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How to use Android Messages using your PC

Android Messages for Web lets you pair your computer to your phone, so you can send and receive SMS from either device. Here's how to set it up.
By
April 30, 2019

Ever wondered if it’s possible to view Android Messages on PC? Absolutely, thanks to Android Messages for web. Much like WhatsApp for web, Messages for web lets you pair your computer to your phone, so you can send and receive SMS from either device. The pairing process is simple, as is the interface.

To get you started, here’s a quick guide on how to use Android Messages on PC.

Read Next:  Google has seven messaging apps – Here’s all of them and what they do

Link the Message app to your PC

Download the latest version of Messages and then open the app on your smartphone.

Tap the overflow menu (three dots in the top right-hand corner) and tap “Messages for Web.”

On your computer, open https://messages.google.com/web on your browser of choice. Before moving on to the next step, you can select “Remember this computer” to keep the phone paired with the browser interface when if you close the tab.

Scan QR code to enable messages on web

On your phone, tap “QR code scanner” and scan the code on the webpage you just opened on your computer.

You’ve now linked Messages on your phone to Messages for Web on your computer. You should now see the Messages interface in your browser window.

Features you can use with Messages on your PC

overflow menu lets you open the settings menu

Your message history will appear in the left-hand window with your expanded conversations on the right.

Tap the overflow menu to access settings, archived messages, enable dark theme, send feedback, get help, or sign out. The dark theme can also be enabled via the settings menu.

messages on web settings menu

The settings area lets you change your notification and message preview settings, pair and unpair your phone and computer, set an alert for when your phone is using data instead of Wi-Fi, and enable accessibility options like keyboard shortcuts and high contrast mode.

How to reply and start new conversations with Messages on PC

dark mode on messages on web

To reply to an existing message, simply click the message in the history list window to open that conversation.

To start a new conversation, click the “Start Chat” button at the top of your message history list, then just type the name, number or email address of the contact you wish to send a message to. A list of top contacts will also be available.

new chat options

Type your message in the text entry field at the bottom of the right-hand window. You can add emoji, stickers, and attachments as you normally would on your phone, and then click the arrow button to send.

Other Android Messages on PC features

If you have a dual-SIM phone, you’ll be able to select which SIM card to send the message from on the left-hand side of the text entry field by clicking the down arrow.

You can mute a conversation by clicking the bell icon at the top right of the expanded view, or open the overflow menu for further options.

There are additional notification and messaging settings on your smartphone.

There you have it — how to use Android Messages for web to text via SMS right from your computer. Any questions? Let us know in the comments.