These are my favorite Google Messages screen effects

Google messages Shield effects give a funny touch on everyday chat, but you may not have met this cool feature. It is not well known and the animations do not have to be selected specifically as a emoji Or a gif. They also show up if you write a specific sentence, with just a few dozen available.

They are still well worth knowing about, so we will explain what sentences trigger them and a few other things you need to know. I also want to share my 10 favorites.

Google introduced shield effects back in 2023 to celebrate a billion Rcs (Rich communication services) users. It was also part of the wider pressure to make RCS messages more engaging and competitive with Apple’s Imessage. Like how iPhones let users send texts with visual effects, Google messages automatically animate certain words, and add some personality to calls.

Although the function is not widely advertised, it has quietly expanded over time, with new effects introduced to holidays, celebrations and even everyday phrases. These effects are not something you choose manually – they are built into the chat experience, and automatically activate when the correct trigger words are used.

How do I turn on shield effects in Google messages?

Google messages shield effects are easy to use, but you need RCs to activate to function. This modern option to SMS is usually already enabled on recent phones, but you can check your settings if you are struggling to make the animations work. Here’s how you do.

1. Open Google messages.
2. Tap your Profile icon or Three-pot menu in the upper right corner.
3. Select Message Settings > Rcs cats.
4. Ensure Turn on RCS -Chatter is activated.

The effects should work the most modern Android phones Running the latest version of Google messages. If you do not see them, it may be worth checking if animations are disabled in the phone’s availability settings. For example, on Samsung Galaxy S24, which goes to Settings > Availability > Vision improvements showing an exchange for Reduce animationswhich you want to secure is turned off.

By the way, you may think that shield effects are not working because you do not get an animation when you write I love you or Sounds good. Don’t worry, it’s not you – Google removed the shield effects from these sentences. It is not clear if it is because they are too ordinary and these animations are meant to be a bit of an Easter egg, but at least you know the reason. We have much more you can try.

My favorite animations in Google messages

Now that you know how they work, let’s explore some of the best effects Google messages have to offer. We will also give you a list of others you can try. Remember that these only trigger if you print the exact phrase – alternative spellings will not cut it.

1. Goes to the beach Is one of my favorite pastime, so I like the little animation of blue waves and beach balls that the term triggers. Summer sun Praying for the same screen.

2. Writing Rise and shine Submit a nice sunrise, which is one of the shield effects you can use more regularly compared to the high themes. It also takes the edge of what may be a slightly passive-aggressive message to a friend you will soon meet.

3. While the standard Haha or Lol messages do not have animations attached, I write in particular Hahahaha,, Lolll (with three ls), or Lololol Notice a couple of laughingly inflatable tube men. Although accurate spelling is important, all these words and sentences can be over or lower.

4. If your friend or family member has just told a bad joke, answer with Boo (Three OS) will ensure that the screen receives the rotten tomato treatment.

5. For a frosty feeling, write Snowman For some wintery effects and snowflakes. There must be other questions about triggering this effect but Snow and Winter Provide a much less visually pleasant animation.

6. Many of the shield effects are the feast themes and writes Deceive or treat Provides a ghoulish lightning strike followed by a black cat coming from a pumpkin. This is one of the coolest animations for me, and a number of other sentences that Pumpkin cutting,, Pumpkin,, Jack-o-lanternand HAPPY HALLOWEEN can also trigger it.

7. As with Halloween -ene you have several months to wait before you can use Autumn colors In context, but it’s good enough to try it anyway. You get the same shield effect from Autumn colors, Autumn Leavesor Fall leaves.

8. We all look forward to warmer times ahead, which you can start for a friend by sending them Spring has sprung in a text. They will be entertained by a nice animation of flowers and bees.

9. Perhaps it will not last too long in the current political climate but to write Pride parade Triggers a cool animation showing a procession of hands fans with flags from the LGBT+ community.

10. Of the Holiday Screens Effects, Happy Lunar New Year Is one of the funniest and sends dragons as a spiral over your text messages. Write Happy Chinese New Year Puts of the same animation.

How many Google messages shield effects are there?

This is not an easy question to answer as Google does not publish the list, and it develops over time. You have also noticed that the number of animations is not the same as the number of questions, as several words or expressions can trigger the same animation.

At the time of writing, we are aware of at least 40 questions about about two dozen shield effects, but there may be more. Some of those who did not make my favorite list include:

Have you found someone else? Let us know in the comments below!