Google's AI agent can answer your customers' texts

Google is letting more businesses turn on AI-powered messaging on their Google Business Profile. Search Engine Roundtable reported the wider rollout on October 29, 2026. Customers can text your business from Search and Maps in their phone's own messaging app, and an AI agent answers the routine questions.

What does Google's AI messaging do?

Barry Schwartz at Search Engine Roundtable shared Google's setup screen. It says the agent "will answer routine questions from customers, instantly and at no cost."

When the agent can't answer, it hands the chat to you. You can take over any chat at any time. All the messages show up in your Business Profile.

Claudia Tomina spotted it first on LinkedIn. She said to look for a red dot on Messages in your profile. In Google's example, the agent shows menu items with photos and prices, then offers open reservation times.

Who can turn it on?

Not everyone has it yet. Mike Blumenthal shared an email from Google that calls it a pilot with early access. Barry wrote that he does not see it yet himself. So you may not see it either.

What is the fine print on texts?

The agent only works for customers whose phone and network support RCS. RCS is a newer texting standard. Everyone else's texts skip the agent and go straight to your phone. Standard text rates may apply.

So someone at the business still has to answer texts. The agent does not cover every customer.

What I would do before you turn it on

The agent answers from your profile. If your hours are wrong, it gives the wrong hours. Claudia gave the same advice. Make sure your menu, hours and services are up to date first.

Then check the phone number on your profile. Some texts will land there and not with the agent. Make sure it is a phone someone picks up.

On October 29 we wrote about restaurant ordering links on Google. Same lesson. Read your profile the way a customer sees it.

What to do next

Get Seen is how Gman Creations helps a business set up its website and Google presence. That includes a profile with the right hours and details. No one can promise you rankings. If you want a person to look at your profile and site, book a discovery call: cal.com/shohgman/discovery.

FAQ

What is AI-powered messaging on Google Business Profile?

It lets customers text your business from Search and Maps. An AI agent answers routine questions and hands the rest to you.

Does it cost money?

Google's setup screen says the agent answers at no cost. Standard text rates may apply for some texts.

Why don't I see it on my profile?

Google calls it a pilot with early access. Not every business has it yet.

What happens if a customer's phone does not support RCS?

The agent won't reply. The text goes straight to your phone.

Where does the agent get its answers?

From your Business Profile. Check your hours, menu and services before you turn it on.