Google Messages has become the default choice for Android users, even replacing Samsung's own app, but its default settings aren't ideal. Five key settings deserve disabling to improve your messaging experience.
First, turn off RCS read receipts. These create a "digital prisoner's dilemma" — keeping them on sacrifices plausible deniability for unanswered messages, while turning them off encourages mutual opacity. The author argues we'd never accept such tracking with physical mail. Disable via profile picture → RCS chats → toggle off read receipts.
Second, silence outgoing and incoming message sounds. Default audio cues make rapid conversations sound like "a marmot having a bubble bath," disturbing both you and those nearby. Turn off via profile picture → Settings → toggle "Hear outgoing and incoming message sounds."
The article recommends reviewing other defaults like AI-powered features and notification behaviors that add clutter without value. Google Messages remains excellent, but these tweaks restore control over privacy and peace of mind.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing