Google Messages Tests @ Mentions in Group Chats, Lets Users Tag Contacts

The functionality is already found on other mainstream messaging apps, like WhatsApp and Apple Messages.

Google Messages is starting to test @ mentions in group chats. Users with the latest beta version can now tag others in group conversations by typing "@" and selecting a contact name as stored on their device. The app provides the option to edit the name before tagging, allowing people to remove details such as last names.

Tagged users get notified even if they have muted group alerts. Only a few users on Reddit say they have this update so far. When enabled, a prompt says, "Try @ to get their attention."

@ mentions are currently exclusive to Google Messages beta version 20251103_00_RC00 and are not widely available yet.