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In the redesigned Google Messages layout reported in September 2026, swipe left in a conversation to reveal message timestamps and RCS encryption status; swipe right directly on a message bubble to reply to it. The change is rolling out, so your app may still use the previous gestures.
What changed in Google Messages’ swipe gestures?
Earlier layouts used a left swipe on a message to reply. A September 25, 2026 report describes the newer mapping: swipe left to reveal timestamps and RCS encryption status, and swipe right on a message bubble to start a direct reply. The report observed the redesigned interface in Google Messages build 20260910_03_RC02, but a rollout report does not mean every user—or every phone running that build—has the same interface. 9to5Google’s report and Computerworld’s guide describe the behavior and related controls.
How do I see timestamps and RCS encryption status?
- Open a conversation in Google Messages.
- Swipe left within the conversation to reveal timestamps; the September 2026 report says this works throughout the conversation, not only on a particular message bubble.
- Look for the RCS encryption status alongside the timestamp information when the conversation supports RCS.
If a left swipe instead starts a reply, your app may not have received the redesigned gesture yet. The report also says tapping a message can still show read receipts, though the exact presentation can vary as the interface changes.
How do I swipe to reply?
- Find the message you want to answer.
- Swipe right directly on its bubble. In the reported redesigned layout, this opens a reply that includes the selected message as context.
- Write and send your response as usual.
If swiping right does not open a reply, try the message’s touch-and-hold menu and choose Reply if it is offered.
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- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
What happens when I long-press a message?
Touch and hold a message to open its quick-action menu and emoji reactions. Google says this works on all message types, not just RCS chats, including text, images, videos, links, files, locations, and contact cards. Google Messages Help documents actions that can include:
- Reacting with an emoji, replying, or forwarding.
- Copying, starring, or deleting a message.
- Selecting additional messages or viewing message information.
- Editing a sent message; Google says Edit appears in the menu within 15 minutes of sending.
For a text message, Google also documents selecting and copying only part of the text, such as a phone number or one-time password. The actions shown depend on the message and conversation.
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How do I find message details or read receipts?
For a current RCS conversation, the Computerworld guide says tapping a sent message can reveal delivered or read markers. In the redesigned layout reported in September 2026, tapping may still show read receipts, while swiping left is used for timestamps and encryption status. If tapping or swiping produces different results, use the message’s long-press menu and look for message information; the available details depend on the thread and app version.
Which other Google Messages gestures and shortcuts are useful?
Open conversation and participant details
Tap the conversation’s profile image or name to open conversation information, participant details, or settings. In a group conversation, tapping a participant’s name above one of their messages may show that person’s information and contact actions.
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Schedule a message
Press and hold the send button to open message scheduling, according to the Computerworld guide. The phone must be on and connected when the scheduled time arrives for the message to send.
Configure swipes on conversation rows
In the conversation list, swiping a conversation row left or right can be configured under Messages settings > Swipe actions. Depending on app version, available actions can include archive, delete, or mark unread.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Use actions on a conversation row
Press and hold a conversation row to select it and access actions that may include pin, snooze, archive, delete, mark unread, or block. Tapping the sender’s profile image beside a conversation can open shortcuts to message, call, or view that contact, depending on whether the person is saved.
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Why don’t these gestures match my screen?
- The swipe mapping may not have rolled out to your account. September 2026 coverage describes a rollout, not a universal switch-on date.
- Your app may use an older layout. In the earlier behavior described by 9to5Google, tapping exposed sent time, read receipts, and an RCS lock icon, while a left swipe replied directly.
- The thread may not support every detail. RCS encryption status and read receipts depend on the conversation’s capabilities; available long-press actions also vary by message and context.
- Conversation-list swipes are separate. Check the Swipe actions setting if a swipe on a row archives, deletes, or marks a conversation unread.
Google’s 2023 announcement noted that feature availability can vary by market and device, but that statement is not a specific explanation of the 2026 swipe rollout. Google’s announcement provides that older availability caveat.
Quick Recap
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- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
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