In order to provide Android users a 15-minute opportunity to remove an RCS text that shouldn’t have ever left the phone in the first place, Google Messages is now testing a “Delete for everyone” option. The most recent beta version has led to early complaints that when you long press on a message, two options would appear: “Delete for everyone” and “Delete for me.” When the first option is selected, the chat replaces the text with a tiny label that reads “Message removed,” which is visible to all participants.
The feature is currently limited to chats in large groups. While the option remained hidden in smaller groups and one-on-one talks, one tester was successful in a thread with twelve participants. Even though it’s in beta, it’s good to see this feature finally being released after it was first discovered in March.
It should be mentioned that the recall is dependent on RCS Universal Profile 2.7, therefore all conversation participants must have the most recent version of Google Messages installed, else the delete request would silently fail. Furthermore, it appears that Google is already turning off its servers for a small group of beta users to ensure the system is stable before expanding.
It is not surprising that the rollout was so limited. This safety net has been provided by rival apps for years, and each one has its own boundaries. For a generous two days, WhatsApp allows you to retrieve a message. You have fifteen minutes to modify and two minutes to undo in iMessage. Telegram takes one step further by enabling users to delete texts whenever they want without leaving any evidence behind. Google’s 15-minute limit is tiny when compared to that lineup, but it still fills the largest hole in its flagship chat service.
Given that Apple intends to switch to the same RCS profile that supports these additional functions later this year, the timing is crucial. Google has also been working hard to improve Messages’ quality of life features, such as AI reply suggestions, reaction effects, and a long-overdue edit button that took four months to move from beta to stable last year. By the end of 2025, delete for everyone could reach the majority of phones if the firm keeps up its current pace.
When you consider the time that comes with Apple’s release, I think this is a significant move. Android owners will have the same peace of mind that WhatsApp and iPhone users currently have while keeping their chats organized if Google expands support prior to the stable release.
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