Nine Google Messages settings to change on a new Android phone

Google Messages looks simple until you dig into its options for RCS chats, read receipts, typing indicators, verification codes, nudity warnings, Gemini, spam filtering, bubbles and more. When I set up a new Android phone I quickly tweak several settings so I can text easily and privately, with fewer interruptions and less data sharing.

One priority is turning off Sensitive Content Warnings and removing Android System SafetyCore. The warnings can detect, blur and flag images on-device, but SafetyCore is an underlying system service that quietly appeared last year. To disable warnings: open Google Messages → profile → Messages settings → Protection and safety → Manage sensitive content warnings and make sure warnings are off.

To uninstall SafetyCore: Settings → Apps → See all apps → menu → Show system → find Android System SafetyCore → Uninstall. Note that uninstalling may affect features such as Spam protection and might affect sensitive lock-screen previews.

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