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Google Messages bug sends old private texts to wrong recipients
Users of the Google Messages app are reporting a significant privacy-related bug where old messages from past conversations are being automatically attached to or sent within new, unrelated chats. These messages, which can date back months or even years, have included sensitive family matters, verification codes, and private personal content.
Reports from platforms like Reddit indicate the issue affects both Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. The glitch appears to occur regardless of whether the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol is enabled. Affected users have noted that the bug can manifest as text appearing in the composition field or, more critically, as messages actually being delivered to unintended recipients.
Common troubleshooting steps, such as clearing the app cache, restarting devices, or reinstalling the application, have not reliably resolved the problem. Some users have found that performing a full factory reset—provided they do not restore old message backups—may stop the behavior. Google has acknowledged at least one report and stated that the issue has been forwarded to its engineering team for investigation.
Entities
Android · Google · Google Messages · Pixel · Pixel 9a · Reddit · Samsung
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 7 SOURCES] The issue occurs regardless of whether the RCS protocol is enabled or disabled. www.telepolis.pl · es.digitaltrends.com · www.bolnews.com · www.ilsoftware.it · mobiili.fi · +1 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] The bug affects both Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. es.digitaltrends.com · www.minhaoperadora.com.br · www.telefonino.net · www.telepolis.pl · www.tuttoandroid.net · +3 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] Google Messages is automatically attaching or sending old messages from previous conversations to new recipients. es.digitaltrends.com · www.minhaoperadora.com.br · www.telefonino.net · www.telepolis.pl · www.tuttoandroid.net · +3 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Clearing cache, restarting the phone, or reinstalling the app has not reliably resolved the issue. www.telepolis.pl · www.tuttoandroid.net · es.digitaltrends.com · www.minhaoperadora.com.br · www.bolnews.com · +2 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Performing a factory reset without restoring old messages has reportedly stopped the behavior. www.minhaoperadora.com.br · www.telepolis.pl · www.tuttoandroid.net · www.bolnews.com · mobiili.fi
- [● 7 SOURCES] Google has acknowledged at least one report and forwarded the issue to its engineering team. www.telefonino.net · www.telepolis.pl · www.tuttoandroid.net · es.digitaltrends.com · www.bolnews.com · +1 more