Google Messages is set to enhance user experience by allowing customization of group chat icons, a feature long requested by users. The new functionality, currently being tested, enables users to select their own icons for RCS group chats instead of relying on the default grid of participants’ initials or profile pictures.
This development comes in response to frequent user feedback regarding the difficulty in distinguishing between different group chats. Back in December 2024, an APK teardown revealed hints that Google was exploring this customization option, and now it seems that some users are beginning to access this feature.
As it stands, the Messages app does not permit alterations to the group chat icon, which typically displays a grid featuring up to four users’ initials or images. However, reports indicate that Google is now rolling out the ability for users to upload their preferred images for RCS group chats.
A Reddit user recently shared a screenshot from the Group details page, revealing a pencil icon next to the group chat icon. By clicking this pencil, users can choose a new image to replace the existing grid. It’s worth noting that GIFs are not supported, and once a new image is set, there appears to be no option to revert to the original grid.
Currently, this feature seems to be available only in the Google Messages beta version, with access limited to a select few, indicating that it is still in a testing phase.
Should this feature make its way to the stable version, it would significantly simplify the task of differentiating between group chats, aligning Google Messages more closely with competing messaging platforms such as WhatsApp.
