What to Know About android’s texting privacy nightmare still isn’t over
Google is rolling out a fix for a strange Messages bug that sent old messages to random people.
Yep, you read that right. Google Messages had got itself into the nasty habit of sending previous messages out to unintended contacts alongside other newer messages. The old random messages have been appearing in the same thread.
This has the potential to be confusing at best, and downright embarrassing at worst. You could well end up sharing private or sensitive information with completely inappropriate people.
It’s all part of a particularly messy 2026 for Google’s Android department.
Chris Martin / Foundy
Google says a fix is coming – but when?
Last week Google acknowledged this latest issue, stating that it was “currently rolling out a fix that will reach everyone over the coming weeks.”
That was on 2 September, but as 9to5Google points out, the issue still seems to be affecting some Android users, with fresh instances being reported.
According to those reports, the issue seems to be affecting messages sent on both RCS and SMS, so it’s not a matter of messaging standards. It seems the issue can be traced to the process of setting up a new Android phone and transferring your data across.
Elsewhere, Droid-Life has noted that Google rolled out separate updates to its Messages app on 3 and 4 September, so it’s clearly working on the issue. That it hasn’t yet solved the bug for everyone is somewhat concerning, however – especially a week on from its being acknowledged.
One suggestion, if you’re concerned, is to sign up for the Google Messages beta, where Google will generally send its newest app features and fixes first. In the meantime, be prepared to explain yourself to bemused friends and family.
