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Google Messages Swipe to Archive Not Working [Fixed]

In this guide, we will make you aware of various methods to fix the Google Messages swipe to archive not working issue. The default messaging app on Pixel and Android One devices, Google Messages beholds quite a few nifty features up its sleeves. It got a major boost after the introduction of the Rich Text Communication feature. Along the same lines, its integration with the Google Assistant makes it really easy to send a message without typing in a word.

Furthermore, it also gives you the ability to archive messages. But most of the messaging apps have this feature, so what’s different? Well, the Silicon Valley giant went a step ahead and added a handy little shortcut to archive the desired message. All you need to do is just perform either a right or left swipe and the message will be sent to the archived section.

However, it is proving to be easier said than done. Many users have voiced their concerns across the Google Support Forums that the swipe to archive feature is no longer working in the Google Messages app. If you are also in the same boat, then this guide shall help you out. Follow along for the various methods to rectify this issue once and for all.

How to Fix Google Messages Swipe to Archive Not Working

Google Messages Swipe to Archive Not Working

All the fixes that we have listed below have worked for some of the other users across Reddit and Google Forums. However, there wasn’t any universal fix as such that worked for all. So you will have to try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then check which one works out in your favor. With that in mind, let’s get started.

FIX 1: Force Stop Google Messages

To begin with, you should consider force-stopping the app and then let it start off with a fresh instance from scratch. Here’s how:

  1. Head over to the Settings menu on your device.
  2. Then go to Apps > See All Apps and select the Messages app from the list.
    Google Messages Swipe to Archive Not Working
  3. After that, tap on Force stop and reply OK in the confirmation dialog box.
  4. Now restart your device once and then check if the swipe to archive feature is now working in the Google Messages app or not.

FIX 2: Clear Google Messages App Data

If the app data has got corrupted or outdated, then you will have to delete it and let it then re-populate the same. Just to be on the safer side, make sure that you have synced all your messages with your Google account. If not, then go to Settings > Google > Backup > SMS Messages and take a backup right away. After that, proceed with the below steps:

  1. To begin with, head over to the Settings menu on your device
  2. Then go to Apps > See All Apps and select the Messages app from the list.
  3. Now go to the Storage and Cache section and tap on Clear Storage.
    Google Messages Swipe to Archive Not Working
  4. Finally, tap OK in the confirmation dialog box.
  5. Once the data has been deleted, relaunch the app and wait for a few seconds.
  6. Now verify if you are able to use the swipe to archive feature of Google Messages.

FIX 3: Re-Install Google Messages App

If the app’s settings or configuration files have got corrupted, then simply deleting its data might not be enough. Rather you will have to completely remove the app from your device and then re-install its latest build from the Play Store. [Note: Pixel doesn’t give you the option to uninstall the Messages app, so Pixel users should instead check out the fourth fix].

  1. Head over to the Settings menu on your device
  2. Then go to Apps > See All Apps and select the Messages app from the list.
  3. Now tap on the Uninstall button followed by OK.
    Google Messages Swipe to Archive Not Working
  4. Once the app has been removed, go to Play Store, download its latest build, and launch it.
  5. It will send you a prompt asking you to enable the Group Chat feature. Make sure you refuse/disallow it.
  6. Finally, check if the swipe to archive feature is now working in the Google Messages app.

FIX 4: Uninstall Updates of Google Messages

Some OEMs don’t give you the option to uninstall their stock apps. As a result of which, you wouldn’t be able to remove the Google Messages app from your Pixel device. The closest that you could go is to uninstall all the updates of that app so that it reverts to the factory default state. Here’s how:

  1. Head over to the Settings menu on your device
  2. Then go to Apps > See All Apps and select the Messages app from the list.
  3. Then tap on the overflow icon situated at the top right and select Uninstall Updates.
    Google Messages Swipe to Archive Not Working
  4. Finally, tap OK in the confirmation dialog box.
  5. Now launch the app and if it asks for the Group Chat feature, make sure to disallow it.
  6. Verify if this was enough to make the swipe to archive feature work in the Google Messages app or not.

FIX 5: Archive via the Longer Route

If none of the aforementioned methods worked out in your favor, then as of now you should consider taking the longer route of archiving the message. Here’s how it could be done

  1. Launch the Google Messages app and open the desired message.
  2. Then tap on the overflow icon situated at the top right.
    Google Messages Swipe to Archive Not Working
  3. Now select Archive and that’s it, the message will be sent to the archived section

So this was all from this guide on how you could fix the Google Messages swipe to archive not working issue. We have listed five different methods for the same. Do let us know which one spelled out success for you. Moreover, this is a developing story, so we will be updating this guide with more workarounds as and when we get hold of the same.


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  • Fix it? God. I wish I could break it! Who archives text messages anyway? I’ve used it once or twice. In the years it has been available, and only because I didn’t want to be reminded of a certain situation by seeing a certain name. Other than that I accidentally archived at least four or five threads a day. Then I have to repin some of them… change the priorities back….

  • Franciscus

    thank you.

    however…. still not working after all of your methods and guidance.

    incredibly frustrating.