In an exciting update, Google Messages has unveiled a feature that enables users to set their own photos for contacts, marking a significant departure from the earlier "profile sharing" paradigm. This change comes as a response to user feedback expressing dissatisfaction with the previous system, which often replaced personalized contact photos with generic Google Account pictures.

Last year, Google implemented "profile sharing"—formerly known as "profile discovery"—allowing users to define what name and photo appear in the Messages app. Unfortunately, this led to the loss of individualized contact images, frustrating many who appreciated the personalization enabled by the previous system.

Now, users can reclaim their customization by accessing the new "Set as chat picture" feature. To make the switch, simply tap on the contact's name or profile picture at the top of the conversation. This will lead you to the details page, where you can see a small circular image. From there, a user-friendly interface appears, allowing you to toggle between the "Google profile picture" and your own "Contacts picture."

Once you've selected your preferred image, just swipe to confirm it as your chat picture. This instantly applies the custom image throughout your chats in Google Messages, restoring the level of personalization users had been missing.

This functionality was rolled out over the past month in both beta and stable versions of Google Messages (version 20241120). A support article from Google outlines the straightforward process, illustrating just how easy it is to personalize your messaging experience.

This user-focused update represents a broader trend within tech companies: responding to user preferences and enhancing customization options. As we rely more on messaging apps for communication, the importance of personal touches is paramount. For those who enjoy keeping their interactions unique and visually appealing, this feature will certainly be a welcome addition.

So, if you’re tired of seeing generic images and want to reclaim the personal touch in your text conversations, head over to Google Messages and customize your contacts today! You won't want to miss out on making your messaging experience truly yours—because who wants the same stale, corporate-looking profile photos as everyone else?