Google is fixing that embarrassing Messages bug that sent old texts to the wrong people

After weeks of concerning reports about Google Messages retrieving old texts from unrelated conversations and, in some cases, sending them to the wrong recipients, we finally have some clarity. Google has confirmed that it is aware of the issue and has begun rolling out a fix, which is expected to reach all users soon.

“We’re aware of an issue affecting some Google Messages users when transferring to a new device. We’re currently rolling out a fix that will reach everyone over the coming weeks,” a Google spokesperson told Android Authority.

That gives us the first concrete clue about what is behind the strange behavior. While affected users had speculated about corrupted message databases, cloud backups, RCS, or other causes, Google specifically points to transferring messages to a new device as a trigger.

The reports were particularly worrying because this wasn’t always just a visual glitch. Some users said Messages pulled texts from completely different conversations and attached them to new messages or images. In some cases, users claimed those old messages were actually delivered to unintended recipients.

That raised obvious privacy concerns, especially when the resurfaced messages contained sensitive conversations, verification codes, or personal information. Reports came from owners of various Pixel and Samsung phones, with some users saying the problem persisted even when RCS was enabled.

Google’s latest statement also means some of the more drastic workarounds shared by affected users may no longer be necessary. Several users reported fixing the problem by factory-resetting their phones and setting them up without restoring their old messages.

For now, affected users should install the latest version of Google Messages from the Play Store, as the update may already include a fix. If the problem persists, avoid sending sensitive messages until the fix arrives.