Google Messages Adds 'Unsubscribe' Button to Fight SMS and RCS Spam

Google Messages has introduced a new "Unsubscribe" feature that will assist users in dealing with unwanted SMS and RCS messages from companies. The feature is intended to improve user experience by offering an easy means of opting out of promotional and non-essential content. Here's a comprehensive overview:

 

Key Highlights
 

Feature Overview:

 

The "Unsubscribe" button shows up at the end of business messages or in the conversation's overflow menu.

 

Tapping the button sends a "STOP" command to the sender and thus opts out from receiving more messages.

 

Supported Message Types:

 

The feature is for RCS Business Messages in India, the United States, Brazil, France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

 

It also handles SMS/MMS messages from short codes (5-6 digit codes) and alphanumeric senders in the US.

 

User Interaction:

 

After tapping "Unsubscribe," a sheet appears prompting users to enter the reason for unsubscribing, e.g., "Spam," "Too many messages," or "No longer interested."

 

Users can also mark the sender as spam while doing so.

 

Post-Unsubscribe Options

 

After unsubscribing, users can still get important messages such as OTPs or boarding passes sent from the company on request.

 

There is a "Subscribe" button in the overflow menu for users willing to re-enable messages from the sender.

 

Gradual Rollout:

 

The feature is rolled out gradually and comes with the current stable release of Google Messages (version 20250409_01_RC00).

 

Impact on User Experience:

 

This release enables users to control their inboxes, minimizing spam and maximizing communication preferences.

 

Companies will be required to honor unsubscribe requests, increasing transparency and trust.

 

This news shows Google's focus on enhancing its messaging platform and responding to user issues related to spam and unwanted messages.

 

Sources: Android Authority, 9to5Google