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Google Messages for Web Dropping QR Pairing in Favor of Account Sign-In

A new in-app notice tells users to switch to Google Account sign-in with timing still unspecified.

Overview

  • Opening messages.google.com/web now surfaces a prompt stating that QR code pairing is going away soon.
  • Users are urged to sign in with a Google Account to stay connected and avoid interruption to Messages for web.
  • Google has not provided a specific removal date, offering only the indication that the change is coming soon.
  • Account-based access debuted in 2023 and involves entering credentials and confirming an emoji on the linked phone.
  • Messages for web also powers SMS and RCS on Android tablets as a Progressive Web App, and 9to5Google notes the shift could add steps for users not already signed in to Google services.