Google Allo is not a Hangouts replacement, and it is a messaging app that is competing against Apple’s iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and all the rest. Without any doubt, it definitely got some amazing features that make it stand out from the other messaging apps available.
Let’s take a closer look at the 15 tips and tricks to get the most out of Google Allo without any further ado.
1. Meet The Google Assistant
Do you know what the hottest feature of Allo is? It’s Google Assistant. Yes, that’s right, Google Assistant is also available on Google Allo other than Pixel smartphones and Google Home. Google Assistant is the ultimate chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to bring you answers in a conversational manner. Allo works across almost all Android devices and the iPhone; you could say that nearly all smartphones are compatible.
You can have a one-on-one conversation with Google Assistant in Allo; you can either type your query or use your voice to dictate (tap the microphone button and start talking). Then the assistant will lead it to reply with the relevant information.
To summon a Google Assistant in the middle of a conversation with someone else, type “@google” and then type or say your query.
2. “Ok Google” Commands
Google Assistant supports all the ‘Ok Google‘ commands, which let you do tons of awesome stuff. Check out 120+ Cool “Ok Google” Commands You Should Know to get the most out of Google Assistant. To apply these commands, open the Google Assistant and type or say any of them. You can also apply ‘Ok Google’ commands in the middle of a conversation with someone else by simply typing “@google” followed by the commands.
3. Start Incognito Chat
Allo has a useful feature called “Incognito chats,” which makes your chats end-to-end encrypted and can only be seen by you and the person you’re chatting with. Not even all-mighty Google can read any of your messages. Here’s how to start a chat in incognito mode:
- From the Contacts list, tap the person’s name you want to start an incognito chat with. You can also search for the person’s name or number.
4. Self-Destruct Your Messages
Another amazing feature that comes with incognito chat is the self-destruction of your messages. Yes! that’s right, self-destruction, by default, all your conversations in incognito mode will disappear after 1 hour, but you can change it yourself. Here’s is how you can change it:
- Now, select the timer you find best (Never, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day, or 1 week).
5. Awesome Sticker Packs
Google got tons of awesome stickers for you created by different artists. If you want to download new sticker packs, tap the Plus icon. Under the sticker section, tap the add sticker icon, and Google’s entire collection of available sticker packs will be listed out; you can download all of them.
6. Easy Video Sharing
Sharing a video on Instant Messengers is tedious work: search for video >> copy the link >> come back to a chat conversation >> paste the link. But you can add Google Allo to the exception list. You can easily share a video on Allo by simply typing or saying “@google [mention the video name]” in conversation. In response, Google Assistant will put the video right down in the chat.
7. Change Your Allo Phone Number
Sometimes we change our mobile number when we move to a new place. And in case you need to change your Google Allo number, you can change it; Allo allows that, and you can change it without losing any of your account information.
- Choose “Unregister phone number. “ And follow the procedures to change the number.
You can send your location in Messenger to let your friends and family know where you are. To do this, tap the Plus icon. Under the location section, tap to send your current location.
9. Check your email
Feeling too lazy to open up another app to check emails, then let Google Assistant do this for you. Just open the Google Assistant and type or say “show me my emails,” It will show you your latest emails.
10. Smart Replies
Give your thumbs a little bit of rest; why? Thanks to Google Assistant integration, Allo saves you from the hassle of typing responses to basic messages. By analyzing the message received, Allo can automatically offer you suggestions on what you should reply with. And if you let Allo analyze your typing pattern, then it will offer more personalized suggestions over time.
11. Block Someone On Allo
12. Play Games To Kill Time
Have some time to kill? Then why not check out the games you can have on Allo. Allo offers both multiplayer games and single-player games.
For single-player gaming, open the Google Assistant chat and type or dictate “play games.” And you can have these games: Chat games, Quiz games, Doodle games, and Classic games (Tic-tac-toe and Solitaire).
You can start playing games with your chat mates by simply typing “@google” in chat and then type or say “play games.” And in response, Google Assistant serves you these games: Emoji Movies, Emoji Riddle, Emoji Party, and more are on the way.
13. Change Your Google Allo Account
You can switch to a different Google account for Allo. In case you need to change your Google Allo Account, you have to disconnect from the currently connected account. To do this, tap Menu >> Settings >> Google Account, and then under the listed account, tap DISCONNECT to disconnect.
Now, again tap on Google Account, then choose “Add account” and follow the Sign-in procedure.
14. Google Allo Built-in Search
Are you still scrolling back through old messages whenever you need to find an important message sent by someone? You don’t have to do this; Allo had a built-in search feature to ease your search. Just enter the phrase you’re looking for.
15. Send Voice Messages
Like WhatsApp, Allo also included the feature to send voice messages to your contacts. To do this, long-press the microphone to record and let go when you’re done.
That’s all. Let us know in the comments which ones you like, and if we missed any good ones! Follow us and Subscribe to our newsletter and get daily updates to your Inbox.
