To react to a text on your Android phone, you use emoji reactions in the Google Messages app, there is no dedicated “like” button. This feature lets you quickly acknowledge a message with a heart, thumbs-up, or other emoji, making it the Android equivalent of iPhone’s Tapbacks.
Which messaging app supports reactions?
Only Google Messages supports emoji reactions on Android. Samsung Messages does not offer any reaction or expression feature, such as a thumbs-up or heart. On iPhone, reactions are called Tapbacks and are accessed by touching and holding a message bubble. On iPhone, double-tap a message bubble to open Tapbacks as an alternative to touch-and-hold. On iPhone, Tapback options include any sticker, Memoji, or emoji in addition to the six standard reactions. Android’s approach is similar but limited to the Google Messages app and specific regions.
Step-by-step: reacting to a message in Google Messages
- Open the Google Messages app on your Android device.
- Open the conversation that contains the message you want to react to.
- Tap and hold the message bubble until a menu appears.
- Select an emoji reaction from the available options.
That’s all you need to do. The reaction will appear on the message, visible to both you and the sender. Google says you must connect Google Messages to an Android device to use reactions.
Where do text reactions work?
Reactions for SMS and MMS messages in Google Messages are available only in the USA, France, Canada, and Australia. If you are outside these countries, the reaction option will not appear, even if you are using Google Messages.
What can you react to?
You can only react to text within SMS and MMS messages. Reactions do not work on media such as photos or videos received through MMS. If you try to react to a picture or video, the option will not be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I react to a text on a Samsung phone?
No. Samsung Messages does not support message reactions or expressions like thumbs-up or heart. You must use Google Messages to react to texts on Android.
Can I react to photos or videos in Google Messages?
No. Reactions are only supported for text in SMS and MMS messages. You cannot react to photos, videos, or other media attachments.
Why don’t I see the reaction option in Google Messages?
The reaction feature is region-locked. It is only available in the USA, France, Canada, and Australia for SMS and MMS. If you are in a different country or using a messaging app other than Google Messages, the option will not appear. Also, ensure you are using the latest version of Google Messages.
Will the sender be notified if I react to their message?
Yes, the reaction appears on the message in the conversation, so the sender will see it when they open the thread. Some messaging apps may also send a notification, but this depends on the app and settings.
Can I remove a reaction after adding it?
Yes. Tap and hold the reacted message again, then select a different emoji or tap the same one to remove the reaction. This works in Google Messages as long as the feature is supported.
Do reactions work with text messaging and T-Mobile texts?
Yes, reactions work with standard SMS and MMS, including text messaging and T-Mobile texts, as long as you are using Google Messages in a supported region. The feature is not carrier-specific but depends on the app and your location.
