Google Messages has introduced a new feature that many users wished had been available earlier. Early beta testers have discovered a “Delete for everyone” option in group chats, which allows users a 15-minute window to retract a message. This feature marks a significant enhancement for Android users, particularly for those who send messages they later regret. In the latest beta version of Google Messages, users can simply long-press a message to reveal two options: “Delete for everyone” or “Delete for me.”
If the first option is selected, the message is replaced by a “Message deleted” label visible to all participants in the chat. Although this feature was initially hinted at back in March, it is now in limited beta testing, which is promising for potential wider adoption soon. However, this feature relies on RCS Universal Profile 2.7, meaning all chat participants must update their Google Messages app for the message recall to function properly. Currently, Google is cautiously testing the feature with a small group of beta users to ensure stability before expanding access.
Compared to competitors like WhatsApp, which allows message retraction for up to two days, or iMessage, which offers two minutes for deletion and fifteen minutes for editing, Google’s 15-minute limit is moderate. Nonetheless, it addresses a significant gap in the app’s functionality. As Apple prepares to adopt the same RCS profile later this year, Google’s timing is critical. Improving this feature could help Android users gain similar functionalities to those already enjoyed by WhatsApp and iPhone users, enhancing the overall messaging experience on the platform.
If development continues at this pace, we could see this feature fully rolled out by the end of 2025.