Google Messages is moving closer to completely removing the convenient QR code pairing method for its desktop web app.
In the v20260511 beta version of the Android app, the built-in QR code scanner option has vanished entirely.
Users will be forced to link their devices and access the web app exclusively via their Google account credentials.
Google Messages’ web app has been warning users that it won’t allow QR code pairing for much longer. Users will instead have to sign in using their Google account credentials. It seems the change will soon extend to the Android app as well, so you might have to get used to signing in with your Google credentials.
You’re reading an Authority Insights story. Subscribe to our new Authority Insights newsletter for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won’t find anywhere else.
With Google Messages v20260511 beta, we’re no longer seeing the QR code pairing option within the app.
