Google Messages reintroduces customizable contact names, photos
What's the story
Google has brought back the option for users to customize contact names and images in its messaging app, Google Messages.
The update comes after a controversial change that automatically swapped custom details with every person's shared profile.
The "profile sharing" feature, which first debuted in late 2023 during the RCS rollout, is now more intuitive and flexible.
User guide
How to customize contact details in Google Messages
To personalize a contact's name or image, users will have to tap on the individual's name or photo in a Google Messages chat.
This will open the details page where they can then tap on their photo.
From here, they can select the shared image or their own custom one for that particular contact.
Feature evolution
Google's commitment to user customization
The return of customizable contact details in Google Messages highlights the tech giant's focus on user personalization.
The move was teased back in October when Android Authority found a reference in Android code suggesting that Google was planning to bring back the ability for users to set custom profile photos.
Now, with this update, users can once again assign unique names and avatars to their contacts as per their liking.