Google Messages lets users recover some deleted chats. The default messaging app on Android phones is reportedly introducing a new trash folder that stores conversations for a limited period, rather than deleting them instantly. The feature, which was previously available in beta, is now rolling out more widely to Android users, offering a way to restore accidentally deleted messages within a set timeframe.
With this update, deleted chats in Google Messages will now move to a dedicated trash folder, where they remain for up to 30 days before being permanently removed. According to a report by Android Central, users can now choose to restore these conversations at any time during this period or delete them permanently if needed.
Google Messages allows users to recover some deleted chats: How it works
The new feature changes how chat deletion works inside the app. When users select a conversation and tap the delete icon, Google Messages now shows a prompt that the chat will be moved to the trash rather than erased immediately. This adds an extra layer of control, especially for users who may accidentally delete chats.
The trash folder can be accessed by tapping the profile icon in the top-right corner of the app. It appears under the
“More from this app” section, below the Archived chats option. Inside this folder, users can view all deleted conversations, restore them to the main inbox, or permanently remove them.
Deleted chats remain in the trash for 30 days. After this period, they are automatically erased from the app. However, users do not have to wait for the automatic deletion and can manually remove chats at any time.
There are some limitations to how the feature works. If a user receives a new message from a contact whose chat has been moved to trash, the incoming message will appear as a new conversation in the main inbox. This means the original thread stored in the trash will not be restored automatically.
The new feature is being phased in and is present in the latest version of the application. It has already been observed in version 20260403_00_RC00 and is likely to be found by more people after updating through the Google Play Store. People who do not have the feature can simply update their apps to enjoy this functionality.
This development means that Google Messages becomes comparable to other messaging applications, including email, in which messages deleted by accident are saved in a trash folder before being permanently removed from the server.
With this update, Google Messages adds a recovery window that allows users to manage their conversations more carefully, while still offering the option to permanently delete chats when needed.