Google Messages Tests One-Tap Voice Notes in RCS Chats
Google Messages beta adds a single-tap voice recording option for RCS chats, simplifying the current two-step process. Limited testing is underway.
Google Messages is testing a one-tap voice-recording option in RCS chats, according to a report from androidauthority.com. The feature aims to simplify how users start a voice note.
Currently, sending a voice message requires either tapping the waveform icon and then the microphone icon, or long-pressing the waveform icon. The new option would reduce this to a single tap.
The change was spotted in the Google Messages beta version messages.android_20260921_01_RC00. The single-tap voice recording feature is currently in limited beta testing.
Other messaging apps already offer similar shortcuts. WhatsApp for Android has a single-tap voice recording feature, while Telegram uses a long press to begin a voice message.
Google Messages is also working on a persistent search icon in chats and a revamp of pinned chats, though details on those changes remain limited.
Quick answers
How does the new voice recording work in Google Messages?
It lets you start recording a voice note with a single tap, instead of tapping the waveform icon and then the microphone icon, or long-pressing the waveform icon.
Is the one-tap voice recording available to everyone?
No, it is currently in limited beta testing in the Google Messages beta version messages.android_20260921_01_RC00.
Do other messaging apps have one-tap voice recording?
WhatsApp for Android already has a similar single-tap voice recording feature. Telegram uses a long press to begin a voice message.