Google Messages Adds ‘Delete for Everyone’ Feature in Group Chats

Google has officially introduced one of its most requested features in the Messages app — the ability to delete messages for everyone in RCS group chats. This update is now available in the beta version (20250527_01_RC00) of the app and will soon be released widely.

This new feature lets users unsend a message from all participants’ chats in a group, similar to WhatsApp’s popular delete function. The update is seen as a major step forward for Android’s default messaging app.

How It Works

Once the feature is active, users can long-press a sent message and choose between two options:

• Delete for me

• Delete for everyone

If “Delete for everyone” is selected, the message is removed from the group chat — but only if all participants are using the latest version of Google Messages and have RCS enabled.

A small pop-up will appear saying “Deleted for everyone” to confirm the action. However, some users have reported that this message doesn’t always show up.

Why It Matters

Google Messages has long been behind rivals like Telegram, Signal, and iMessage when it comes to message control. This new feature helps users:

• Fix typos or mistakes

• Remove accidental or inappropriate messages

• Stop the spread of wrong information

Current Limitations

The unsend feature is currently only available in RCS group chats. It does not work in one-on-one conversations yet. Also, users have a limited time window after sending a message to delete it.

Google is using the Universal Profile 2.7 RCS standard to enable this, meaning all recipients must also be updated for the deletion to be successful.

What’s Next?

Although Google hasn’t shared an official date for a full public release, the feature is expected to roll out soon since it is already being tested in beta versions.

This move shows Google’s efforts to improve Android’s default chat experience and bring it closer to Apple’s iMessage in terms of features and privacy.