The Google Messages app (version 20250409_01_RC00) has a new Unsubscribe feature to combat spam, bulk emails, and other SMS or RCS chats from business senders that the user deems unwanted.
Image source: 9to5google.com
The Unsubscribe feature is designed to stop communication with companies that send unwanted messages in the app — promotions and other unnecessary content. The new button can appear at the bottom of the chat (just above the text field) or in the additional conversation menu.
Google clarified that the Unsubscribe feature may apply to:
- RCS messaging for businesses in the US, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Spain and the UK;
- SMS or MMS messages to the US sent from short codes (5-6 digit phone numbers) and from senders with alphanumeric identifiers.
When choosing the “Unsubscribe” option, the user is asked to indicate the reason for such a decision. In case he indicates spam, he will be offered an additional option – “Report this sender”.
When a user unsubscribes from a company, the app automatically sends them a “STOP” message from their number. After that, the user will not receive messages from that company, except for important ones, such as one-time passwords (OTPs) and boarding passes.
The user will always be able to re-subscribe to receive messages from the company again by sending a message “START” or by clicking the “Subscribe again” button above the message input field.