Get more out of Android Chat by enabling these handy features

Did you know that Google Messages includes a number of handy features? Some of these features include notifications, pinch to zoom, current country, suggested actions, smart reply, show transcripts of voice messages, view messages by category, and much more.

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Even if you know about these features, you might not be aware there are some important extras that are not enabled by default. 

These features fall under the name Chat and include:

• Send read receipts

• Show typing indicators

• Automatically resend as text if a message cannot send

• Auto-download files you receive over mobile data

• Auto-download files while roaming

For some, the read receipts and typing indicators alone are reason enough to enable the feature. The rest of the options may not apply to you or you may not want to have files automatically downloaded.

For those people who really want read receipts and to be able to see when someone is typing a reply, you'll definitely want to enable this feature. 

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There is, however, one thing to understand — not all carriers support this feature. If you find the option isn't available on your device, it means your carrier doesn't support Chat options.

How to configure Android Chat features

What you'll need: The only thing you'll need is a device running an updated version of Android. Most devices sold in the past couple of years should include a version of the operating system that includes the features. 

That's all you need. Let's enable Chat features.

You've now made Android Messages a more robust app that will keep you better informed and even let those who've texted you know you've read their missives.