December 3, 2025, 4:43 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Google is expanding Google Messages with a new feature primarily affecting companies. On company-managed Pixel smartphones, employers will soon be able to fully archive RCS chats, allowing them to view every sent or received message.
The background: Many companies are required to store business communications for legal reasons. Previously, this was done through mobile carriers, but due to RCS’s end-to-end encryption, that’s no longer possible. Google is therefore introducing archiving directly on the device to continue meeting these requirements.
How the Archiving Works
Google describes the new feature in a blog post. Administrators can activate a special archiving app on managed Pixel smartphones. This app records every RCS action: incoming and outgoing messages, edits, deletions, and other events. The data is read directly on the device and made available to the IT department.
According to Google, the archived content does not leave the company smartphone and is not transferred to servers. The messages remain encrypted but still fulfill the legal documentation requirements of many industries.
Also of interest: Google Closes Significant Android Security Gaps With December Patch
No Impact on Private Pixel Devices
Private Pixel users need not worry, as the feature does not activate automatically. Only an IT administrator can enable it on company smartphones. Once archiving is active, Google Messages clearly indicates this upon opening.
On company devices, employers thus gain access to RCS chats. Those wishing to send personal or confidential messages should continue to use a private smartphone.