Google Messages has rolled out a highly anticipated update that makes texting a lot more efficient. Initially discussed in April, the update brings a much-needed feature: a 14-line text field, allowing users to write and read longer messages without scrolling up and down
. This expansion is a significant improvement from the previous limit of just four lines of text that could be seen at one time. I got to test this feature on my Pixel 6 Pro running Android 16 QPTR1 Beta 1, and it’s a game-changer for those who send longer messages or URLs.
With the new update, users can now type longer URLs, allowing recipients to see the entire address at once instead of truncated links. But that’s not all-Google Messages has also improved the Gallery feature. Now, when you tap the recipient’s address and then the “+” icon, the “Gallery” option brings up a fullscreen viewfinder using your phone’s rear camera. This offers a much more immersive experience than before, when you had to rely on a half-screen viewfinder.
Additionally, there’s now a larger grid beneath the viewfinder that showcases recent photos, making it easier to select the right one for sharing. Tapping the Gallery icon brings the camera into focus, and you can swipe up to access more photos from your gallery. You also have the option to optimize the photo for chat, which reduces data usage and speeds up the send process, or to send it in full resolution for the best quality. Once you’ve picked your photo, you can choose whether to send it in HD or HD+ quality by selecting the option at the top of the screen.
If you don’t have the Google Messages app yet, it’s available for download on the Google Play Store. If you’re using a carrier-supported messaging app and haven’t made the switch, you might want to consider trying Google Messages, especially if your current app doesn’t support RCS (Rich Communication Services). With RCS, you get features like high-quality media sharing, read receipts, encrypted messages, and typing indicators-all of which enhance your texting experience. The 14-line text field update is available on both the stable version (20250518_01_RC00) and the beta version (android_20250603_02_RC00) of Google Messages.