If you have ever accidentally sent a Smart Reply in Google Messages by tapping it too quickly, this update is for you.
Google has started rolling out a new "Tap to draft" behavior for Smart Replies, and it changes something that has quietly frustrated users for a long time. Previously, tapping any Smart Reply suggestion above the compose box would send it immediately no confirmation, no chance to edit. Tapping the wrong one meant a message was already on its way.
With Tap to draft, that behavior changes entirely. Now when you tap a Smart Reply, it lands in the compose box instead of being sent automatically. From there you can edit the text, add to it, or simply press send when you are ready.
How to Enable It
The feature is opt-in for now, with the default behavior still set to "Tap to send." To switch it on, go to Settings → Suggestions & Actions → Suggestions and select Tap to draft.
The two available options are straightforward:
- Tap to draft — Adds the Smart Reply to the compose box for review before sending
- Tap to send — Sends the Smart Reply immediately, same as before
Availability
The update is rolling out now with Google Messages stable version 20260522_00_RC00. The feature was first spotted in testing back in March 2026 and is now making its way to users broadly. If you do not see it yet, check for an update to Google Messages on the Play Store.
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