Messages for web starts rolling out new Google Account device pairing

As we previously spotted and enabled, Google Messages is now rolling out Google Account-based “Device pairing” that replaces QR codes.

Yesterday, we told you about how messages.google.com/web has been updated with Google Account support. At the time, however, the phone aspect was not yet available, but we’re now seeing it and able to try things out. 

Going to Messages on the web (or the wrapper-esque experience on Android tablets) will prompt you to confirm your Google Account (Gmail address). After tapping “Continue,” you’re instructed to “Open the Messages app on your phone” and “Match the emoji that shows up here and on your phone.” 

You’ll see three character choices on the “Trying to pair another device?” sheet. Once done, you are signed in.

Google has slightly updated the Messages web UI with a navigation drawer home to Archived, Spam & blocked, Settings, and Unpair. Previously, this was located in an overflow menu. (In fact, that old UI is still there when you use QR code sign-in, which still exists in its entirety today.)

In our testing, only one browser instance can be active at a time, just like with QR codes. However, a tablet can be simultaneously paired, and Google will specifically note/name what Android device is in use.

You can tell the new Google Account experience is rolled out by the updated Device pairing page in Messages. We’re only seeing it on one device running the latest beta release so far.

Old vs. new

More on Google Messages:

• Google Messages starts rolling out voice recorder redesign [U]
• Messages loses ‘Top contacts’ when starting new conversations
• New Google Messages homescreen adds a camera shortcut
• Google Messages rolling out voice memo support on Wear OS