Google Messages Begins Phasing Out Auto-Generated RCS Icons for Group Chats

Google Messages is set to enhance the group chat experience by introducing a feature that allows users to set custom profile photos. This represents a shift from the previously auto-generated icons that consist of initials and user profile pictures. The new functionality is currently being rolled out to select users on the latest beta build.

Accessing this feature is straightforward; users can find a pencil icon on the group info screen, which leads to options for selecting and cropping images directly from their device galleries. Initially, the custom group icons will only be visible to users who have the feature activated on their devices. As the rollout progresses, enhanced visibility and in-chat notifications are expected to improve user interaction with this new option.

This update is aimed at providing a more personalized touch to group chats, making it easier for participants to identify different chat groups. Currently, Google Messages generates icons for group chats based on the initials and profile pictures of members. While practical, this method can create confusion, especially for users with similar names or profile images.

Google has been working on overcoming this issue since December 2024, and the feature is now making its way to some users. To check if this feature is available, look for a Google Contacts-like UI with a pencil icon adjacent to the current group icon. Tapping this icon allows users to choose a custom image, with complete cropping and rotating capabilities.

However, once a custom image is set, reverting back to the default icon featuring initials is not an option. It remains uncertain whether all common image formats will be supported, and users will not be able to set GIFs as group icons. Furthermore, the new custom group photo will only be visible to those who also have the feature enabled, which may limit its immediate recognition.

In an ideal situation, widespread rollout would mean that the group icon change would be instantly noticeable to all users, accompanied by an in-chat prompt.