Google Messages is arguably the most popular messaging app on Android. While there are alternatives to text messaging apps, RCS’s built-in support and its availability by default on the vast majority of devices gives Google Messages a huge advantage. However, its near-monopoly isn’t the only reason people use it. The app has several positive aspects and the company is continually improving it with new features, such as real-time location sharing and fixing some of its more frustrating issues. Along the same lines, Google Messages has now received a nifty little addition that solves a big problem with “smart replies.”
Until very recently, the default behavior of tapping a Smart Replies suggestion was to send immediately, which could potentially confuse or complicate things for senders. Luckily, Google Messages now gets a “Tap to compose” option in the “Smart Replies” settings, which fixes this issue and can prevent you from accidentally sending a suggested reply. “Tap to compose” simply moves the suggested text to the compose window, giving you the opportunity to confirm what you’re sending before hitting the send button. You can also use this time to edit the suggested answer. This change was first spotted by the folks at 9to5Google.
How to enable Tap to draft in Google Messages
Gaurav Shukla/BGR
Tap to compose is available in Google Messages as part of build 20260522_00_RC00. First, make sure you have the same or newer version of Google Messages on your phone. You can check the app version by tapping your profile picture in the upper right corner and going to Messages Settings > About. Once you confirm the version or update to the latest version via the Google Play Store, you can go to Messages settings > Suggestions & actions > Suggestions, then select “Tap to compose”. You will also have the option to turn off smart replies on this screen.
Smart Replies is a useful feature of Google Messages that allows you to send quick replies to your contacts when you are unable to type appropriate text. These are powered by AI and machine learning models that use your existing messages and other interactions directly on your phone. No content or data from your message is sent to Google. Using machine learning helps Google Messages deliver smart replies that are more personalized and contextual.
