How to Control the History Settings in a Chat Space (Group Chat) In Google Chat

Quick and easy-to-follow guide for Google Chat users

When the Google Chat space history is off

  • When chat history is off, all messages get deleted automatically 24 hours after being posted.
  • When history is off in chat spaces without threaded conversations, messages can only remain in your email if you forward them to your Gmail inbox.

When the Google Chat space history is on

  • When chat history is on, all messages remain in the chat, and you can view them later.
  • You can even edit and delete messages. 
  • Everyone you add to a chat space can view all messages, even those sent before joining.
  • History is always on in chat spaces with threaded conversations.


Be careful with the chat history setting if you’re sharing documents in a chat space. When history is off in a chat space, shared files won’t be accessible in a space’s “Files” section.
If you need everyone you’re chatting with to view shared files, turn on chat history and then have people share files.

How to turn the Google Chat space history on or off step-by-step with images

Step 1

How To Control The History Settings In A Chat Space (Group Chat) In Google Chat - Step 1

In Google Chat https://chat.google.com, if you’re looking at the chat space full-screen, click its name on top. Then select Turn off history.

If you have minimized the chat space, click the three dots icon on its top right and select Turn off history.

Step 2

How To Control The History Settings In A Chat Space (Group Chat) In Google Chat - Step 2

A message to all chat participants says that you turned the chat history off. Chat messages will be deleted automatically 24 hours after being posted.

Step 3

How To Control The History Settings In A Chat Space (Group Chat) In Google Chat - Step 3

You can follow the same steps to Turn on history and retain messages.

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