Although we're used to reaching for our phones when it comes to texting people, it's becoming more common to be able to text from any device. WhatsApp Desktop is probably one of the most popular ways to send and receive messages from your computer, which makes it easy to keep in touch with people.

Google Messages offers a similar feature, which allows you to send and receive SMS, MMS, and RCS messages from your computer. The process is relatively seamless, as it only requires a web browser and an active internet connection, and works on virtually any device and operating system. Here's how to get started.

How to send and receive Google Messages from your computer

Before you can send and receive text messages from your computer, you'll need to install the Google Messages app. It comes preinstalled on most Android phones, even the most affordable ones. However, if you use a different SMS application, grab Messages from the Play Store using the link below. It's also worth ensuring RCS is enabled on your device for a more modern experience, although sending texts from your computer isn't necessary.

Once the app is downloaded, follow the prompts on your smartphone to make it your default messaging app. Now you're ready to set up the Messages client in your browser.

  1. Open your browser and go to Google Messages.
    Google Messages web home page
  2. Click the Messages for web button in the upper-right corner to launch the web client for Messages. (You do not have to be signed in to your Google account for this to load.)
    A QR code for pairing Google Messages to the web from your phone
  3. Open the Messages app on your smartphone.
  4. Select Device pairing from the menu button in the upper-left corner.
  5. Tap QR code scanner to open your phone's camera.
  6. Hold your phone to your laptop or desktop PC to scan the QR code on the display.
  7. Your phone and computer both reload.
  8. Your web browser displays your inbox with a list of conversations on the left.

To keep Messages linked to your computer even after you close the window, click Yes on the pop-up message above your threads if you didn't toggle it on previously.

Pop up notifications for Google to remember the computer and to allow notifications

The Messages web app works like it does on your phone, from the Start chat button to the same basic menu system. You'll see your phone contacts synced with the web client if you haven't signed in to your Google account.

Then, check out the settings menu to adjust some key preferences. These are accessible through the three-dot menu button. You can toggle dark mode on or off, enable notifications, turn read receipts on or off, and change how you send messages with the Enter key on your keyboard.

For Google Messages to work in your browser, your computer and smartphone need an active internet connection. However, they don't need to be on the same networks, which means you can use Google Messages to text people even when you forget your phone at home.

How to install Google Messages on your computer

Google Messages works in your web browser and doesn't require you to download an app on your computer. However, this also means it has to live next to all the other tabs you may have open on your computer, which isn't ideal. Even if there isn't a built-in app, you can install it as a web app on your computer if you use Google Chrome on your computer. Here's how to do it:

  1. On your computer, use Google Chrome to open Google Messages for Web.
  2. Tap the overflow (three dots) icon in the upper-right corner of Chrome.
    The Messages UI on Windows in Chrome
  3. Select Install Messages.

Make the most out of Google Messages

Google Messages is one of the most complete messaging apps, allowing you to text relatives, detect spam, and customize how you send and receive messages. If you'd like to learn more about Google Messages and use it to its fullest, check out our list of tips and tricks, which will help you enjoy the app to its highest potential.