Google Messages gets Trash folder to prevent accidental deletions
11 Apr 2026

Google has introduced a new feature in its Messages app for Android users - a Trash folder.

The update is aimed at preventing accidental deletions of conversations.

Previously, when you deleted a conversation on your Android phone, it was permanently removed. But with the introduction of this new Trash folder, there's now a "safety net" for such instances.

Deleted conversations move to Trash folder
Feature details

When you delete a conversation now, it does not get permanently deleted right away. Instead, it goes into the Trash folder where it stays for a "grace period" of 30 days.

This gives users enough time to recover any accidentally deleted conversations before they are permanently removed from their device.

How to access new Trash folder
User control

You can access the new Trash folder by going to your profile picture in the top-right corner of Google Messages.

The feature appears right below Archived, which hasn't changed yet.

From this list, you can see how many messages are in each conversation and choose to "Delete all" or restore individual threads back to the main screen.

New messages in trashed chats
Message management

If a chat in the Trash folder gets a new message, only that new message will appear in your main chat list.

The previous ones will remain in the Trash folder until you decide what to do with them.

This way, users have more control over their conversations and can manage them better without worrying about accidental deletions.