Google is introducing a handy new tool for its chat app, making it easier to manage sent messages. This update lets you not only delete messages from your own device but also from the device of the person you’re chatting with. This feature is part of the latest RCS Universal Profile update from June 2024.
The update was first noticed in the Google Chat app version 20250131_02_RC00 by tech enthusiast AssembleDebug, reported through Android Authority. This functionality mirrors similar options available in apps like WhatsApp.
If you delete a message in Google Chat, it only vanishes from your device. The person you’re talking to can still see it. But with the new update, you’ll have two choices: “Erase for All” and “Erase for Me.”
- Erase for All: This choice will make the message disappear from both your phone and the recipient’s phone.
- Erase for Me: This will only remove the message from your phone, leaving it visible on the recipient’s device.
There’s a small caveat, however. Whenever you erase a message, the person you’re chatting with will receive a notification about it. This means they’ll be aware that you’ve either deleted or attempted to delete a message. This might not be ideal for those who prefer to delete messages discreetly.
This new capability will bring Google Chat closer in features to other popular messaging apps, enhancing user privacy and control over sent messages. It’s particularly useful for correcting mistakes or removing outdated conversations.
The feature is rolling out to users with the latest app update and might soon be available on Samsung devices as well. This improvement aims to make messaging more user-friendly and secure.
