user's device saves on having to install additional applications.

Being able to use your computer to send and receive SMS messages is very convenient; users can continue communicating seamlessly with their contacts while on their computer. This is especially helpful for people who have multiple conversations going on at the same time. From a productivity standpoint, it's much easier to navigate to a tab in your web browser than it is to pick up your device each time a new message arrives.

In this VisiHow guide, we're going to show how to get started with Android Messages for Web. For this tutorial, we used a Google Pixel running Android 8.1.0 and the Firefox browser.

1. 1
   From the home screen, tap the "Android Messages" shortcut.

   

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2. 2
   On the Messages main screen, tap the three-dot menu icon in the upper right corner, followed by "Messages for web"

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   If you see a pop-up asking to try Messages for web, tap "Try it".

   

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3. 3
   On the Messages for web screen, tap "SCAN QR CODE".

   

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4. 4
   Next, open your preferred web browser on a desktop or laptop computer

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   With your browser open, visit the following link.

   

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5. 5
   Using your device, hold it up to your computer's screen so that the QR code is visible

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   Once the QR code is scanned, a message will pop-up on your device that says; "You're all set".

   

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6. 6
   Now that you've scanned the QR code, Android Messages will sync up with the Messages for Web webpage

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   Once synced, you'll see all open conversations, just as they appear on your mobile device.

   

   To continue a conversation, tap on the person in the left-pane of the webpage.

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7. 7
   To send a text, click or tap the cursor to place it inside the message box

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   Using your keyboard, type the message, then click/tap the "SMS" icon in the lower right corner.

   

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8. 8
   To send a new message to a contact not listed in the left-pane of the webpage, click or tap "New conversation"

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   With a new conversation started, type a name, phone number, or email in the "to:" field, then type out your message.

   

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9. 9
   To sign a computer out of Messages for Web, open Android Messages on the device it's connected to, tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner, then tap "Messages for web".

   

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10. 10
    On the Messages for web screen, under "Signed in computers", you'll see all the connected devices

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    Tap the "X" beside the computer you wish to sign out of, or, tap "SIGN OUT OF ALL COMPUTERS".

    

    When the pop-up appears, tap "SIGN OUT".

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On the Android Messages for Web webpage, there is a variety if settings worth checking out.

1. 1
   With Android Messages for Web open in your browser, click or tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the left-hand pane.

   

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2. 2
   With the more options menu expanded, click or tap "Settings".

   

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3. 3
   The first set of options are the General settings for the web portion of Android Messages.

   

    

   1. Notifications: Enable this, and you'll be alerted when a new message arrives.
   2. Message preview: When enabled, you can see a preview of a new message in the left-pane of the webpage.
   3. Enable dark theme: Android Messages for Web offers a dark themed interface, as well as the default light version.
   4. Remember this computer: Enable this, and the computer you use will be remembered, allowing you to skip scanning the QR code each time.
   5. Date use message: When this is turned on, you'll be notified if you're using your mobile data.

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4. 4
   the next set of options fall under Advanced.

   

    

   1. Enable chat features: When enabled, Android Messages for Web will use either mobile data or WiFi to send and receives messages.
   2. Send read receipts: Turn this on, and your contacts will receive notification once you've read a message.
   3. Show typing indicators: When enabled, the person you're chatting with will see that you're typing.

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5. 5
   The last couple of options are under Accessibility.

   

    

   1. Keyboard shortcuts: Enable this, and you'll be able to use keyboard shortcuts with the web side of Android Messages.
   2. High contrast mode: In this mode, messages will appear with an outline around each block of text, instead of a solid background.

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Be sure to click "DONE" once you've changed any setting, or it won't be applied.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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