Tag: Android

No one likes being bombarded with spam and promotional messages. While Google Messages has always had multiple spam-detection features built in, the instant messaging app is now making it even easier to unsubscribe from automated text messages, without having to leave the app.

Google Messages Now Allows You to “Automatically” Send STOP Commands

As spotted by Android Authority, a new option, Unsubscribe to stop receiving messages, has started appearing at the bottom of automated promotional conversation threads sent from short codes.

Once you tap Unsubscribe, a Why are you unsubscribing? sheet appears with the following options: Not signed up, Too many messages, No longer interested, Spam, and Other. If you select Other, a text box will appear where you can describe the reason you’d like to stop receiving messages.

If you check the box next to Spam, you’ll get an additional option to Report the sender. By selecting it, the sender’s number and all recent messages you’ve received from them will be shared with Google and potentially your carrier. The conversation thread will also be moved to the Spam & blocked section.

Once you’ve selected an option and hit the Unsubscribe (or Unsubscribe & report if you chose Spam) button, a STOP command will automatically be sent. You’ll also see an “Unsubscribe request sent” message underneath the STOP command. A START button will appear at the bottom right, which you can tap if you’d ever like to resubscribe to automated texts from the sender.

Related

I Got a Suspicious Link in a Text Message: Here’s How I Checked It Safely

Don’t open that text until you’re sure it’s safe.

Since the STOP command is a standard opt-out message used by most automated messaging systems, it typically prompts legitimate businesses to immediately remove you from their texting list. However, if the message in question is from a spammer and not a legitimate business, it’s probably better to select Spam when asked why you’re unsubscribing, as the STOP command likely won’t work against shady or non-compliant senders.

It’s honestly surprising it took Google this long to roll out a feature as straightforward as this. Part of me also believes that simply typing STOP yourself would be quicker than going through all the steps above.

Nonetheless, don’t worry if you don’t see this feature yet, it’s still in the process of rolling out. Currently, it’s being rolled out to select regions, including the US, UK, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Mexico, and Spain.

Google has also confirmed that this feature is available for RCS Business Messages (RBM) as well, and is in the process of being rolled out to users enrolled in the beta program for Google Messages. In the meantime, here’s how you can spot smishing texts easily.