How to privately rename text threads in Google Messages

February 13, 2025 4:57 PM

How to rename a text thread where only I can see the name (in Google Messages)???

In times of yore, when one renamed a text thread in Google Messages, only the namer could see the thread's new name. This was a supremely useful feature! If my wife and I were in a group thread with another couple, for instance, I could just name the thread "Couple's Surname(s)." Terrific!

Unfortunately, the default has recently switched to Apple's "texting is actually social media" bullshit, which means that if I try to rename a thread, everyone on the thread can see the name change. This sucks! Is there a way for me to go back to being able to name threads just for me? I tried to search for a solution online but I wasn't able to find anything workable. Thanks!

posted by saladin to Technology (2 answers total)

You can turn off RCS chat features in the Messages Settings. (Tap your user icon, select Messages Settings, then RCS Chat.) That would revert to the previous behavior. You might even try turning off RCS, changing the thread name, and turn it back on so you can continue enjoying RCS's beneficial features. You can also select half-measures like turning off read receipts and showing other users you're typing.

The main benefit of RCS is that you'll never get a message that obstinately refuses to download unless you switch off wifi; you'll never risk a partial message getting through because the MMS/SMS threads were often secretly sending your messages in many multiple parts due to stiflingly small bandwidth limits per-message.
posted by Sunburnt at 6:04 PM on February 13

Response by poster: Thanks Sunburnt. That worked for a couple of threads, but many of my long-running pre-existing threads (which used to be named but which lost their names during the RCS purge) immediately showed up as "unavailable" and couldn't be renamed.
posted by saladin at 4:07 AM on February 14