Google is reportedly working on a much-needed feature for its Messages app—’Delete for Everyone.’ This feature, commonly found in messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, would allow users to delete sent messages for all participants in a conversation.
A Long-Awaited Feature for Android Users
According to reports, Google Messages is in the process of integrating a message-retraction option, which could prevent embarrassing mistakes or accidental texts from lingering in conversations. While the app currently allows users to delete messages, the removal only happens on their own device, meaning the recipient still sees the message.
With ‘Delete for Everyone,’ Android users could soon enjoy more control over their conversations. The feature would likely work by replacing the deleted message with a placeholder, similar to how WhatsApp displays “This message was deleted.”
How It Could Work
Details are still emerging, but the feature is expected to function within RCS (Rich Communication Services) chats. RCS is Google’s modern alternative to SMS, offering read receipts, typing indicators, and media sharing similar to iMessage. Given that RCS-based messages are already stored in Google’s servers, implementing message deletion should be technically feasible.
Users will likely have a specific time window to delete messages before they become permanent. Other messaging apps enforce time limits—WhatsApp allows deletion within about two days, while Telegram lets users delete messages at any time.
Competing with iMessage and WhatsApp
Google Messages has been evolving rapidly to compete with Apple’s iMessage and popular chat apps like WhatsApp. The introduction of ‘Delete for Everyone’ aligns with Google’s push to enhance RCS and encourage its adoption as the default messaging standard for Android users.
This move comes as Google continues pressuring Apple to support RCS on iPhones, arguing that it would improve messaging interoperability between Android and iOS users. While Apple has resisted, the growing feature set of Google Messages makes it an increasingly compelling alternative.
When Will It Roll Out?
There’s no official confirmation on when ‘Delete for Everyone’ will be available, but reports suggest it is in active development. Google often tests new features with beta users before rolling them out widely, so Android users could see this functionality in the near future.
For now, Android users still need to double-check their texts before hitting send, but soon, they might have the option to take them back—just in case.
Would you like any tweaks or additional details?