Not Just WhatsApp, Google Messages App Now Lets You Edit After Sending

In a significant update, Google Messages has introduced the much-anticipated feature allowing users to edit messages after sending them. This update aligns Google Messages with other major messaging platforms like WhatsApp and iMessage, which already offer similar capabilities. Here’s a detailed look at this new feature and how it works.

Editing Messages on Google Messages

As part of the latest Android Feature Drop, Google has rolled out the ability to edit RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages within Google Messages. Users can now correct typos or make changes to their sent messages within a 15-minute window. This feature is currently available for beta testers and is expected to be widely available soon.

To edit a message in Google Messages, follow these steps:

1. Long-press the message you wish to edit. This will highlight the message and bring up a toolbar.
2. Tap the pencil icon in the toolbar, which signifies the edit option.
3. Edit the message in the text field that appears. Once done, press the send button to update the message.

Edited messages will display a small “Edited” note underneath, indicating to all recipients that the message has been modified. This transparency helps maintain clarity in conversations.

Limitations and Compatibility

The editing feature currently works only with RCS messages, meaning both sender and recipient must have RCS enabled on their devices. Traditional SMS messages, which do not support such advanced functionalities, are not eligible for editing. If you cannot edit a message, ensure that both parties have RCS enabled and check for the latest updates to Google Messages.

To enable RCS in Google Messages:

1. Open Google Messages and tap on your profile icon.
2. Navigate to Messages settings and then to RCS chats.
3. Toggle on Turn on RCS chats. This might take a few minutes to connect, after which you should see your carrier and phone number listed under the toggle with a “Connected” status.

Comparison with Other Platforms

Google’s move to allow message editing comes after similar features were introduced by WhatsApp and iMessage. Like Google Messages, these platforms also provide a limited time window—15 minutes in WhatsApp and unspecified but short in iMessage—for users to edit their sent messages. This standardization across platforms ensures a consistent user experience, especially for those who frequently switch between different messaging services.

While this feature is currently in beta, its broader rollout is anticipated in the coming months. This update is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance the usability and functionality of its messaging service, making it more competitive with other leading apps in the market.