started allowing users to ‘star’ messages on the web version of Chat in November. This additional shortcut in the redesigned
Google Chat
navigation panel can help users to stay on top of their most important messages.The tech giant has now announced that the same feature will be available on the
mobile app
versions of the platform, in the next few weeks.
In a blog post, the company has also detailed how Google Chat users will be able to access the starred messages feature on
Android
and
iPhone
.
Google Chat app starred messages tool: Availability
In the blog post, Google has confirmed that the starred messages tool will be available to all
Google Workspace
customers as well as users with personal Google Accounts. The company also notes that the gradual rollout of the tool for both iPhone and Android apps has already started on January 16 and January 19, respectively. However, it may take 15 days for the feature to be visible for some users.
Google Chat app starred messages tool: How will it work
Google has confirmed that there will be no admin control for this feature. Just like the web client, the starred messages tool will be available as an additional shortcut on the contextual menu in the redesigned navigation panel on both the iPhone and Android app.
To mark a message as’ starred’ on either Android or iOS, users have to long press on it and click the star option. Google will also allow users to ‘unstar’ a message. It can be done either from the original message or from the shortcut. However, the starring messages tool is unavailable in existing spaces organised by conversation topic (legacy threaded).
This feature can come in handy for users who need to return to a message in a chat later on.