A bug in Google Messages has been causing the emoji reaction panel to unexpectedly appear when users open chats where the last received message is an image. This issue is primarily impacting those using the beta version of Google Messages, while the stable version does not seem to have the same problem. Currently, the only workaround for this bug is to send or receive a text message after opening a chat where the last message was an image. Google Messages has developed into a robust platform that supports SMS, MMS, and RCS messaging.
With a variety of advanced features being continuously added, the app has managed to get the basics right. Since the introduction of RCS support, Google Messages has allowed users to add visual feedback through message reactions. However, this new bug—or possible feature—has caused the emoji reaction panel to pop up too frequently. It happens whenever users open a chat with the last received message being an image.
Although this issue is not widespread, several users have reported similar frustrations on Reddit, and our own tests confirmed it, specifically on devices running the beta build. The annoyance stems from the fact that the emoji reaction panel appears every time users open a chat under the specified conditions, regardless of attempts to clear app cache or force close the app. This leads to unintentional emoji taps, complicating the messaging experience by requiring an extra step to dismiss the reaction panel. So far, testing on the stable version of Google Messages has shown no signs of this bug.
Until Google addresses this glitch, users either have to switch to the stable channel or adjust to the extra step in their messaging flow. We’ve reached out to Google for clarification and will provide updates if we receive a response.
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