Key Highlights:

• Google Messages now supports @Mentions in RCS group chats.
• Mentioned users get alerts even if the conversation is muted.
• A new Trash folder stores deleted conversations for up to 30 days.
• Rollout has begun but is not yet widely visible across devices.

Google Messages has introduced two new features: Mentions for RCS group chats and a Trash folder for deleted conversations. The update improves notifications in busy threads and gives users more control over message recovery. The rollout has started but is not yet widely available.

The changes are part of Google’s broader push to make Google Messages more practical for everyday communication, especially in group conversations.

What are Mentions in Google Messages and how do they work?

Mentions allow users to tag people in RCS group chats using the “@” symbol. When someone is mentioned, they receive a notification immediately. This happens even if the chat is muted.

That behavior makes Mentions useful in large or inactive threads where messages can be missed.

Google says the feature helps users identify messages that are directly relevant to them. As a result, conversations become easier to follow and more structured.

Users can mention multiple participants in one message. Additionally, the app lets users edit saved contact names in real time while typing a mention. For example, a contact stored as “@ToddNextDoor” can be adjusted to “@Todd” directly in the message field.

This small change improves clarity during conversations and reduces confusion in group threads.

Why Mentions matter in RCS group conversations

Group chats often become difficult to track. Important messages get buried quickly. Mentions address this problem directly.

Now, instead of relying on general notifications, users receive alerts only when they are referenced.

This helps in several situations:

• coordinating plans
• responding to specific questions
• managing work-related group chats
• tracking important updates

Because notifications still appear in muted chats, Mentions ensure users do not miss critical messages.

Over time, this could make RCS conversations behave more like messaging platforms such as Slack or Teams, where tagging is already common.

What is the new Trash folder in Google Messages?

Google also introduced a Trash folder that replaces the immediate delete action inside conversations. Instead of disappearing instantly, deleted chats now move into Trash.

These conversations remain stored for up to 30 days before being removed permanently. However, Android Go devices keep them for only seven days to save storage space.

Users can access Trash from the profile menu at the top right of the app. It appears below the Archive section. The feature adds a recovery window that previously did not exist in the app.

How does the Trash folder improve message recovery?

The Trash folder introduces two important controls. First, users can restore deleted conversations with a single tap. Restored threads return to the inbox with full history intact.

Second, users can permanently delete conversations anytime from the Trash folder if they no longer need them.

Google also added an Undo option immediately after deleting a conversation. This gives users another chance to recover messages instantly.

Together, these tools reduce accidental data loss and improve overall message management.

Where to find the Trash folder in Google Messages

The Trash folder sits inside the profile menu in the top-right corner of the app interface.

From there, users can:

Restore conversations
Review deleted threads
Empty Trash permanently

This structure follows the same logic already used in Gmail and Google Photos. As a result, the feature feels familiar to many Android users.

Is the Mentions and Trash folder update available to everyone?

Google has officially announced both features. However, availability still appears limited. Some users report seeing Mentions and the Trash folder already. Others have not received the update yet.

This suggests a phased rollout across devices and regions. Feature rollouts like this typically expand gradually through server-side updates.

What this update means for the future of Google Messages

Mentions and Trash recovery indicate Google’s continued effort to strengthen RCS messaging on Android. The company has steadily added features such as read receipts, typing indicators, encryption support, and location sharing in recent updates.

Mentions now improve notification precision. Meanwhile, the Trash folder adds safety for conversation management. Together, these features make Google Messages more reliable for both personal and group communication as RCS adoption continues to grow.