Gboard, the Google keyboard, will soon allow users to keep copied items in the clipboard for up to 24 hours, compared to one hour currently. A subtle option, spotted in the beta version, already hints at its functionality.
A slider to adjust clipboard memory
Until now, Gboard automatically deletes any copied text or link after one hour, unless manually pinned. This limit can be problematic when you forget to save an important item. An analysis of the code in version 18.0.3 beta of the app reveals a new option: a slider integrated into the clipboard settings, allowing users to choose the retention period for unpinned data.
This setting doesn’t offer minute-by-minute granularity but predefined intervals: 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, or 24 hours. A practical solution to avoid losing copied text during the day without having to pin it every time. The feature was spotted by 01net and Android Authority.
No official date, but likely release soon
No official announcement from Google has yet confirmed the rollout of this feature. However, its appearance in the app’s code suggests it could arrive in the coming weeks or months on the stable version of Gboard. As is often the case with Google updates, the rollout will likely be gradual, without prior notice.
What this changes for users
This update addresses a real need: preventing the accidental loss of copied information. Currently, users must either manually pin each item or copy it elsewhere before the one-hour deadline expires. With this new slider, users can adjust the retention period to suit their needs, without compromising clipboard organization.
If this feature materializes, it will join the list of subtle but useful improvements in Gboard. The question remains whether Google will extend this option to other content types, such as images or files, which are currently excluded from the app's clipboard.
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