Google Messages, a popular messaging app for Android users with over a billion downloads on the Google Play Store, has addressed one of the biggest complaints about the app. Users were required to scan a QR code to use the app on multiple devices simultaneously, which could be inconvenient for those who frequently switch between devices.
To make the process easier, Google has been testing a new device pairing system based on Google accounts. After months of beta testing, this account-based pairing system is now being rolled out to more users.
To use this new feature, users can go to the Google Messages web address (messages.google.com/web) and sign in with their Google account. They then need to open the Messages app on their phone and match the displayed emoji on both devices to confirm the pairing. Once confirmed, users will be able to send and receive messages from their computer or tablet.
Please note that the new pairing system may not be available to everyone yet. Although the option to use Google Account login is visible on the Messages by Google webpage, some users may experience issues in completing the process on their phones. It is important to be aware of the notice at the top of the page indicating that the feature may not be available yet.
The account-based pairing system does not replace the QR code-based one and has the limitation of only allowing one active browser instance at a time. However, the app does indicate which Android device is being used for messages at any given time.
Overall, this new account-based pairing system aims to enhance the user experience by simplifying the process of using Google Messages on multiple devices without the need for constant QR code scanning.