Google has enhanced the default Messages app on Android with Material You design, RCS (Rich Media Services) and end-to-end encryption functionalities. The Google Messages app is also available on desktop thanks to a new web version. That makes it convenient for you to check your messages and reply to them without touching your phone.
You no longer need to contact your Android phone to check OTP (One Time Password) from your bank, balance updates, messages from friends and hot promotions. You can access the same on your desktop without leaving the workspace. Here’s how to get Android Messages on Windows PCs and Macs.
1. Using Web Messaging
Since the Messages app is web-based, you can use the steps below to access your messages on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks. First, make sure your Android phone and desktop have an active internet connection and follow the instructions below to begin the pairing process.
Step 1: Open the Messages app on Android.
Step 2: Tap the hamburger menu in the top left corner and open Device Pairing.
Step 3: It will ask you to generate a QR code on the desktop. Visit the link below on your favorite desktop web browser.
Step 4: The web service generates a QR code to scan.
Step 5: Tap the QR code scanner on your Android phone. It may take some time to complete the pairing process. You can also enable the ‘Remember this PC’ switch so you don’t have to repeat the pairing process with the same PC.
Step 6: You can check all your messages on the web. Click Start Chat at the top and send the message without any problems.
You can send normal SMS and even start end-to-end encrypted RCS chats with qualified contacts. When you start an RCS chat, the app displays a small padlock icon in the submit button. For regular messages, the web app also shows ‘SMS’.
Read our post to troubleshoot problems using Google Messages for the web.
Change Message Web Theme
Messages for the web uses light themes by default. You can always change to a dark or high contrast theme from Settings.
Step 1: Go to Web Messages. Click the three-dot menu.
Step 2: Open Settings.
Step 3: Select the radio button under Dark or High Contrast and test the new theme in action.
Check out keyboard shortcuts for web messages
You don’t need a mouse or trackpad to navigate the web version of Messages. You can master keyboard shortcuts and navigate the Messages web app like a pro. You can press ‘?’ and check all shortcuts for Messages. Check the screenshot for reference.
Unpair device for Android Messages app
Have you temporarily connected your Android phone to your friend’s PC? You won’t want others to access your messages. You can follow the steps below to unpair the device.
Step 1: Open the Pair device menu in the Messages mobile app (check the steps above).
Step 2: Press the ‘x’ next to the device you want to unpair.
You can also unpair the device from the web. You can click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select Unpair.
2. Use the Microsoft Phone Link app
Microsoft’s Phone Link app is another handy app for viewing Android text messages on a Windows PC. This application is only available for Windows platform. Let’s set it up, shall we?
Step 1: Download the Phone Link app on your PC.
Step 2: Open Phone Link and select Android.
Step 3: Open the Your PC link on your Android phone.
Step 4: Click ‘Pair with QR code.’
Step 5: Tap Continue on your phone.
Step 6: Scan the QR code with your Android phone and your phone and PC are linked.
Microsoft recommends connecting your Android phone to Wi-Fi for a better experience.
Step 7: Scroll to the Messages tab and check your chat thread.
Step 8: Tap the compose icon at the top and start your conversation with friends and family. As expected, Microsoft Phone Link only supports SMS. It does not allow you to initiate an RCS chat with someone.
Microsoft Phone Link is not limited to viewing and interacting with messages. It is packed with several features. Let’s look at them.
- Access up to 2000 photos from your phone gallery.
- Receive or compose calls.
- Check all incoming notifications.
- Put your phone in Do Not Disturb mode.
- Check battery status, Wi-Fi and mobile network.
- Glance at your phone wallpaper.
- Supports iPhone messages (coming soon).
Refer to our post if you are having trouble using Microsoft Phone Link.
Check your Android messages on desktop
Thanks to Messages for Web and Phone Link, accessing your Android messages on desktop has never been easier. The above tips cover all types of Android phones. Windows OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) like HP and Dell also provide software solutions to synchronize your Android messages with their devices.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
