Google to Launch ‘Delete for Everyone’ Feature on Messages

In a future release, Google Messages is set to include a crucial iMessage feature: the ability to remove RCS chats for all users. At the moment, Google Messages will only erase an RCS chat from your device if you delete it. The message will be retained by everyone else who has previously received it, which is insufficient for embarrassing texting errors. Given that Android Authority has found what seems to be the user interface for remote conversation deletion in a Google Messages beta, this might soon change.

According to reports, Google texts is working on a new feature for Android that would make handling mistakenly sent texts simpler. A report claims that after an APK deconstruction of the app’s beta edition, a new remote deletion feature was found. The ability to remove messages for all conversation participants, not just those locally on the device, may soon be included in the stable version of the Messages app.

The in-development remote deletion capability was described in full by Android Authority in a report. Following a Google Messages app version messages.android_20250317_01_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic APK disassembly, it was found. According to the report, it will operate similarly to the “delete for everyone” feature seen in other instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. A message deleted label will appear in place of deleted messages. The article found a new deletion option in this version of Google Messages, but it also points out that the functionality isn’t publicly available.

Users may be given two options when deleting a message: Delete for everyone and Delete for myself. The former, however, is said to be dependent on the most current modifications to Rich Communication Services (RCS), and therefore could only function on devices that support them. Additionally, users on previous versions of the program could still be able to view the deleted messages, according to the message deletion window.

“Delete for everyone,” as it is known, enables users to remotely erase RCS communications. Similar to iMessage’s “unsend” function, Google Messages warns that “messages may still be seen by others on older app versions.” Therefore, when Android users switch to new versions of Google Messages months or years after its public debut, this functionality will be extremely helpful.

Remote message deletion for RCS conversations in Google Messages has some restrictions. First off, because the functionality uses a more recent version of the RCS Universal Profile, older devices will not be able to participate. Furthermore, a message may only be removed for all recipients during the first fifteen minutes after its sending.

A conversation will only be erased from your device if you delete it after the allotted 15 minutes have passed. Only deleting a communication from your device within the time limit is another option. Google is obviously working on this functionality, however it’s unclear when or if it will be released.

Like other messaging apps, Google Messages’ remote deletion option can include a time restriction. According to the article, users would only have 15 minutes to remove all messages; after that, the option could not be accessible.

When a message is removed, the chat window will display a placeholder bubble with the text “Message deleted.” This bubble does not have a white or coloured backdrop as other messages have. Rather, it is transparent and displays the backdrop colour of your discussion.

Notably, code references indicated that this feature’s development was in progress when it was initially revealed last month. It isn’t functioning yet, though. Not every feature found in an APK breakdown makes it to the release stage in a later stable version of the app, even when code references imply that work may be in progress. Users of Google Messages are thus encouraged to be sceptical about this development.

Remote message deletion for RCS conversations in Google Messages has some restrictions. First off, because the functionality uses a more recent version of the RCS Universal Profile, older devices will not be able to participate. Furthermore, a message may only be removed for all recipients during the first fifteen minutes after its sending.

A conversation will only be erased from your device if you delete it after the allotted 15 minutes have passed. Only deleting a communication from your device within the time limit is another option. Google is obviously working on this functionality, however it’s unclear when or if it will be released.