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Is Google Messages Not Playing GIFs in Chats? Here Is the Easy Fix.
The Issue: Frozen Reactions in RCS Chats
You expect your GIFs to loop perfectly. Instead, they sit frozen like static screenshots. This issue specifically affects the Google Messages beta, disrupting the flow of your conversations.
Users report this problem across Pixel, Samsung, and OnePlus devices. The glitch occurs only in the chat thread itself. If you tap the image to view it in full screen, the animation plays correctly. Furthermore, GIFs sent via standard MMS still function normally, which isolates the bug to the RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol within the beta build.
The Culprit: Beta Version 20251212
The root cause is the latest beta update. Tests confirm that version 20251212_00_RC01 contains the error.
In contrast, the stable version (20251121_00_RC02) handles GIF playback flawlessly. Beta software often carries such risks. Developers release these “Release Candidate” (RC) builds to catch bugs exactly like this one before they reach the general public. Your experience helps improve the final product, but it can be annoying effectively.
The Solution: Return to the Stable Version
The quickest fix is to leave the beta program. This action restores your app to the standard, reliable version.
Follow these steps to opt out:
- Open the Play Store on your device.
- Search for “Google Messages” and tap the app icon.
- Scroll down to the “You’re a beta tester” section.
- Tap “Leave” and confirm your choice.
- Uninstall the current beta version if prompted, or simply Uninstall Updates.
- Reinstall or update the app to the latest public version.
Once you complete this process, your GIFs will animate properly in the conversation view.
Temporary Workarounds
If you prefer to stay in the beta, you have limited options. Some users suggest toggling RCS chats off and on in your settings, though this success is often temporary.
You can also try clearing the app cache:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Google Messages.
- Select Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear cache.
However, until Google’s engineering team pushes a patch, rolling back to the stable build remains the only guaranteed fix. Be sure to use the Help & feedback option in the app menu to report this bug; user logs help engineers identify the code break faster.