Google is tweaking its Messages app’s “profile sharing” feature to make it easier for users to assign custom names and photos to their contacts.
This means you can now personalize how your stored contacts and text message recipients appear on your device.
According to 9to5Google, a previous update rolled out late last year had overridden user-set names and photos with the profile information shared by the contacts themselves. Thankfully, the new change lets users regain control and assign preferred names and avatars to friends, family, and colleagues.
The profile-sharing feature, first introduced in late 2023, aligns with Google’s ongoing efforts to promote RCS (Rich Communication Services). Its functionality closely resembles the “Contact Posters” feature on iPhones. Android Authority reported back in October that Google had already been exploring ways to reintroduce custom profile photo options after the earlier update disrupted this ability.
Google’s support page for Messages has also been updated, providing a step-by-step guide for setting up local contact photos. Users can now tap on a contact’s name or picture within a Google Messages chat, navigate to the details page, and select a preferred photo. You can easily switch between the contact’s shared profile photo or your own custom version, giving you more flexibility in organizing your contact list.
This update not only enhances personalization but also showcases Google’s responsiveness to user feedback, ensuring the app remains user-centric and competitive.
