In today’s fast-paced world, texting has become second nature. We fire off messages in a blink—sometimes even faster than we think. But what happens when you hit “send” and immediately regret it? Well, Google has heard your silent cries. With its latest update, Google Messages is stepping into WhatsApp territory, bringing in powerful new features like “Delete for Everyone” and notification muting. Yes, you read that right!
Let’s dive into what this means for you, how these features work, and why Google’s messaging app is suddenly a lot more exciting than before.
Google Messages Just Got Smarter – Here’s the Buzz
Google Messages, the default SMS/RCS app on most Android devices, has always been a reliable tool for everyday texting. But it lacked those modern touches—like the ability to delete messages or mute chats—until now.
In a significant update, Google has introduced features we’ve long seen on apps like WhatsApp. These include:
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Delete for Everyone (unsend messages)
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Mute notifications
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Personalization options for chats
These updates are aimed at making texting not just smarter but safer and more user-friendly.
Say Goodbye to Embarrassing Messages with ‘Delete for Everyone’
We’ve all had that heart-dropping moment after sending a message to the wrong person, or worse, sending something we instantly regret. Until now, SMS didn’t offer a fix—but Google Messages just changed the game.
With the new “Delete for Everyone” feature, you can unsend a message even after it’s been delivered. The message will disappear from both your device and the recipient’s, as long as RCS chat is enabled on both ends.
Pretty slick, right?
Tired of Pings? Mute Notifications Instantly
Got that one group chat that never shuts up? Or maybe you just want some quiet time without deleting the conversation? Google’s got you.
The notification mute feature lets you silence specific conversations so your phone isn’t constantly buzzing. It’s an easy way to stay sane while staying connected.
Wait, What’s RCS Again?
Great question! RCS stands for Rich Communication Services—think of it as SMS 2.0. It gives your regular text messages the functionality of modern messaging apps like:
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Read receipts
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Typing indicators
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High-res image sharing
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And now: delete and mute options
However, there’s a small catch: These new features only work with RCS chats. So if you or your contact is still using basic SMS, you won’t get the full benefits.
First Tested in Beta, Now Rolling Out to All
Google didn’t just spring this on us. These features were first spotted in beta testing earlier this year. Developers and early adopters had access to try them out and give feedback.
Now, the update is being rolled out gradually to all users—so if you haven’t seen these new tools yet, check your Google Messages app for updates.
How to Use ‘Delete for Everyone’ – Step-by-Step Guide
Curious how it works? Here’s a simple walkthrough:
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Open your Google Messages app.
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Long press the message you want to delete.
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Tap on the trash bin icon that appears at the top.
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Choose one of two options:
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Delete for me – removes the message from your chat.
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Delete for everyone – removes it from both sides.
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⚠️ Note: This only works in RCS chats. If the other person doesn’t have RCS enabled or is using an old phone, the message might still appear on their end.
Limitations You Should Know
Before you go unsending everything, keep these points in mind:
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Non-RCS messages can’t be deleted for everyone.
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If your recipient doesn’t have RCS enabled, they might still see the message.
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There’s a time limit: You can only delete recent messages (usually within a short window).
So while this feature is great, it’s not quite magic. Use it wisely.
Chat Customization – Make It Your Own
Google is also bringing a bit of flair to the party. In addition to practical features, the update includes personalization options for your chats.
These include:
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Changing chat themes
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Setting custom emoji reactions
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Tweaking the look and feel of conversations
It’s not just functional—it’s fun too!
How to Turn On RCS in Google Messages
If you’re not sure whether you’re using RCS or not, it’s easy to check:
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Open Google Messages.
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Tap on your profile icon.
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Go to Message settings.
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Tap on Chat Features.
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Turn “Enable chat features” ON.
Once RCS is active, you’ll see blue chat bubbles (instead of green or gray), along with typing indicators and read receipts. And yes, you’ll be ready to use all the new goodies.
Google Messages vs WhatsApp – A Real Rivalry?
So, is Google Messages trying to be WhatsApp?
In some ways, yes. The new features definitely bring it closer in line with what WhatsApp, Telegram, and even iMessage offer. But there are still key differences:
| Feature | Google Messages | |
|---|---|---|
| Requires Internet | No (unless RCS) | Yes |
| End-to-End Encryption | Yes (for RCS chats) | Yes |
| Delete for Everyone | Now Available | Available |
| Group Calls | No | Yes |
| Custom Stickers | No | Yes |
Bottom line? If you like keeping things simple, integrated with your phone’s default system, and not relying on third-party apps, Google Messages just got a serious upgrade.
Why This Update Matters in the Bigger Picture
This isn’t just a cool add-on—it’s part of a bigger push by Google to modernize texting. With Apple still holding on to iMessage and Android trying to unify its fragmented messaging system, RCS is Google’s best shot at creating a universal, powerful texting platform.
And these features? They’re just the beginning.
Pro Tip: Keep It Updated
Don’t miss out. If your Google Messages app is still running an old version, head over to the Play Store and update it. New features roll out in waves, and being up-to-date ensures you’re not left behind.
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Final Thoughts – Is It Worth Switching?
If you’ve been stuck with basic SMS or juggling between texting apps, now might be the time to give Google Messages another shot.
With features like “Delete for Everyone”, notification mute, and personalization, it’s no longer just a boring SMS app. It’s sleek, it’s smart, and it’s finally catching up to the competition.
So go ahead—text boldly. And if you change your mind? Just unsend it. 😉
