July 18, 2026

Screenshot reveals a new feature is coming to the Google Messages app

google sign 3253
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Some of the better third-party messaging apps, like WhatsApp, allow you to create a profile that includes a picture or avatar. On WhatsApp you can check out the profile created by one of your contacts by tapping the magnifying glass icon found on the upper right of the display and typing in his or her name in the search bar when that name appears on the top of your chat page, press on it. You will see that person’s WhatsApp profile.
It would appear that Google is going to allow Android users employing the Google Messages app to create their own profiles. The page was discovered by going to settings and searching for profiles. We need to point out that Android Police says that Esper’s Mishaal Rahman actually discovered the Profile page, so we should give credit where credit is due. The page, currently, is not functional though.
The tipster says that if implemented by Google, Google Messages users can create a profile with a photo, name, and email address. Based on the screenshot, it appears that users will be able to decide who can view their profiles. We’d expect the options to include one setting that would allow anyone who sends you a message to view your profile if you send back a response. Another setting would allow only your contacts to see your profile, and the third and most restrictive option would allow only you to view your profile.
Other controls would allow you to receive a notification when one of your contacts makes a change to his/her profile, and one that would send you a notification when a new contact is found.
Currently, we have no idea when or if Google plans to launch this feature. It’s probably a good idea since most people are not going to remember every person they’ve ever engaged in an online chat. A quick look at a user’s profile might restore their memories.
Share it:
NAORA V4 970x250

Must reads:

Behind the Buzz
Retail News Asia — Your Daily Fix of What’s Happening in Asian Retail

We’re here to keep you in the loop—every single day. Whether you’re running a small local shop, scaling an online biz, or part of a global brand making moves in Asia, we’ve got something for you.

With 50+ fresh stories a week and 13.6 million readers, Retail News Asia isn’t just another news site—it’s the go-to source for all things retail across the region.
Retail Kitchen
We respect your inbox as much as we value your time. That’s why we only send carefully curated weekly updates, packed with the most relevant news, trends, and insights from the retail industry across Asia and beyond.
Copyright © 2014 -2026 |
Redwind BV