Google Messages app increases end-to-end encryption group chat limit to 100 participants in Beta

1 min readUpdated May 28, 2025Jan 20, 20237:02 AM

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Google has been rolling out end-to-end encryption for group chats in its RCS Messages app and has reportedly completed the roll out to the Beta version. However, one limitation was that no more than 21 people could be added at a time for group chats to be eligible for encryption. Now it appears that Google is raising this limit to 100 people.

This new limit matches the current 100-participant limit on RCS group chats, so you will no longer have to worry about whether your group conversation is encrypted. This contrasts iMessage’s current limit of up to 32 people in a chat for E2EE support.

This change was not announced but rather found by Twitter user @SeeAreEff and reported on by Esper’s Mishaal Rahman and Android Police. Previously, if you added more than 20 people to a group chat, which equaled 21 including yourself, you would see the lock icon on the send button disappear. This is, of course, indicative that end-to-end encryption has been turned off.

Remember, though, that encryption in group chats is still in beta and can only be used if you are using the Beta version of Google’s Messages app. It is currently unknown when this feature will reach stable status and make it to the regular version of the app.

Meanwhile, you can check whether your group chat is encrypted by tapping on the group name at the top of the chat and checking the group details. There is a section dedicated to end-to-end encryption, which will let you know if the status is on and if your group conversations are safe from prying eyes.

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Questions & Answers

What was the previous limit for end-to-end encrypted group chats in the Google Messages app?

Previously, group chats could only be eligible for end-to-end encryption if no more than 21 people were added. If you added more than 20 people, the encryption would be turned off.

How does Google's new encryption limit compare to Apple's iMessage?

The new 100-participant limit for encrypted group chats in Google Messages contrasts with iMessage's current limit. IMessage supports end-to-end encryption for up to 32 people in a chat.

How can users check if their group chat is currently encrypted?

Users can check if a group chat is encrypted by tapping the group name at the top of the chat. The group details will include a section dedicated to end-to-end encryption, indicating its status.

When will the increased group chat encryption limit be available to all users?

The increased group chat encryption limit is currently available in the Beta version of Google's Messages app. It is unknown when this feature will reach stable status and be released to the regular version.