If you are using Android 14 Beta 1 or Beta 1.1 on your Pixel device, it is advised that you do not download the latest Beta version of the Messages by Google app. As reported by 9to5Google, version 20230428_01_RC00 of the Beta crashes repeatedly when in dark mode and fails to open in light mode. This means that regardless of how you have configured your Android phone, you will be unable to run the Messages by Google app beta, rendering RCS unusable.
RCS, or Rich Communication Services, provides Android users with many of the same messaging features available on the iOS Messages app. This includes the ability to send higher quality and larger image files, without any character limits. Messages sent via the platform are end-to-end encrypted, and RCS users also receive read receipts, see typing indicators, and more. However, to take advantage of these features, all participants in a chat must use RCS.
If your Messages by Google Beta app is crashing on an Android 14 Beta release, it is recommended that you uninstall it. To do this, simply navigate to the app settings and uninstall the app.
But, if you have already installed the latest version of the Messages by Google Beta, there is a way to undo the damage. Press and hold the Messages icon on your home screen and tap the info icon (the “i” inside the circle on the left of the top lozenge). You will be directed to the App info page for the Messages app. Tap the three-dot overflow icon in the upper right-hand corner, and select the option to Uninstall updates. This will remove the latest Messages by Google Beta update, allowing RCS chat to work again on the Android 14 Beta.
Personally, I have not experienced any issues with the Messages by Google app on my Pixel 6 Pro, which is running the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3 update. This issue seems to be limited to those using the Messages by Google Beta on one of the two Android 14 Beta releases.
In addition to uninstalling the Messages by Google beta from your phone, you could choose to exit the Android 14 Beta program early. However, doing so will require you to wipe all of the data off your phone, which is something you should only consider if you have backed up everything. With that in mind, your best course of action is to uninstall the latest version of the Messages by Google beta app following the instructions mentioned above.
