Google announced support for sensitive content warnings in Google Messages in October 2024, noting at the time that the feature would roll out in the coming months. Then, in April, the company got around to pushing the privacy feature to select users on the Messages beta channel. Now, almost 10 months after its initial announcement, Google is widely rolling out this important option to all Google Messages users on Android.
9to5Google reports that all Google Messages users should now have access to Sensitive Content Warnings. As the name indicates, the feature will automatically blur pictures with any nudity. So, you can delete such an image before viewing it. You’ll also get an option to block such senders. And if you want to view the image, you need to tap Next and then give your explicit permission.
The entire processing happens on-device, so you don’t need to worry about any sensitive photos being uploaded to Google’s servers.
Sensitive content warnings in Google Messages is only enabled by default for teen accounts. And for supervised accounts, the feature cannot be turned off, though parents can use the Family Link app to control it. For adult accounts, this is an optional feature and turned off by default.
To enable it, open Google Messages, tap your profile photo in the top-right corner, and select Messages settings. From there, scroll down and select Protection and safety > Manage sensitive content warnings. If you have a particularly old Android device, you may be prompted to download SafetyCore from the Play Store for the feature to work.
A small but important safety feature in Google Messages
With this feature enabled, Google Messages will blur nude photos and warn you before you send or forward one. You’ll need to swipe right on the warning as a confirmation. The additional step will ensure you don’t accidentally share unwanted photos with anyone.
The Sensitive content warnings page also contains a link to a resource page that can help you make responsible decisions or get help, if needed.
Do note that the sensitive content warning is limited to images only. It does not work for GIFs or video files.
