Reply to a message in Google Chat

There are several ways to reply to a message in Google Chat. You can:

• Reply in the conversation.
• Reply in a thread to a message in a conversation.
• Quote a message in your reply.
• Use a reply suggestion.
• React to a message.

Respond to a message

2. Open a conversation.
3. In the reply area, enter a message.
4. Tap Send 👁 Image
   .

React to a message

You can send emoji reactions to respond to your messages in Google Chat.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chat app 👁 Image
   or Gmail app 👁 Image
   .
   • In Gmail: At the bottom, tap Chat 👁 Image
     .
2. Open a conversation.
3. To send a reaction:
   • Add a thumbs up: Double tap the message.
   • Add an emoji: Tap and hold the message or tap 👁 Image
     .
   • Use recent emojis: Tap and hold the message and select one of the recent emoji options.

Reply in a thread

Important: You can reply to any messages. Your reply creates a separate thread. Learn more about threads in Chat conversation.

2. In the bottom navigation menu, tap Spaces 👁 Image
   .
3. Open a conversation.
4. Tap and hold a message.
5. Tap Reply in thread.
6. In the reply area, enter your message.
7. Tap Send 👁 Image
   .

Tips:

• To open a thread with replies, tap the reply counter at the bottom of the threaded message.
• To find all threads in a conversation, at the top right, tap Thread 👁 Image
  .

Quote a message in your reply

Important: When you quote a message, the quoted content displays the original message. If the original message is deleted or edited, the quoted content isn’t updated in your reply.

2. Open a conversation.
3. Tap and hold the message.
4. From the available message actions, tap Quote in reply.
5. Enter your message.
6. Tap Send 👁 Image
   .

Get suggestions for quick replies

To respond to messages quickly, turn on Smart Reply. When Smart Reply is on, you can find suggestions above the reply area in Chat.

Turn on Smart Reply in Chat

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chat app 👁 Image
   .
2. At the top left, tap Menu 👁 Image
   👁 and then
   Settings.
3. Next to “Smart Reply,” tap the toggle.

Go to Chat settings

Turn on Smart Reply in Gmail

1. On your Android phone or table, open the Gmail app 👁 Image
   .
2. At the top left, tap Menu 👁 Image
   👁 and then
   Settings.
3. Select your email account.
4. Next to “Smart Reply in Chat,” tap the box.

Tips:

• To reply, select a suggestion below the message. You can edit the suggestion before you reply.
• Before you can turn on Smart Reply, enable smart features and personalization in Gmail. Learn more about smart features & controls.

Related resources

• Send a direct message
• Mark a conversation as read or unread