GoKawiilJoe Maring / Android Authority
Samsung Messages packs plenty of useful features that Google Messages lacks. I particularly like its customization and organization features, as well as the ability to auto-delete old messages. However, Google Messages remains my go-to messaging app for a few reasons.
For one, I switch Android phones multiple times a year, and Google Messages makes my transitions frictionless. Then there’s Messages for Web, which lets me chat on my computer.
That said, I’ve had two huge annoyances with Google Messages for years. While Google recently released a fix for one, it’s been possible to fix the other for years, though I never bothered. Here’s how I resolved both of them.
Do the default settings for swipe gestures and Smart Reply suggestions bother you? 70 votes Yes. I always change them. 47 % No. 29 % Don't care, I never use them. 24 %
Swipe left and swipe right gestures perform the same action
The Google Messages app supports two swipe gestures: swipe left and swipe right. However, by default, both gestures are configured to perform the same action: archive the message. If you ask me, this defeats the purpose of having two gestures in the first place.
Thankfully, Google has long offered the ability to configure both swipe gestures, so you can set them to perform two different actions. I’ve changed the actions for both gestures on my phone: swiping left on a message marks it as read or unread, whereas swiping right moves it to the bin.
You can configure the actions just how you want them using these steps: Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner and select Messages settings. Scroll down and select Swipe actions. Here, tap the Customize button to the right of the gesture you want to configure, then select your preferred action from the pop-up menu. Repeat the same steps to configure the other swipe gesture.
Tapping a Smart Reply suggestion sends it immediately
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