ie8 fix

Stop Google Talk from saving chat logs

Here's a simple way to stop GTalk conversation logs from hogging space on your Gmail account.

(Credit: Google)

If you're looking for one less thing to clutter up your Gmail space, GTalk can be one of your bigger offenders if you're using it to communicate often with friends or colleagues. Just taking a look at my own personal Gmail account, I'm kind of shocked how many threads there are for conversations I've had in the past year. On my work account I like to keep logs in case I need to reference instructions, facts, or quotes from people I've talked to. However, on my personal account I don't need to keep track of everyday chitchat.

That being said, I've decided to stop keeping the logs for my personal account completely, and here's how you can do it too:

Note: These steps will not prevent others from recording your conversations, that is only possible by "Going off the record" in each conversation.

For GTalk via Gmail on the Web:

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 1: Log in to your Gmail account in a Web browser, then go to the Settings area from the cog menu in the top right-hand corner.

Steps 2 & 3 for GTalk chat logging on the Web.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 2: Click on the Chat link along the top of the Settings area.

Step 3: Next to My chat history, click the bubble next to Never save chat history.

For the GTalk desktop client:

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 1: Click the Settings link at the top of your Friends list.

Steps 2 & 3 for GTalk chat logging on desktop.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 2: Open Chat from the left pane of the Settings area.

Step 3: Fill in the bubble next to Don't save chat history in my Gmail account.

Now you can reduce your Gmail storage clutter by having one less thing auto-save to your account.

Don't Miss

How to

Make your old iPhone run like new

Want to make your iPhone 4 run like an iPhone 5? Donald Bell has some easy tips.

Play Video

How to

Set up the ultimate home theater PC

From configuring your PC to choosing the right accessories, Sharon Vaknin shows you what you need to turn your PC into the ultimate TV companion.

Play Video

How to

Maximize your Galaxy S4's battery life

Stretch your S4's battery life with a few built-in features and lesser-known tricks that keep your phone from draining quickly. Sharon Vaknin shows you how.

Play Video

How to

Let guests DJ your party

CNET's Donald Bell shows you how to turn your iPhone into a shared jukebox that guests can access and control using a free app.

Play Video

How to

Take creative photos with the HTC One

The camera on the HTC One is capable of some pretty cool tricks. CNET's Donald Bell highlights some of this smartphone camera's slick features.

Play Video

 

Member Comments