Google Messages has introduced a proper unsend feature with the 'Delete for everyone' option.
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Over time, Google Messages has introduced features that make it a worthy alternative to Apple Messages. The most recent enhancement, which allows users to completely unsend messages, is now being made available to a broader array of Android users, alleviating the embarrassment of accidentally sent texts.
After initially unveiling the “Delete for everyone” feature in its Messages app, Google is expanding access beyond the beta testing group. As anticipated, this feature enables the sender to remove the message for all participants in individual or group chats, replacing the previous method where deleted messages would still be visible to others.
The functionality for deleting messages was identified by a Reddit user named seeareeff (via 9to5Google), although they did not indicate the specific version of Google Messages needed for it to function. Despite updating the app to the latest version, we were unable to activate this feature, suggesting it might rely on server-side activation.
These updates will specifically affect messages and chats utilizing RCS — a relatively recent internet-based messaging protocol that Google is attempting to establish as a replacement for traditional SMS, although it faces challenges getting Apple on board. All participants in the chat must have RCS enabled, which is necessary to access features like message reactions and typing indicators. Additionally, users must update Google Messages to the latest version; otherwise, deleted messages may remain visible to some recipients.
In addition to communication with other Google Messages users, the cross-platform ability of RCS means it should, theoretically, function well with Apple Messages. This is due to Apple recently incorporating RCS alongside its own iMessage protocol in the Messages app. However, it does require that other users have updated their iPhones or iPads to iOS 18. There are still potential issues since RCS setup may be necessary for some users (via Google Messages’ settings) and not every telecom provider may support it.
With Google Messages increasingly becoming the standard messaging application for Android, we can anticipate that Google will push for broader standardization.
Tushar is a freelance writer at Digital Trends and has been contributing to the Mobile Section for the past three years…
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