Google Messages Is Finally Getting @ Mentions in RCS Group Chats


Group chats have become a core part of how we stay connected—whether coordinating with family, planning events with friends, or simply sharing moments throughout the day. While Google Messages offers reliable RCS chat features, it has lagged behind other platforms in one surprisingly basic area: @ mentions.

That gap may soon close. According to a growing number of user reports, Google Messages is very close to officially launching @ mentions in RCS group conversations.

@ Mentions Begin Appearing for Some Users

The earliest hints of this feature appeared in March, followed by more detailed reports in June. Now, users on Reddit are sharing screenshots showing @ mentions live in RCS group chats on Google Messages version 20251103_00_RC00 beta.

While the feature doesn’t seem to be widely available just yet, its presence in beta strongly suggests that a broader rollout is on the horizon.

Once activated, typing “@” in a group chat triggers a prompt encouraging users to “Try @ to get their attention,” with the interface highlighting suggested contacts.

A Look at How the Feature Works

Leaked screenshots and user feedback reveal the following behavior:

  • Mentioned users receive a notification even if they have muted the group chat.

  • Mentions display using the contact names saved on your device, and users can shorten names before inserting them (e.g., using “John” instead of “John Smith”).

  • Unsaved contacts are displayed as @ followed by their phone number.

  • iPhone users participating in an RCS group will not receive mention notifications.

  • The feature appears to activate on certain devices—such as the Pixel 10—through server-side updates rather than app-only updates.

For many Android users, this long-requested feature feels overdue, especially since Apple’s Messages app and platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal have offered similar tools for years.

As Google continues improving the RCS experience, many users choose to upgrade their Android phones to enjoy new messaging features. If you're planning a switch, Smart Transfer, a third-party file sharing app, can streamline the process. The app allows you to quick share photos, videos, contacts, and media between devices or even clone an Android phone entirely during setup. Its fast, wireless transfer capabilities ensure all your essential data moves safely to your new device—making your transition smooth and worry-free as Google Messages evolves.

Why Google Is So Late to the Party

It’s no secret that Google Messages has trailed behind competitors in implementing group chat essentials. Whether the delay was due to RCS limitations or internal development hurdles is unclear, but users have been vocal about the missing functionality for years.

Now that the feature is finally emerging, it marks an important step forward for Google's broader mission of enhancing the RCS ecosystem.

The Wait Is Nearly Over

Even though @ mentions are not yet available for everyone, the fact that they are already showing up in beta versions indicates a near-term release. Android users who rely heavily on group messaging will likely welcome this upgrade with open arms.

Google Messages may still have catching up to do, but this long-overdue improvement proves that progress is happening—one feature at a time.


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