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Some users can get Duo video calls even if the app isn’t installed
June 22, 2025
Google has experimented with allowing apps to be used even when they aren’t installed. The most popular example of this isInstant Apps—a web-based solution that loads apps as you access different parts of them. But, Google has another solution called App Preview Messaging. App Preview Messaging launched back in 2016 inside Google Play Services, letting users receive messages from certain apps without having those apps on their device.Allohas used it since launch, but nowDuohas it too.
Google seems to haveflipped the switchin a recent update, as users without Duo can reportedly receivevideo calls. The calls start with the knock-knock (a video preview of who is calling) feature, just like they normally would. Users can answer, ignore, or mute the ringer just as they would with a regular voice call. If they decide to answer, users can chat and select which cameras to broadcast. A persistent notification shows up so they can return to the call if they go back to the home screen or another app. Google also gives users an easy way to block a person from video calling, because we all have that one friend.
The most significant drawback is that you can’t initiate calls without Duo installed. But, Google is betting that once you receive a Duo call, you’ll want to install the app for yourself. It’s a play that could increase Duo’s active users, even if it’s via a somewhat artificial method of acquisition.
If you do have Duo installed, there are only a select group of people that you’re able to initiate a call with. iPhone, Windows Phone, and feature phone users are all out—this is for Android phones only. It also appears that not all Android users are eligible, but we’re not quite sure what disqualifies them.
Google promised when App Preview Messaging rolled out that it would move beyond Google apps. That doesn’t seem to have happened yet. There are a ton of messaging apps with their own platform that could benefit from this feature. Hopefully, Google lets them in on the fun soon too.
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