Google's Messaging Service to Offer Mass Delete Feature for Sent Messages
Long gone are the days when sending a message was a permanent decision. Typos or sending messages to the wrong person? No worries now, modern chat apps have got your back! Many of these platforms offer the clever feature to retrieve a message after it's sent - be it editing for a typo or deleting a message altogether from everyone's chat. Although, let's face it, the recipient may still have caught a glimpse before you hit 'delete'.
Popular platforms like WhatsApp and iMessage have been offering this delete option for ages. But Google Messages was a bit behind the curve, only offering the option to edit messages for up to 15 minutes, yet no undo button. However, that's about to change!
Back in February, 9to5Google first spotted the upcoming "Delete for Everyone" feature, and now it seems to finally be rolling out, albeit slowly but surely. This feature will allow users to remove messages not only from their own device, but everyone in the chat as well, provided they have a compatible version of Google Messages.
When activated, you'll have two options when hitting delete: "Delete for me" (the traditional way of deleting) and "Delete for everyone." The latter will remove the message from all compatible devices in the group chat. Remember, those using older app versions or non-RCS devices will still see the message.
The feature is causing a stir among beta testers, with one user even observing the "Delete for Everyone" functionality in a group chat of 12 participants, but not in single chats. However, 9to5Google themselves haven't got the option yet.
To try the feature as quickly as possible, you might want to enroll in the Google Messages beta. Just head to the Google Messages Play Store page, choose "BECOME A TESTER," and follow the on-screen instructions to join the beta program. Keep in mind, there might be a few bumps along the way as it's a beta after all.
- Google Messages, previously lacking the ability to delete sent messages, is now introducing the "Delete for Everyone" feature, which will allow users to remove messages from all devices in a chat.
- This tech innovation, slowly but surely being rolled out, will provide users with two options when deleting messages: "Delete for me" and "Delete for everyone," the latter removing the message from all compatible devices in the group chat.
- The exception to this is for users with older app versions or non-RCS devices who will still be able to see deleted messages.
- Tech enthusiasts and beta testers are already exploring the new "Delete for Everyone" functionality, reporting mixed results, such as observing the feature in group chats but not in single chats.
