Google Messages Update: Now You Can Undo Those Regrettable Texts!

Google Messages is currently rolling out a new RCS feature: the ability to recall already sent messages – which are then removed from the inbox of all recipients if needed. This update also includes the option to mute conversations that produce too many notifications.

Google Messages is introducing several new RCS features, some of which we discussed last week. Perhaps the most notable feature is the ability to recall messages that have been sent – allowing you to delete any message you regret sending from all recipient’s devices. This capability is based on how the RCS system operates, which replaces traditional SMS and offers a host of enhancements that extend far beyond simple messaging.

This includes features such as emoji reactions, enhanced previews of links like videos, Spotify tracks, or news articles – features that were previously exclusive to third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp, and are now becoming standard on the vast majority of Android smartphones. As of this writing, approximately 40 million devices in circulation in France are compatible with these new features.

Google Introduces Highly Useful Updates to the Messages App

The message recall feature has moved from beta to a broader public rollout, which means that you should be able to use it on your smartphone within a few days to a few weeks. Another upcoming feature in the beta versions of Google Messages is the ability to mute conversations that generate too many notifications.

This feature allows you to temporarily (or permanently) stop notifications from popping up when messages are received from certain contacts or group chats. You can select the duration of this mute setting through a menu that offers options such as snoozing for 1 hour, 8 hours, 24 hours, or a permanent cessation of notifications if needed.

When this feature is active, it’s important to regularly check these conversations to avoid missing any crucial information. While it was expected that this update would come with a system of mentions to notify you when necessary in muted conversations, it seems that this feature is not yet planned for immediate release.

Two additional small updates are also arriving in the stable version of Google Messages: it is now possible to customize the icon for group chats. Furthermore, a new option allows you to choose a specific color theme for these groups – primarily changing the color of the message bubbles. To enjoy all these new features, you need to update Google Messages from the Play Store.

Some updates, such as the message recall feature, involve server-side components. This means that their rollout may materialize within a few days, depending on how quickly Google chooses to deploy them.