Have you ever sent a message and immediately wished you could take it back? Maybe it was a typo, a message sent to the wrong group, or something you just didn’t mean to say. Good news for Android users: Google Messages is finally introducing a “Delete for Everyone” feature, making it easier to erase those digital slip-ups in group chats.
What is the “Delete for Everyone” feature?
The new feature allows users to delete sent messages from all recipients’ devices, but there’s a catch-you have a 15-minute window to act. This means if you spot your mistake quickly, you can remove it from the conversation for everyone, not just yourself.
Previously, deleting a message only made it disappear from your own device, leaving everyone else with a permanent reminder of your blunder.
How does it work?
Availability: Right now, the feature is rolling out primarily in RCS (Rich Communication Services) group chats, especially those with larger numbers of participants. It’s not yet consistently available in one-on-one conversations or smaller groups.
How to Use: To delete a message, long-press on it. You’ll see two options: “Delete for me” (removes it just from your device) and “Delete for everyone” (removes it for all group members using compatible versions of Google Messages).
Notification: When a message is deleted, everyone in the chat will see a notice. For the sender, it reads “You deleted a message,” and for others, “Message deleted by its author.” Unlike some other messaging apps, Google Messages doesn’t try to hide the deletion.
Important limitations
- RCS Only: This feature is exclusive to RCS chats. Traditional SMS and MMS messages are not supported.
- Version Compatibility: Both you and your recipients need the latest version of Google Messages that supports Universal Profile 2.7. If someone is using an older version, the message might still appear for them.
- Time Limit: You only have 15 minutes to delete a message for everyone. After that, it’s there to stay.
- Beta Stage: The feature is currently in beta, so it’s not available to all users yet. For those eager to try it, joining the Google Messages beta program through the Play Store is your best bet.
How does it compare to other messaging apps?
| Platform | Delete Window | Who Sees Deletion? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Around 2 days | All recipients | No notification if deleted quickly | |
| iMessage | 2 min (undo), 15 min (edit) | All recipients | Short undo window |
| Telegram | No time limit | All recipients | No trace left behind |
| Google Messages | 15 minutes | All recipients (with notice) | Only in RCS group chats (for now) |
Google’s 15-minute window is longer than iMessage’s undo period but shorter than WhatsApp’s and much more limited than Telegram’s, which allows message deletion at any time with no trace. Google’s approach is a practical balance-enough time to catch most mistakes, but not so much that it disrupts the flow of conversation.
Why now?
The timing of this rollout isn’t random. The feature aligns with the RCS Universal Profile 2.7 standard, finalized in June 2024. With Apple planning to support RCS soon, Google is working to ensure Android users have modern messaging features and aren’t left behind.
What’s next?
The rollout is gradual, and there’s no official date for when every user will have access. If you’re eager to try it, sign up for the beta program and keep your app updated. Remember, the feature works best when everyone in your group chat is using the latest version.
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