Google users can now delete embarrassing messages after sending — here’s how

Google Messages Launches ‘Unsend’ Feature for Text Messages

Sent a text message with an error? Or perhaps dispatched a message you immediately regretted?

Users of Google Messages can now alleviate message remorse with a newly introduced feature that allows for the retraction of sent texts. This much-anticipated update brings a capability to Google Messages users to recall messages, similar to the functionality already available in iMessage.

Delete Messages on Sender and Recipient Devices

According to reports from Android Authority, Google Messages is rolling out a deletion feature. This will provide users with the ability to remove a message not only from their own device but also from the recipient’s phone.

15-Minute Window to Retract Messages

However, there is a time constraint: messages can only be remotely deleted within a 15-minute timeframe after they are sent.

Android Police noted that, “Previously, deleting a message in Google Messages only removed it from your view. The original sender and recipients still had a copy of the message you deleted.”

‘Delete for Me’ or ‘Delete for Everyone’ Option

The updated function will present users with a choice to “delete for me” or “delete for everyone.” Selecting “delete for everyone” will ensure the message is also removed from the recipient’s device. The precise date for the full rollout of this feature remains undetermined.

RCS Enhancements and Rich Communication Services

This new tool is part of the ongoing advancements in RCS, or Rich Communication Services. RCS offers an expanded set of features for text messaging, dependent on the carrier.

In contrast to traditional SMS, RCS messaging provides read receipts and delivery confirmations. It also supports the transmission of high-resolution media, resolving issues of pixelated images and videos between Android and iPhone users.

Apple Integrates RCS Messaging

Apple recently incorporated RCS messaging into iPhones, following pressure from competitors to modernize texting features.

Furthermore, Apple has announced the development of end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging to enhance user privacy.

Apple spokesperson Shane Bauer stated to The Verge, “End-to-end encryption is a crucial privacy and security technology that iMessage has included from the start. We are pleased to have contributed to the cross-industry effort to bring end-to-end encryption to the RCS Universal Profile by the GSMA.”

“Support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages will be added to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS in future software updates.”

Security Recommendations and Increased Cyber Threats

This announcement follows warnings from the FBI urging users to discontinue using unencrypted messaging methods like SMS due to telecom network breaches.

This month, the agency also advised individuals to delete suspicious text messages amid increasing instances of “smishing.” Smishing involves cybercriminals sending malicious links via text to both Android and iPhone users in attempts to steal personal data and login credentials.