topic Re: Unsolicited Attachments in Google Messages in Get Support

Unsolicited Attachments in Google Messages

jaylong — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 06:26:04 GMT

In Google Messages, known contacts are sending what appear to be stand-alone attachments that have a download icon and read "HH:MM pm - Tap to download". But, these contacts tell me they're not sending attachments to me. I haven't opened any of the attachments because I'm concerned they could be malicious.

I started receiving these weird attachments today for the first time. Earlier this evening, I downloaded and scanned my phone using an anti-virus application but nothing was found. I'm using a Pixel 4 running Android 13 which last received a security update October 5th, 2022.

Is anyone else receiving unsolicited attachments from known contacts?

Re: Unsolicited Attachments in Google Messages

Phil_Adelphus — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 11:08:36 GMT

@jaylong Do you have MMS messaging enabled and cellular data turned on?

Re: Unsolicited Attachments in Google Messages

jaylong — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:30:20 GMT

Good questions @Phil_Adelphus . Yes, cellular data is turned on. Under Google Messages' settings, "Auto-download MMS" is enabled, but "Auto-download MMS when roaming" is turned off. I don't think that should make a difference as I haven't left town, but I've enabled "... when roaming" just in case.

Re: Unsolicited Attachments in Google Messages

Phil_Adelphus — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:54:28 GMT

@jaylong Hopefully that will work. Although it does seem unlikely I saw someone else on a forum say it worked for them. It seems to be a Pixel/Google Messages thing. Another thread I saw suggested long pressing on the Messages icon, selecting info and then clearing storage and cache. When I had an Android (not Pixel) this would only happen when someone sent a MMS when I had data turned off but obviously that's not your problem.

Re: Unsolicited Attachments in Google Messages

jaylong — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:46:59 GMT

Thanks @Phil_Adelphus I really appreciate your help. The attachments are group chats sent from an iPhone when "Auto-download MMS when roaming" is turned off even if you're not roaming. Android text messaging is so broken!!