Google Messages is getting a new weapon to keep you safe from impersonation scams heres how it works

Date:
Tue, 26 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Description:
A new feature has been spotted in Google Messages beta that allows you to verify your contacts' devices with a QR code.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Google has rolled out a Messages feature in beta that lets you use QR codes to
verify the device of the person you're texting It's Google Messages' new security measure, which is designed to prevent impersonation scams Google revealed last year that it would be rolled out to users in 2025

It seems as though a new security measure is on the way to Google Messages,
as the company has begun rolling out a new QR code feature in the latest
beta, which verifies the device of the person youre chatting with.

First spotted by 9to5Google , Googles new verification tool in Messages aims to prevent impersonation scams. Before, you could verify contacts by tapping Verify encryption, presenting an 80-digit code that you can share with the other person to verify your device and vice versa.

While Google Messages has always had a verification feature, its new QR code approach provides a more convenient way to prove the identity of the person youre texting with. In that case, if someone were to break into a
conversation pretending to be a contact, Google can check if their device is verified and alert you if its suspicious of odd activity.

The outlet also states that Google will be bringing it to Android 9+ devices this year, but where can you find it in the beta? (Image credit: 9to5Google)

If you have access, open the Google Messages app and click into a conversation. When you tap the contacts name, it will open the Details page, which displays the End-to-end encryption section and youll want to tap
Verify encryption.

In addition to the existing 80-digit code option, therell also be an option
to scan your contacts QR code. Messages will also prompt you to ask the other person to scan your QR code in return, allowing Google to verify each device. To view the verification status, you can view them in the Connected apps section of your devices Contacts app; however, this integration hasnt gone live yet, according to 9to5Google.

Recently, the company has been working around the clock to give its Messages service much-needed upgrades like its new Delete for everyone function and now its doubling down on its security measures.

In October last year, Google unveiled plans to improve spam protection in Messages, following the addition of an unsubscribe button to prevent unwanted spam messages and a sensitive content warning tool , both of which rolled out in April. Wed expect the QR function to arrive before the end of the year,
but an exact date hasnt been revealed yet. You might also like Made by Google showcase recap meet the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 4 and more Google is giving free Gemini users access to Veo 3 AI video generation this weekend Google teases mysterious Nest smart speaker and it looks like a HomePod Mini crossed with an Echo Dot



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/google-messages-is-getting-a-new- weapon-to-keep-you-safe-from-impersonation-scams-heres-how-it-works


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