The newest Google Messages beta update has introduced an unexpected annoyance—a dual-icon bug in the app drawer. Users report seeing two identical Google Messages icons side-by-side after installing the latest build, creating confusion and unnecessary clutter on home screens.
What Is the Dual-Icon Bug?
Following the recent beta rollout, Google Messages now appears twice in the Android app drawer. Both icons launch the app normally, but their duplication disrupts the clean navigation experience Android users expect.
Why It Happens
Early indications suggest the issue stems from the app’s launcher activity configuration in this beta release. Overlapping launcher entries or residual settings from new feature testing could be the culprit—common in beta environments where experimental changes are frequent.
Impact on Users
Messaging functionality remains unaffected, but organization suffers. Users relying on custom launchers or app folders may find the duplication especially frustrating when managing their home screens.
Temporary Fixes and Workarounds
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Restart Device – A quick reboot may remove the duplicate icon for some users.
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Clear Launcher Cache/Data – Resetting the launcher can refresh icon display.
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Reinstall the Beta App – Uninstall and reinstall to potentially remove the second icon.
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Revert to Stable Version – Switching back to the stable Google Messages build avoids the bug entirely.
When Will It Be Fixed?
The issue has already been reported in the Google Messages beta community, and a patch is likely in an upcoming beta release. Beta testers should keep auto-updates enabled to receive the fix as soon as it’s rolled out.
Bottom Line: While harmless to core functionality, the Google Messages dual-icon bug is a reminder that beta software can introduce unexpected quirks. Users who value a pristine app drawer may want to stick with the stable release until the fix arrives.