3 min read
Sometimes, you may wish you could undo a text message you sent by mistake or to the wrong chat. With iMessage and WhatsApp, you may easily delete messages for all recipients. Unfortunately, this isn’t available in Google Messages; instead, you can only alter texts that have already been sent. Google appears to be incorporating a feature that allows users to erase messages for all in Google Messages, seemingly influenced by its rivals.
Code and strings mentioning a “Delete for everyone” option were discovered in the most recent Google Messages beta (v20250131_02_RC00) by teardown specialist @AssembleDebug. If you delete a message for everyone, the recipients will get a “Message deleted by its author” label. It seems like the feature will work like WhatsApp.
Given the string “Messages may still be seen by others on older app versions,” selecting this option will ensure that all recipients of your messages are using the most recent version of Google Messages. It will not be compatible with older versions of the app. Google probably has a time limit on when messages can be deleted, though it isn’t stated. Within two days of sending a message, WhatsApp allows users to delete it.
Currently, when you delete a message from your own chat in Google Messages, it will only be removed from your own inbox; however, the recipient will not be able to retrieve it. Keep in mind that RCS chats will be the only ones that can use the new text-deleting feature in Google Messages when it launches.
The RCS Universal Profile 2.7, which came out in late June 2024, lets you take back a text message you sent. It looks like Google is getting ready to handle the new features that the standard adds.
What’s New in RCS Universal Profile 2.7?
The latest version of RCS Universal Profile 2.7 does more than just let you erase texts; it also standardizes how you respond to or receive messages. There is currently a lack of consistency and reliability in the experience because Google Messages and Apple’s iMessage manually handle responses to messages. It will also enhance the reporting of spam and expand its use to one-on-one chats.
In addition to improving the RCS messaging experience, Google has built support for the new MLS encryption standard, which will allow for safe cross-platform texting.
The rollout of message deletion and other improvements from Universal Profile 2.7 by Google has not been announced yet. These tools should be added soon, though, since the company is already working on them.
