Do you know that you can send and receive text messages using your computer or laptop? With Android Messages, you can take a break from using your mobile phone and use your PC to text your friends instead.
Android Messages is a mobile app that replaces your phone’s default text messaging system. After installing the app, you will need to make Android Messages as your default SMS app. You can still open and read your text messages through the app, but you cannot send a message unless you set it as the default SMS app.
The app not only allows you to send text messages; you can also select or take pictures and videos directly from the app and share them easily. Android Messages also supports audio messages, stickers, emojis, and even your location.
How to Send and Receive Text Messages From Your Computer
First, you will need to install Android Messages on your mobile phone. After installing, set Messages as your default SMS app.
Tap the More Options menu on the top right side of the screen (indicated by 3 vertical dots), and then select Messages for Web.
Open https://messages.android.com on your computer. Click the Scan QR Code button and scan the QR code shown on the computer screen.
That’s it! You can now send and received text messages. Stickers and emojis are also available in the desktop version. You can even switch to a dark theme to make it easier for your eyes.
To send a text message, click New conversation and it will show you a list of your contacts.
Make sure that your phone remains connected to your Wi-Fi or mobile network to continue using Messages for Web. In any case, it will immediately alert you if your phone is disconnected from the Internet.
Android Messages works on devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop and above. I was able to install the app on an older phone running Android 4.4 KitKat and it still worked, but I cannot use the web version.
This app is extremely useful if you face the computer a lot and can’t be bothered to pick up your phone to read and answer your text messages. The main drawback is that to use Messages for Web, your phone needs to be connected to the Internet at all times to use, and this consumes significant battery power. Even then, it’s still a great way to liberate yourself from the tyranny of mobile phones, even if for just a short time.
