February 26, 2026
Gemini conversation history is coming to the side panel in Google Workspace
Conversation history is coming to the Gemini side panel in Google Workspace apps. This feature will enable users to resume their conversations with Gemini across sessions. This history will only persist in a single app and conversations will remain private. For example, a conversation in the side panel of Google Docs will not appear in the side panel of Google Sheets, and a conversation in the side panel of a shared file will not be visible to other users with access to that file.
Timeline
- As of February 25, 2026: Admin controls for conversation history are available. See below for more details and recommended actions.
- Starting March 3, 2026: Conversation history will start rolling out to end users participating in the Gemini Alpha and Workspace Labs programs, as well as users with Google AI Pro and Ultra subscriptions.
- No sooner than March 17, 2026: Conversation history will begin rolling out to all other Workspace users. We’ll provide an update on this blog before that rollout begins.
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Accessing conversation history in the side panel of Google Drive |
Deletion controls
This launch includes two new controls for administrators to ensure conversation data management aligns with organizational policies: the ability to decide if users can manually delete their history and the ability to set automated retention periods to manage the data lifecycle effectively. These settings can be configured at the domain, organizational unit, or group level.
This launch does not include Vault support or the ability for end users to auto-delete conversations; we’ll roll these features out in the future. Stay tuned to the Workspace Updates blog for more details when these features launch.
Getting started
- Admins: Visit the Help Center to learn how to manage Gemini in Workspace conversation history for your organization using the settings below.
- Manual deletion: This setting is ON by default, meaning end users can manually delete individual conversations unless the setting is changed.
- Auto-deletion: Conversations are stored indefinitely by default, unless admins enable auto-deletion. If enabled, admins can choose to delete inactive chats after three months, 18 months, or three years.
- End users: Once the feature is live, users can access their history within the Gemini side panel of the specific app they are using.
- History will only begin to populate once the feature is live for a specific user; conversations held prior to the rollout will not be saved.
- Users must have smart features and personalization turned on to access Gemini in Workspace services.
- Conversations remain private; users can only view their own individual history.
- Depending on the admin settings above, users may be able to manually delete individual conversations.
Rollout pace
- Admin controls
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now
- End-user visibility
- Users in Gemini Alpha program and users with Google AI Pro and Ultra subscriptions: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on March 3, 2026
- All other users in Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on March 17, 2026
Availability
- Business: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
- Enterprise: Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
- Other Editions: Frontline Plus
- Education: Education Plus
- Other Add-ons: Teaching & Learning
- AI Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education
- Consumer: Google AI Pro and Ultra
Note: Gemini in Workspace is currently available to users over the age of 18 with eligible Google Workspace plans.
Resources
- Google Help: Manage Gemini conversation history settings