As you may know, Google removed the option to sign in Google Messages with QR Pairing. Now, they force you to do it ONLY with a Google account. People who don't have and don't want to create one, or people that just prefer QR pairing can still do it. But with a workaround:
- Download (or use) a Google Messages version that still allows QR pairing (like one from January 2026). It can be downloaded from Uptodown store. I tried installing it from an apk directly but it failed.
- Open the link: https://messages.google.com/web/authentication
- Sign in following the instructions on the screen.
Do it as soon as possible because Google might remove this option soon.
Thanks. A few months ago I tried going back ro stock pixel, and lasted only 2 days before feeling overwhelmed at the sheer amount of data being transferred and how much they constantly push for you to enable shit you don't want.
I hope more people can find their way out of big tech. One step at a time, and it can certainly be achieved. And it just keeps getting easier and easier as you go along.