How to Troubleshoot Seeing an Instant Message in Gmail
Troubleshoot unexpected instant messages you receive while signed in to Gmail. If you receive a message from someone unfamiliar, or from whom you don't remember approving a chat request, block the person from communication from you via Google Chat. If, on the other hand, you thought you were signed out from chat entirely and are receiving messages anyway, make sure this is the case.
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Instructions
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1
Click a minimized chat message window along the bottom of Gmail that appeared. Check the timestamp on the message you received. If the window popped up unexpectedly when you signed in or returned to Gmail, it's possible it was send at an earlier date, before you established settings that should have prevented it.
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2
Click the "Status Bar" under your name. Make sure it is set to "Sign Out of Chat," rather than "Busy" or "Invisible." Signing out of chat is the only way to avoid seeing instant messages in Gmail chat.
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3
Select the "Actions" menu within the chat window for a person who unexpectedly messaged you. Choose the "Block" option to prevent seeing instant messages from this person in the future.
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