Google is rolling out two meaningful updates to its Messages app, focused on improving group chat interactions and message management. The biggest change lets users tag people in RCS group chats with an @ mention, ensuring they receive notifications even if the conversation is muted. Alongside this, Google is replacing the classic instant delete with a ”Move to Trash” system that holds deleted messages for 30 days on most devices, giving users a safety net before permanent removal.
The @ mentions feature, now officially live after first being hinted at late last year, targets more effective communication in group chats by drawing direct attention to specific participants. Mentioned users get alerted regardless of mute status, and senders can notify multiple recipients in a single message. This functionality mirrors popular messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal and should encourage more engaged chat discussions on Google’s RCS platform.
Meanwhile, the handling of deleted messages has been rethought for added user control. Instead of disappearing immediately, deleted conversations are now sent to Trash, where they remain recoverable for a full 30 days before permanent deletion. On Android Go devices-often budget models with 2 GB to 4 GB of RAM-Trash storage lasts only seven days due to limited resources. This change is a welcome fail-safe, reducing accidental delete woes and aligning Google Messages with how other messaging apps manage trash folders.
To access this Trash folder, users can tap their profile icon within the app and select ”Trash” from the menu. The upgraded Messages app requires version 20260320 or later. Users can check their current version under their phone’s app settings or update via the Google Play Store. This staged rollout means some users may have to wait a few days before these new features appear on their device.
These updates follow other recent improvements like real-time location sharing and smarter AI-powered replies, signaling Google’s continued investment in boosting the functionality and usability of its default messaging platform. By shifting toward features commonly expected from modern communicators, Messages aims to maintain relevance amid competition from apps like WhatsApp and Signal.