Messages for web rolls out Google Account ‘Device pairing’ [U]

Abner Li | Dec 18 2023 - 12:32 am PT

As we previously spotted and enabled, Google Messages is now rolling out Google Account-based “Device pairing” that replaces QR codes.

Update 12/18: In the past week, Google looks to have widely launched the new account-based “Device pairing” to stable. Users are greeted by a “Message on your other devices” prompt: “Continue your conversations when you sign in to your Google Account from your other devices.”

To check if it’s live on your device, tap your profile image in the top-right corner and open “Device pairing.” Visit messages.google.com/web to continue.

Original 10/31: Yesterday, we told you about how messages.google.com/web has been updated with Google Account support. At the time, however, the phone aspect was not yet available, but we’re now seeing it and able to try things out.

Going to Messages on the web (or the wrapper-esque experience on Android tablets) will prompt you to confirm your Google Account (Gmail address). After tapping “Continue,” you’re instructed to “Open the Messages app on your phone” and “Match the emoji that shows up here and on your phone.”

You’ll see three character choices on the “Trying to pair another device?” sheet. Once done, you are signed in.

Google has slightly updated the Messages web UI with a navigation drawer home to Archived, Spam & blocked, Settings, and Unpair. Previously, this was located in an overflow menu. (In fact, that old UI is still there when you use QR code sign-in, which still exists in its entirety today.)

In our testing, only one browser instance can be active at a time, just like with QR codes. However, a tablet can be simultaneously paired, and Google will specifically note/name what Android device is in use.

You can tell the new Google Account experience is rolled out by the updated Device pairing page in Messages. We’re only seeing it on one device running the latest beta release so far.

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