Google Messages introduces a new unsend option for Android users, giving them 15 minutes to delete a text from both sides of a conversation.

Google Messages is finally catching up with other popular chat platforms by rolling out a feature that allows users to unsend messages. Android users can now delete a text not only from their own chat window but also from the recipient’s conversation, offering a safety net for those quick mistakes that happen far too often.

How the new option works

The update adds two choices when you press and hold a message. You can either “delete for me,” which removes it only on your screen, or “delete for everyone,” which clears it from both sides of the conversation. This works only when all participants in the chat are using Rich Communication Services, the modern messaging standard behind Google Messages.

There is a small but important limitation. The unsend feature is tied to a 15-minute window. After that time runs out, the message can no longer be removed from the recipient’s device. It means you still need to act quickly if you regret what you typed.

Rollout and early findings

Google has been testing this option in beta builds for several months, and the wider release is now underway for Android users. Some early reports show that it appears first in larger group chats, with more consistent availability expected as the rollout continues.

This staggered launch is not unusual for Google Messages. The company has been slowly adding RCS features to make the app feel more modern and competitive with services like WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage.

Why it changes the experience

The ability to take back a message is one of the most requested tools in modern chat apps. It can save you from typos, sending the wrong photo, or firing off a message in the heat of the moment. While it does not erase the chance that someone already read the message, it at least offers a second chance to keep the conversation on track.

For Android users who rely on Google Messages every day, the unsend option is a meaningful step forward. It shows that Google is listening to feedback and willing to give users more control over their conversations.