First images, now messages: Google Pixel 3 content still vanishing (Update: Fix incoming)

Update, November 14 at 4:41 p.m. ET: Google has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix. A spokesperson told The Verge, “We recently discovered a bug affecting SMS/MMS on a small number of Pixel 3s and are rolling out a fix soon.”

Original article, November 14 at 8:57 a.m. ET: We’ve heard about the Google Pixel 3 failing to save photographs, but it seems visual media isn’t the only thing going missing. According to folks on Reddit (via Android Police), SMS Messages are also disappearing.

The issues seem to have appeared (or at least, become more prevalent) following the November security update. Some messages simply disappear, while others end up in the wrong threads, and aren’t found in the archive folder either. It’s said to have affected both Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL but it’s unclear if it’s related to Google’s Messages app or if it occurs with other SMS apps.

This isn’t an issue that will affect everyone, given apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Telegram are more used for messaging needs these days. But for Pixel 3 owners who rely on SMS with their friends or family, or in their workplace, it’s a significant problem.

However, there looks to be a fix for the time being. As 9to5Google pointed out, uninstalling updates to the Messages app may resolve the issue. To do this, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Messages and then select uninstall updates, accessed via the three-dots menu at the top right of the page. This has, according to one person, saw the messages return.

Pixel owners have also discussed this in the Google Product Forums and an over-the-air fix might not be far off. Android Authority has contacted Google to request further information and we’ll update this post should we hear more.

If you’re having another issue with Google’s latest flagship and are looking for a solution, hit up our Google Pixel 3 problems page at the link.