Google has officially begun rolling out the long-awaited “Delete for Everyone” feature in its Messages app, allowing users to unsend messages within a 15-minute window. This update brings Google Messages in line with competitors like WhatsApp and iMessage, offering users greater control over their conversations.
How the Unsend Feature Works
The new functionality introduces two options when deleting a message:NewsBytes
- Delete for Me: Removes the message only from the sender’s device.
- Delete for Everyone: Deletes the message from all participants’ devices, replacing it with a “Message deleted” placeholder.
To utilize this feature, all participants must have RCS (Rich Communication Services) enabled and be using the latest version of Google Messages. The feature is currently available to select beta users, primarily in group chats with 12 or more members. One-on-one conversations and smaller group chats do not yet support this functionality .
Limitations and Considerations
- Time Constraint: Users have a 15-minute window to unsend a message after it’s sent .
- RCS Dependency: The feature relies on RCS Universal Profile 2.7, meaning all chat participants must have compatible devices and software .
- Gradual Rollout: The feature is being released in phases, so not all users will have immediate access.NewsBytes
Future Outlook
While the current rollout is limited, it’s expected that Google will expand the “Delete for Everyone” feature to more users and chat types in the coming months. This enhancement is part of Google’s broader efforts to modernize its messaging platform and provide users with features that enhance privacy and control.
