Your Hangouts Phone Call History Will Be Deleted Soon
Google has recently announced that they will be deleting all call history from the Hangouts app on Android and iOS devices. This has come as a shock to many users who have been using the app for years to make and receive calls. The decision to delete call history is part of Google's plan to migrate all users to the new Google Voice app.
Why is Google Deleting Call History?
According to Google, the reason for deleting call history is to encourage users to switch over to the new Google Voice app. The new app offers a more streamlined experience with improved call quality and messaging features. By migrating all users to the new app, Google hopes to improve its services and provide a better user experience.
Google has also stated that the deletion of call history is necessary due to changes in their data retention policies. The company is constantly updating its policies to ensure that user data is kept secure and private. Deleting call history is part of this process as it ensures that outdated and unnecessary data is removed from their servers.
When Will the Call History Be Deleted?
The call history for Hangouts on Android and iOS devices will be deleted on March 31, 2021. This means that users have a limited amount of time to export their call history if they wish to keep it. Google has provided instructions on how to export call history from Hangouts and import it into Google Voice.
Users who do not switch to the new Google Voice app before the deadline will lose their call history permanently. It is important to note that this only applies to Hangouts on Android and iOS devices. Hangouts on the web will still be available, but users will no longer be able to make or receive calls from the app.
How to Export Call History from Hangouts
Exporting call history from Hangouts is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Here's how to do it:
- Open the Hangouts app on your Android or iOS device.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top left corner of the screen.
- Select "Settings" from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down and select "Export Messages" under the "Chat" section.
- Select "Export" to begin the export process.
Once the export process is complete, you will receive an email with a link to download your call history. You can then import this data into the new Google Voice app.
The Benefits of Switching to Google Voice
While the deletion of call history may be a cause for concern for some users, there are many benefits to switching to the new Google Voice app. Here are just a few:
- Improved call quality and reliability
- Free calling within the United States and Canada
- Integration with other Google services such as Gmail and Google Calendar
- Enhanced messaging features including group messaging and voicemail transcription
By switching to Google Voice, users can enjoy a more robust and seamless experience when making and receiving calls. The app is available for free on both Android and iOS devices and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the App Store.
Conclusion
While the deletion of call history may come as a surprise to many users, it is part of Google's plan to improve their services and provide a better user experience. By encouraging users to switch to the new Google Voice app, the company hopes to offer a more streamlined and reliable calling experience. Users who wish to keep their call history should export it before the March 31 deadline. Overall, the switch to Google Voice is a positive change that will benefit users in the long run.