If you’ve ever accidentally resolved a comment or need to revisit feedback in a shared document, don’t worry — you can unresolve a comment in Google Docs 📝 quickly and easily. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, reopening a resolved comment is only a few clicks (or keystrokes) away. This feature allows collaborators to continue the discussion, re-examine feedback, or revisit suggestions after they’ve been marked as resolved.
Here’s how to undo a resolved comment and keep the conversation alive 🔁 — including keyboard shortcuts for every major operating system.
💬 What Does “Resolve Comment” Mean in Google Docs?
When you resolve a comment, Google Docs hides it from the margin and closes the discussion thread. It doesn’t delete the comment — it’s archived in the document’s comment history. This is handy for keeping things clean, but sometimes you need to dig back into an old conversation.
That’s where the “unresolve” feature comes in.
🛠️ How to Unresolve a Comment in Google Docs
Here’s the step-by-step way to unresolve a comment:
- Open the Google Doc.
- Click the comment icon (🗨️) in the top-right toolbar to view the full comment history.
- Scroll through the list or use Ctrl + F (or
Cmd + Fon Mac) to find your resolved comment. - Click “Reopen” or “Unresolve” next to the comment thread.
Boom 💥 — it’s back on the right margin, ready for further discussion.
⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts to Manage Comments
| Action | Windows/Linux | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| Add a comment | Ctrl + Alt + M | Cmd + Option + M |
| Submit a comment | Ctrl + Enter | Cmd + Enter |
| Open comment history panel | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + A | Cmd + Option + Shift + A |
While there’s no direct shortcut for “unresolving,” these quick keys help you navigate, open, and manage comments fast. 💨
🔁 Why Unresolving Comments is Crucial for Collaboration
Collaboration isn’t linear. Sometimes a suggestion that was previously dismissed becomes relevant again. Other times, you just need clarification or a different opinion. By unresolving a comment, you:
- Reopen discussions for transparency
- Enable further feedback from team members
- Clarify confusion that may arise later
- Prevent missed revisions
So, if you’re unsure about closing the loop, it’s better to leave it open or revisit it later.
⚠️ Common Issues When Trying to Unresolve
If you can’t unresolve a comment, double-check:
- Your access level: You must be an Editor or the original commenter.
- The comment is actually resolved and not deleted.
- You’re in the correct Google account with access to the document.
If issues persist, try using incognito mode or another browser to rule out extension conflicts.
📱 Can I Unresolve Comments on Mobile?
Yes, but it’s slightly limited. On Android or iOS:
- Tap the comment bubble icon.
- Go to the Comment History.
- Find the resolved comment and tap “Reopen”.
⚠️ On mobile, some comment history features may be harder to access — using a desktop browser offers the smoothest experience.
🧠 Best Practices for Using Comments in Google Docs
To avoid confusion when resolving and unresolving comments:
- Always tag someone using
@Nameto assign feedback or tasks. - Leave context in the comment (“Let’s revisit this next quarter.”).
- Avoid prematurely resolving items unless they’re truly complete.
- Use emojis ✅❗️🤔 to signal tone or intent.
📚 Related Tip: Viewing All Comments (Including Resolved)
To see all comments (past and present) in one place:
- Go to Tools > Review Suggested Edits
- Or click the comment icon in the top-right
- Use search or scroll to find resolved threads
From there, you can review, copy, reply, or reopen discussions.
🧩 Bonus: Comment History is Version History’s Best Friend
Don’t forget: Google Docs tracks version history, too! If you’re unsure when or why a comment was resolved:
- Go to File > Version history > See version history
- Look for any changes aligned with comment resolutions
This gives you the full picture 🖼️, making unresolving even more intentional.
🔐 Can I Prevent Others from Resolving Comments?
Unfortunately, no — anyone with Editor access can resolve comments. If you want to prevent this, adjust their permission to Commenter.
To do that:
- Click Share in the top-right.
- Change their role under their name/email.
🧠 FAQs About Google Docs Unresolve Comment
Can I unresolve any comment in Google Docs?
Only if you are the comment’s creator or have editing privileges.
Are unresolved comments visible to everyone?
Yes, if they have access to the doc and permissions to comment or edit.
Does Google notify others when I unresolve a comment?
Yes, especially if you tag them or reply after unresolving.
Is there an undo button for resolving comments?
No direct undo button, but you can reopen it from the comment history.
Do unresolved comments affect version history?
No, but they can be tracked alongside document edits for accountability.
How do I delete a resolved comment forever?
You can’t permanently delete comments from history unless you copy the doc and remove the comment threads manually.
🔚 Final Words: Google Docs Unresolve Comment Feature is a Game-Changer
The Google Docs unresolve comment option is more than a simple undo — it’s a lifeline for revisiting, refining, and reviving feedback when collaboration evolves. 🔄 Especially in dynamic teams where priorities shift and ideas grow, this feature empowers users to keep communication open and transparent.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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