Android 101: How to Edit or Delete a Sent Message on Android

What is Google's Messaging Edit feature?

Not only is the Google Messages app getting new AI features, but it is also receiving quality-of-life changes and enhancements. Among them is the editing tool that is part of the RCS (Rich Communication Service) service which was first previewed back at I/O 2024 and in the June Android Drop update.

With the messaging edit, you can rewrite, unsend, or delete a message. It works for messages that are sent within a 15-minute time frame. At the same time, it requires the contacts you're sending messages to to have RCS enabled in their Google Messages app. It doesn't matter if they have the feature or not.

• Also read: How to switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages without deleting your old chats

How to get the Messaging Edit feature on your Android

Users who enrolled in the testing program of the app can now take advantage of the feature before it rolls out to public users. Regular users can also participate in the test through just a few taps by first going to the Play Store and joining the program.

Subsequently, you should update the Google Messages app to the latest version on the Play Store platform. Bear in mind at the time of writing, not all testers will receive the RCS messaging edit tool, although it should be made available to the public in the future.

How to use the Messaging Edit feature on your Android phone

If you have enabled RCS and the messaging edit function is ready, using it to modify or undo sent messages is quite straightforward. Follow these steps to do so.

1. Open the Messages app on your Android phone.
2. Go to a chat or conversation on Messages.
3. Select one of the messages and long press on it.
4. Tap the edit icon on the top to edit the message.
5. Begin modifying your message.
6. Tap the check button when done then choose send.

You can also delete messages by performing the process in step 3 and confirming the action. Note that deleted messages won't be restored in the app.

How to view the original edited message

Edited messages are labeled with the "Edited" text below the chat and along with the time stamp. You can also view the original or old edited message before it was edited by pressing and holding the chat and accessing the details from the "More" options.

1. Open the Messages app on your Android phone.
2. Go to a chat or conversation.
3. Long press on one of the edited messages.
4. Tap more options (three dots) on the top menu.
5. Now, click View details.

Are you using Google Messages and have enabled RCS on your Android smartphone or tablet? How do you want to improve the service? Let us know in the comments.