Help Google Messages

[Talmid]

T-Mobile LG Stylo 3+, Android v7.0, Security patch level February 1, 2019.

Been texting in the same group message for months (same 4 participants). Now the app requires that I enter my phone number for group messages (SMS). Is this a new policy with the January update of Messages or have I been hacked? I can't find any info on this new behavior.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Hadron]

Far more likely to be due to an update of the Messages app. But as I don't use it myself I can't confirm.

 

[mikedt]

T-Mobile LG Stylo 3+, Android v7.0, Security patch level February 1, 2019.

Been texting in the same group message for months (same 4 participants). Now the app requires that I enter my phone number for group messages (SMS). Is this a new policy with the January update of Messages or have I been hacked? I can't find any info on this new behavior.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Maybe the change was made so recipients can reply by SMS to you? AFAIK you need a phone number to send and receive SMSs. This is just a guess of course, as I don't use Google Messages.

 

[Trom]

T-Mobile LG Stylo 3+, Android v7.0, Security patch level February 1, 2019.

Been texting in the same group message for months

Just a FYI, trade your messaging app out. Go to playstore try "Signal" it's free and open source, or "SMS Organizer", free from Microsoft and friends at MS have told me it gathers nothing. Your default text messaging app is not private.

 

[DonB]

It's probably related to a recent update, I believe using Google Duo also requires to enter your phone number, so if you don't want to give your personal number out, you can always give them your Google Phone number and it should still work the same.