Google Messages update fixes something that always bothered me about Smart Replies

Google Messages update fixes something that always bothered me about Smart Replies

By Sanuj Bhatia
Publication Date: 2026-03-09 10:55:00

What you need to know

  • Google Messages is testing a new Smart Reply option that lets you edit preset responses before sending them.
  • The feature changes Smart Reply behavior from instant sending to inserting the reply into the text field first.
  • A new toggle in Settings > Suggestions lets users choose between Tap to send and Tap to draft replies.

Google Messages is adding a new Tap to draft option for Smart Replies that will make it easier to edit preset responses before sending them.

Google Messages has been testing several quality-of-life improvements over the past few months. The company recently started experimenting with the ability to copy only a part of a message, and also added real-time location sharing.