Google Messages Beta Adds Option to Copy Specific Text Messages
Google is rolling out a long-requested feature in the latest beta version of its messaging app. The new update allows users to copy only a selected portion of a message instead of copying the entire text, addressing a long-standing limitation in the app.
The feature appears in Google Messages beta version 20260306 and has already been spotted on some devices. While it is not yet available to all beta users, the rollout suggests Google is gradually enabling the functionality across supported devices.Does Chevron Accept Google pay?
Key Takeaways
What new feature is coming to Google Messages?
The latest beta version allows users to select and copy only a specific portion of a text message instead of copying the entire message.
How do users select part of a message?
Users can now long-press a message and drag across the text to highlight and copy only the desired portion.
Is the feature available to everyone?
No. The feature appears to be rolling out gradually and is currently visible only to some beta users.
Which version of Google Messages includes this feature?
The feature has been spotted in Google Messages beta version 20260306.
New Text Selection Feature in Google Messages
Google Messages has long allowed users to copy messages by long-pressing on them. However, the app previously forced users to copy the entire message, even if they only needed a small portion of the text.
This limitation has been a common complaint among Android users, especially when dealing with longer messages that contain:
- one-time passwords (OTPs)
- links
- addresses
- verification codes
- specific instructions within longer text threads
The new beta feature solves this issue by introducing a text-selection interface similar to what users see in most document editors.
With the update, users can long-press a message and then drag across the text to highlight the exact section they want to copy.
How the New Copy Feature Works
Once the feature is enabled on a device, the process becomes much more straightforward.
- Long-press any text message in a conversation.
- Drag across the message to highlight the portion you want.
- Tap the copy option to copy the selected text.
If a user still wants to copy the entire message, the original Copy button remains available.
This small change eliminates a workaround many users previously relied on. In the past, users often had to copy the entire message into a notes app or text editor and then manually select the relevant portion.
Staged Rollout Currently Underway
Early testing suggests that Google is deploying the feature through a staged rollout. Some users running the same beta version can access the new text selection option, while others cannot yet see it.
For example, the feature has reportedly appeared on a OnePlus 13R device running the Google Messages beta version 20260306. However, other devices with the same version of the app still lack the functionality.
Staged rollouts are common for Google apps, allowing the company to monitor performance and address potential bugs before expanding availability.
How to Enable Google Messages Beta
Users who want early access to new features can join the beta testing program.
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for Google Messages.
- Scroll down to the beta testing section.
- Tap Join the Beta Program.
- Wait for the beta update to install.
Once enrolled, users receive experimental features before they reach the stable version of the app.
Why This Small Change Matters for Android Users
Although the feature may appear minor, it solves a practical problem for millions of Android users.
When messages contain mixed information such as verification codes, URLs, or instructions, copying the entire message can be inconvenient. Selecting only the needed portion saves time and simplifies everyday tasks like logging into accounts or sharing links.
Because Google Messages now serves as the default messaging app on many Android flagship phones, improvements like this can have a broad impact on user experience.
FAQs
Will this feature come to the stable version of Google Messages?
Most beta features eventually reach the stable release, but Google has not confirmed a timeline yet.
Does the feature work on all Android phones?
It should work on devices running Google Messages once the feature rollout reaches them.
Do users need to update the app to access it?
Yes. Users must have Google Messages beta version 20260306 or later.
Is this available globally?
The rollout appears to be global but limited to select beta users so far.
Summing Up
Google Messages beta version 20260306 introduces a simple yet highly practical improvement: the ability to copy specific parts of a text message. By allowing users to highlight and copy only the text they need, the update removes a long-standing frustration for Android users.
As the staged rollout continues, the feature will likely reach more beta users before eventually appearing in the stable version of the app.