Google Messages has now widely rolled out an "unsend" feature that lets users delete sent messages not only from their own device but also from the recipient's device.
This feature leverages the RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol, which enables more advanced messaging capabilities beyond traditional SMS, such as high-quality photo sharing and now message deletion for everyone in a conversation.
Key details of the feature include:
Users have approximately a 15-minute window after sending a message to "unsend" it.
To use the feature, users long-press the message they want to delete, tap the trash can icon, and choose between "Delete for me" or "Delete for everyone."
"Delete for everyone" removes the message from all devices involved in the chat, whether group or one-on-one.
Both the sender and the recipient must be using the updated version of Google Messages with RCS enabled for the unsend to work fully.
While this feature is a significant improvement, messages may still be seen if the recipient has already viewed them or taken a screenshot.
This rollout brings Google Messages closer in line with other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, which already support deleting messages for everyone.
This update is seen as a much-needed safety net for Android users, allowing them to correct mistakes such as sending messages to the wrong person or sending messages prematurely. However, it is still advisable to be cautious when sending messages as the "unsend" feature has its limitations.
The rollout started with testing earlier in 2025 and is now widely available to Google Messages users on Android devices around August 2025.
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