Do you want to keep track of your Google chat history but are unsure how to proceed? Whether you want to see your past conversations again or clear up your messaging space, knowing how to retrieve or delete Google chat history is a must. Don’t worry! Today’s guide is here to make managing chat history easy!
How to Retrieve Google Chat History
Unfortunately, Google Chat has no trash folder in the app itself. The only way is either ask the person with whom you were chatting if they still have the chats or export chat from Google Takeout. Follow the steps mentioned below:
Note: To avoid this problem in the future, you can either use Google Chat retention using Google Vault or just archive the chats to avoid accidental deletion.
1. Open Google Takeout on your browser.
2. Tap on Deselect all.
3. Swipe down and tick the checkbox beside Google Chat.
4. Again, swipe down to the bottom and tap on Next step.
5. Select your Destination and Frequency.
6. Tap on Create export.
Now, you can download and import chats back to your Google Chat whenever you want.
Also Read: How to Use Updated Google Chat Search Filters (2023)
How to Get Chat History from a Gmail Address
Follow the steps mentioned below to get chat history from the Gmail address:
Note: You can get access to your chat history only on PC and not on mobile versions.
1. Open any web browser on your computer.
2. Login to your Gmail account with your email address and password.
3. Select the Settings icon in the top right corner.
4. Click on See all settings from the drop-down menu.
5. Select Labels from the options available.
6. Click on Show under the Chats option.
7. Now, select Chats from the panel on the left side.
You can see all your chats directly from your panel.
How to Access Google Chat Conversation History
Follow the steps mentioned below to access Google Chat conversation history:
1. Open any web browser on your PC and log into Gmail.
2. Select the Chats option on the left and Google Chat will be opened.
3. Select the chat you want to view or search for it in the search bar.
That’s it, you can view all your chats this way.
How to Delete Google Chat History
You can delete your Google Chat history whenever you want in just a few easy steps.
Option 1: On Computer
Follow the steps mentioned below to delete Google Chat history on your computer:
1. Open Google Chat on your device.
2. Click on the name of the person whose chat you want to delete.
3. Click on the downward arrow.
4. Select Delete conversation from the drop-down menu.
5. Click on Delete.
Option 2: On Android/ iPhone
Follow the steps mentioned below to delete Google Chat history on your Android or iPhone:
1. Open Google Chat on your device.
2. Open the chat of the person you want to delete and click on the Name or Profile icon of the person.
3. Now, select Delete conversation.
4. Again, tap on Delete in the confirmation box.
This way you can delete any conversation on Google Chat.
Also Read: How Do I Hide My Number on Google Chat
How to Turn Google Chat History On or Off
Refer to the sections below to turn Google chat history on or off:
Option 1: On Computer
Follow the steps mentioned below to turn Google chat history on or off on your computer:
1. Open Google Chat on your computer.
2. Click on the downward arrow next to the chat.
3. Select Turn off history.
Note: You can select Turn on history if your chat history is already off.
This way you can turn Google chat history off or on.
Option 2: On Android/ iPhone
Follow the steps mentioned below to turn Google chat history on or off on your Android or iPhone:
1. Open Google Chat on your device.
2. Open the chat of the person and tap on the name or profile icon at the top.
3. Turn off the toggle for History is on.
Now, you can easily turn the history on and off.
What Happens When You Delete Google Chat History?
If you delete a Google Chat history, always remember that it is deleted from your end only and the other person or the group you had the chat with will still have those chats. If you have a retention policy, then the chat will be stored for a specific period.
Remember, once deleted is permanently deleted. If you want to access it again from the app, you can always retrieve it again by following the steps mentioned in the section above.
Also Read: Can You Appear Offline on Google Chat?
How to Access Google Meet Chat History
You cannot directly access your Google Meet Chat history if you have a personal account as once the call has ended; all your chats are deleted permanently. However, if you have an account as a workspace admin for business or education, you can access some details about it. If you want to access Google Meet Chat history while being on the call, click on the Chatbox sign. Here you can see all the chats of the calls from the time you joined the call.
Note: You can also use third-party extensions and sites to save your Google Meet chat history in the future like Scribbl and Tactiq, or try doing screen recording or taking screenshots.
As we are wrapping up, we hope this guide helped you in knowing how to retrieve or delete Google Chat history. Keep reading our blogs for more information. Leave your suggestions and queries below in the comment section.
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