Google Messages is finally rolling out an “unsend” option, giving users the ability to retract messages within a limited time frame. Initially available in large RCS group chats, the feature mirrors the “delete for everyone” tools already found on WhatsApp and Telegram. While the rollout is still gradual and comes with restrictions, it marks a major step toward bringing Android’s default messaging app up to speed with its rivals. However, questions remain about broader availability, interoperability, and potential misuse.
What’s the Deal?
- Time-Limited Deletion: Users have a 15-minute window after sending an RCS message to delete it for everyone. This mirrors similar functionality on WhatsApp and Telegram.
- Where It Works—for Now: Initially, the feature appears to be available in large group chats (e.g., groups with at least 12 participants). One-on-one chats and smaller group conversations currently do not support unsending.
- “Message deleted” Placeholder: Upon deletion, Google Messages displays a placeholder like “Message deleted,” making it clear something was removed—much like WhatsApp.
Why It’s Taking a While
Google is rolling this feature out gradually, starting with a subset of beta users. That means even if you’re on the latest Messages beta, your device might not yet support unsending—this is server-side and phased.
This rollout complexity is compounded by RCS, the messaging protocol that underpins this feature. Not everyone’s messaging client supports the required RCS Universal Profile 2.7 spec, and recipients must also be using a compatible version of Google Messages to actually have the message deleted from their device.
One Reddit user remarked:
“This would seem to matter because… recipients would need updated versions of Google Messages… meaning it isn’t actually for everyone”
What Users are Saying
On Reddit, many users have shared mixed experiences:
“Yeah, I’ve had it for a few weeks, I’m a beta user. Works as expected with other Google Messages RCS users.”
“Unfortunately, almost no one has gotten this roll out.”
Some users voiced serious concerns:
“Everyone who has ever been a victim of DV or stalking hates this feature. … Having the built-in ability to delete messages on both ends creates a dangerous situation for millions of victims.”
These points remind us that while the feature is handy, it could have unintended consequences without proper safeguards—such as the ability to disable it or preserve evidence.
Why This Matters
- Competitive Parity: Google Messages was lagging behind WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage, all of which already offer unsending. This update helps close that gap.
- Enhanced User Control: We all know the angst of sending a message with a typo—or worse, to the wrong person. Having those final minutes to retract a message can be a relief.
- Privacy & RCS Evolution: This capability stems from the RCS Universal Profile 2.7 upgrade, signaling broader improvements to the messaging experience—like better spam handling and encryption capabilities.
What to Expect Next
- Broader Rollout: Over the coming months, the unsend feature will likely expand to more users and conversation types—particularly one-on-one chats.
- Interoperability: As adoption of RCS 2.7 grows—and Apple moves toward wider RCS support—unsending may become more consistent across platforms.
- User Options: Google could introduce settings to disable unsend or customize timescales, addressing concerns like misuse or evidence tampering.
The Google Messages “unsend” feature is a significant stride toward giving users more control and aligning the app with modern messaging expectations. While still in a limited beta phase—currently active only in larger group chats and among select users—it’s a preview of a safer, more flexible future for Android messaging.
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