Google Messages, the default messaging app for many Android users, recently underwent a significant change with the introduction of "profile sharing." This feature aimed to streamline contact information by displaying the user's Google Account profile picture across various Google services, including Messages. However, this change met with some resistance from users who preferred to maintain their own custom contact photos.
Recognizing this user feedback, Google has now introduced a solution: the ability to set your own photos for contacts within the Messages app, effectively overriding the profile sharing feature. This guide will walk you through the steps involved in setting custom contact photos in Google Messages, ensuring a personalized and efficient messaging experience.
Understanding Profile Sharing
Before we delve into setting custom contact photos, let's briefly revisit profile sharing.
What is Profile Sharing?
Profile sharing is a feature designed to simplify how users are identified across Google services.
It utilizes the user's Google Account profile picture, which is typically the same across various Google services like Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Photos.
In the context of Google Messages, profile sharing would display the contact's Google Account profile picture instead of the locally stored contact photo on the user's device.
Why did Profile Sharing Cause Disruption?
Loss of Personalization: Many users had established a system of personalized contact photos, often using images that were more meaningful or easier to recognize than the generic Google Account profile pictures.
Confusion and Inconsistency: The sudden shift to profile sharing could lead to confusion, as users might not immediately recognize contacts based on unfamiliar profile pictures.
Setting Custom Contact Photos in Google Messages
Google has now provided users with the flexibility to choose between their preferred contact photo and the shared profile picture. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set your own photos for contacts within Google Messages:
- Open Google Messages: Launch the Google Messages application on your Android device.
- Open a Conversation: Select the conversation thread of the contact for whom you wish to set a custom photo.
Access Contact Details:
- At the top of the conversation screen, tap on the contact's name or their existing profile picture.
- This will open the contact's details page.
Choose Profile Picture:
- On the details page, you'll find the contact's current profile picture displayed prominently.
- Tap on this profile picture to access the options for selecting your preferred image.
Select "Contacts Picture":
You'll be presented with two options:
- Google Profile Picture: This option displays the contact's Google Account profile picture.
- Contacts Picture: This option allows you to use the contact photo you have saved locally on your device, likely within your device's Contacts app.
Swipe left or right to select "Contacts Picture."
Set as Chat Picture: Once you've selected "Contacts Picture," tap on "Set as chat picture" to confirm your choice.
Verify Changes: The contact's details page will now reflect the chosen contact photo.
Managing Contact Photos:
- Convenience of "Manage in the Contacts app": The details page within Google Messages provides a convenient shortcut: "Manage in the Contacts app."
- Tapping this option will directly open the relevant contact's entry within your device's Contacts app.
- Here, you can easily edit or update the contact's photo as needed.
Benefits of Setting Custom Contact Photos
Enhanced Personalization: Setting your own photos for contacts adds a personal touch to your messaging experience.
You can use images that are easily recognizable, such as family photos, pet pictures, or memorable moments.
Improved Contact Identification: Custom photos can significantly improve contact identification.
At a glance, you can quickly recognize who is messaging you, especially within busy group chats.
Enhanced User Experience: The ability to customize contact photos provides a greater sense of control and personalization over your messaging app.
Troubleshooting
Ensure Contact Photo is Saved Locally: If you're unable to set a custom contact photo within Google Messages, ensure that the desired photo is properly saved within your device's Contacts app.
Check for Updates: Ensure that you have the latest version of the Google Messages app installed on your device.
Updates often bring bug fixes and improvements, including enhancements to contact photo management.
Restart Your Device: In some cases, restarting your device can resolve minor glitches or inconsistencies that may be preventing custom contact photos from displaying correctly.
Conclusion
Google's decision to allow users to set their own photos for contacts in Google Messages is a positive step towards enhancing user experience and providing greater control over the messaging interface. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily personalize your messaging experience and ensure that your contacts are easily identifiable within the Messages app.
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