Tap the 'Priority' line, then tap 'Apply' to save the changes.Īnd that's it: The next time that person messages you, you'll see their profile picture in place of the standard Messages icon in your status bar, and the notification will show up in a special section above any other alerts.

That'll pull up a screen that looks a little somethin' like this:.

The next time you get a message from someone, press and hold your finger to the notification.

(And honestly, if your phone isn't running Android 11 at this point, you've got bigger fish to fry.)

The only catch is that your phone needs to be running 2020's Android 11 operating system or higher for the feature to be available. That icon will then show up at the top of your phone whenever that person messages you for extra-easy visibility and access. We'll start with what might be my favorite little-known trick for Google's Android Messages app: With a couple quick adjustments, you can turn any of your contacts' faces into a custom notification icon. Custom notifications for important people Especially if you're coming from the world of Samsung's wildly unnecessary self-made Messages alternative, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.) Android Messages tricks for reading and receiving messages 1. (If you're using a phone where the Android Messages app wasn't preinstalled or set as the default, by the way, you can download it from the Play Store and give it a whirl. And they might just help you have a more pleasant experience, too. They may not be able to cut down on the number of messages you send and receive on your phone (DAMN IT, CRISSY!), but they will help you spend less time fussing with 'em. Today, we'll explore the Android Messages app's most effective out-of-sight superpowers. If you're only relying on what you see on the surface within Android Messages, though, you're missing out on some of its most powerful and underappreciated efficiency-enhancing options.

Google's Android Messages app has gotten surprisingly good over the years. My fellow Android adorer, I'm here to tell you there's a better way.

Google go to messaging