Google Messages just fixed one of its most frustrating quirks: accidentally sending Smart Replies when you didn’t mean to.
If you use Android and Google Messages, you probably know the problem. Those quick reply suggestions that pop up at the bottom of your screen are handy, but one accidental tap sends a message you didn’t intend. For years, there was no way to prevent this.
What Google changed in the Smart Replies fix
Google has now given you control. Instead of just tapping to send (the old way), you can now choose “Tap to draft.” This adds the suggestion to your compose box so you can edit or delete it before sending.
The update is reportedly live in Google Messages version 20260522_00_RC00, though it hasn’t appeared on all devices yet. When available, you’ll find the new setting in Messages settings > Suggestions & Actions > Suggestions. There you’ll see two options:
- Tap to send (default) — the old way, replies send instantly
- Tap to draft — replies go into your compose box first for review
You can also toggle Smart Replies on or off entirely if you prefer not to use them.
Why this matters for you
If you’re someone who types fast, uses group chats, or just has clumsy thumbs (no judgment), accidental taps are real. Some users disabled Smart Replies altogether because the risk wasn’t worth the convenience. Now you don’t have to choose between speed and safety.
The trade-off? Tap to draft adds one extra step. But most people will agree that’s worth it to avoid sending the wrong message to your boss or family group chat.
Google says “Tap to send” is the default, so if you want the safer “Tap to draft” option, you’ll need to switch it manually in settings.
When you’ll see it
Like most Google app updates, this doesn’t roll out to everyone at once. You might not see it immediately on your phone. If you’re already on version 20260522_00_RC00, try force-closing Google Messages and reopening it to trigger the update faster.
What to do now: Check if you’re running the latest version of Google Messages. Go to settings > Suggestions & Actions > Suggestions and see if the Tap to send / Tap to draft toggle appears. If it does, choose what works best for how you text. If not, check back in a few days.
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