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Google Messages Beta Clutters Android Launchers with Duplicate Icons

The issue arises from duplicate launcher entries in the beta manifest that trick Android into displaying multiple icons for the same app.

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Google Messages is slowly taking over Samsung and Pixel users' screens

Overview

  • The Google Messages beta version 20250811_03_RC00 is causing two or more icons to appear in app drawers and suggestions on Pixel and Samsung devices without affecting core messaging functions.
  • Technical analysis by Android Authority attributes the duplication to an unintended android.intent.category.LAUNCHER intent filter added to a second activity in the app’s manifest.
  • Tapping any of the duplicate icons launches the same Google Messages app, confirming that functionality remains intact despite the clutter.
  • Workarounds such as exiting the beta, uninstalling updates or hiding app instances have yielded inconsistent outcomes, with some users reporting up to three icons after reinstalling.
  • With no official Google statement or patch timeline reported, users seeking stability are recommended to revert to the stable release until an update resolves the issue.