Google has officially rolled out the long-awaited “Delete for Everyone” feature on the stable version of Google Messages, allowing users to unsend regretful text messages, a functionality already popular on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. Initially spotted in March and tested via the beta channel in May, the feature is now available to all users with RCS-enabled conversations.
‘Delete for Everyone’ Now Live on Google Messages
The new message recall feature allows users to delete a message from both their device and the recipient’s device. Here’s how it works:
- Long-press the message you want to remove
- Tap the trash icon on the top toolbar
- Choose “Delete for everyone” from the pop-up dialogue.
Once deleted, the message is replaced with a “Message deleted” placeholder, similar to what users experience on WhatsApp.
⚠️ Note: The option only works for RCS chats, not traditional SMS or MMS. Also, messages sent before the feature’s rollout cannot be deleted.
No Time Limit for Deletion? Not Quite Yet
Early beta testers suggested that message deletion would only be possible within a 15-minute window, but users are now reporting successful deletions up to 40 minutes after sending, suggesting Google may not be enforcing a strict time restriction at this time.
More June 2025 Feature Drop Additions to Google Messages
In addition to message deletion, Google has rolled out several other features as part of its June 2025 Feature Drop:
Snooze Notifications
Users can now snooze conversations for:
- 1 hour
- 8 hours
- 24 hours
- Always
Even if a conversation is snoozed, @mentions will still notify you, ensuring important messages aren’t missed.
Custom Group Chat Icons
Users can now customise the icon of RCS group conversations, adding a personal touch and making it easier to identify different chats.
RCS Label in Group Creation
When creating a new group chat, Google Messages now displays an RCS label next to contact names, helping users identify which contacts are RCS-compatible before adding them to the group.
Why This Update Matters
With features like “Delete for Everyone,” Google Messages continues to evolve into a full-fledged messaging app, offering features that rival popular platforms like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Telegram. The addition of RCS enhancements, notification control, and message customization underscores Google’s push to modernise its messaging ecosystem and promote RCS adoption worldwide.
How to Enable RCS in Google Messages
To make the most of these features, ensure you’ve enabled RCS chat:
- Open Google Messages
- Tap the profile icon > Messages settings
- Go to Chat features and enable RCS chats
Once activated, you’ll gain access to features like typing indicators, read receipts, high-resolution media sharing, and now, message deletion.
The latest Google Messages update brings long-awaited improvements that give users more control, flexibility, and privacy in their messaging experience. Whether it’s taking back a message, snoozing distractions, or managing group chats more effectively, Google continues to transform its Messages app into a modern, secure communication platform.
