Google Messages Introduces @Mentions in RCS Group Chats for Enhanced Communication
Google Messages is enhancing its Rich Communication Services (RCS) group chats by introducing the @mentions feature, allowing users to directly address specific participants within a conversation. This functionality aims to streamline communication and ensure that important messages capture the attention of intended recipients.
Understanding @Mentions in Google Messages
The @mentions feature enables users to type the @ symbol followed by a contact’s name to directly notify them within a group chat. This is particularly useful in large group conversations where messages can easily be overlooked. When a participant is mentioned, they receive a notification, even if they have muted the group chat, ensuring they don’t miss messages directed specifically at them.
How to Use @Mentions
To utilize the @mentions feature in Google Messages:
1. Open the desired RCS group chat.
2. Type the @ symbol in the message input field.
3. A list of group members will appear; select the intended recipient.
4. Compose and send your message.
The mentioned participant will receive a notification highlighting that they were mentioned in the conversation.
User Experience and Feedback
Early adopters have reported that after typing the @ symbol, the contact’s name, as stored in the Google Contacts app, appears. Users have the flexibility to edit how others see this name by deleting words, such as removing a last name, to customize the display within the message.
Availability and Rollout
The @mentions feature is currently being tested in the Google Messages beta version 20251103_00_RC00. While not yet widely available, its introduction signifies Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience in RCS group chats.
Additional Enhancements in Google Messages
In addition to @mentions, Google Messages has been actively introducing features to improve group chat functionality:
– Custom Group Chat Icons: In May 2025, Google began rolling out the ability for users to personalize group chats with custom icons, allowing for easier identification of conversations. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2025/05/07/google-messages-custom-group-chat-icons/?utm_source=openai))
– ‘Delete for Everyone’ Feature: Also in May 2025, Google Messages introduced the Delete for everyone option, enabling users to remove messages from all participants’ devices in a group RCS conversation. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2025/05/08/google-messages-delete-for-everyone/?utm_source=openai))
– End-to-End Encryption for Group Chats: By August 2023, Google Messages had fully rolled out end-to-end encryption for group chats, ensuring that conversations remain private and secure. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2023/08/08/google-messages-rcs-default/?utm_source=openai))
– Profile Customization: In December 2024, the Your profile settings were introduced, allowing users to customize their name and picture, enhancing personalization within the app. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2024/12/10/google-messages-your-profile/?utm_source=openai))
– ‘Sending as’ Profile Notice: In November 2024, Google Messages added a Sending as notice above the text field in RCS conversations, reminding users of the name and profile picture they are using. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2024/11/15/google-messages-sending-as/?utm_source=openai))
– Nudges and Birthday Reminders: After a brief removal, the Nudges feature, which provides reply and birthday reminders, was reinstated in June 2024, helping users stay on top of important messages. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2024/06/04/google-messages-nudges/?utm_source=openai))
– RCS Enabled by Default: In August 2023, Google Messages began enabling RCS by default for new and existing users, ensuring more people benefit from enhanced messaging features. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2023/08/08/google-messages-rcs-default/?utm_source=openai))
– Group Chat Upgrades with Invite Links and QR Codes: In April 2025, work was spotted on allowing users to join group chats via invite links and QR codes, simplifying the process of adding new participants. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2025/04/01/google-messages-group-links-qr/?utm_source=openai))
– Prominent RCS Badge: In July 2023, Google Messages added a prominent badge to indicate which conversations are RCS-enabled, helping users distinguish between different types of chats. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2023/07/13/google-messages-rcs-badge/?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
The introduction of @mentions in Google Messages’ RCS group chats is a significant step toward enhancing user engagement and communication efficiency. By allowing users to directly address specific participants, Google aims to make group conversations more organized and responsive. As this feature continues to roll out, users can look forward to a more interactive and personalized messaging experience.
