Using a beta version of an app can be an exciting opportunity, allowing users to experience new features before they are widely released. However, there are downsides, as beta apps can be prone to bugs and instability. A recent example comes from users of Google Messages, who encountered issues over the weekend when the beta version failed to properly handle image and link sharing.
Android smartphones running the beta version of Google Messages (20250610_00_RC02.phone.openbeta_dynamic) have reported difficulties forwarding images, videos, and links. This issue was highlighted by 9to5Google, and I confirmed the problem on my Pixel device using the same beta version. Whenever a user attempts to forward content from a chat, the app crashes.
Efforts to share content via Android’s share sheet were also unsuccessful, as the forward button for images in chats did not function. While sending media, links, or text messages is not entirely broken, users have to perform additional steps to share. For example, sharing a link requires copying and pasting the URL manually.
Users can still send videos and images within chats using the attachment icon, provided the media is saved on the device. Another significant issue users are facing is the inaccessibility of the Select recipients page, an essential feature for sharing items with contacts. This page normally provides quick access to recent contacts and an alphabetical list of all contacts, making sharing straightforward.
Fortunately, there is a fix. Users can exit the beta program through the Play Store by selecting Settings, then Apps, followed by Messages and tapping “Uninstall updates.” This will enable them to download the stable version.
For those who infrequently use the forwarding function, it might be wise to remain in the beta and wait for an updated version, which could arrive soon.
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