Google Messages is receiving a feature-packed update aimed at enhancing user control, privacy, and chat customisation. According to a report from 9to5Google, the latest Android update introduces several long-requested features that bring the app closer in functionality to WhatsApp and Apple iMessage.
From message deletion to snooze options and group personalisation, the app’s capabilities for RCS (Rich Communication Services) chats have taken a significant leap forward.
One of the most notable additions in this update is the “Delete for Everyone” feature in RCS chats. This function allows users to retract sent messages, offering better control over conversations.
Long-press on a sent message
Tap the trash bin icon
Choose between:
Delete for me
Delete for everyone
If “Delete for Everyone” is selected, the message will be removed from both the sender’s and receiver’s chat windows. However, Google cautions that this feature may not work as intended if the recipient is using an older version of Google Messages, meaning the deleted message might still be visible on their device.
This puts Google Messages more in line with WhatsApp, which has offered this feature for years, and is a significant improvement for privacy-conscious users.
Another highly useful feature being rolled out is Snooze Notifications, which lets users temporarily mute chats without turning off notifications permanently.
Long-press on a conversation
Tap the clock icon (now located between the pin and archive buttons)
Choose a snooze duration:
1 hour
8 hours
24 hours
Indefinitely
Once snoozed, the chat thread will appear greyed out, and a small clock icon will show beside the message timestamp, indicating that it’s muted. To unsnooze a conversation, users simply need to repeat the same process and tap the clock icon again.
This feature is ideal for managing less urgent chats during work hours or while focusing on other tasks.
The latest update also brings customisation tools to RCS group chats, allowing users to better personalise their group conversation experience.
Renaming group chats more easily
Customising group avatars with:
Personal images from the device gallery
A variety of Google-generated illustrations
These improvements help users differentiate group chats more easily and reflect the group's purpose or personality, similar to custom group settings found on Telegram and WhatsApp.
With these new features, Google is clearly making an effort to improve the user experience and stay competitive with other leading messaging platforms. The addition of ‘Delete for Everyone’, flexible snooze controls, and group customisation tools brings the app closer to what modern users expect in terms of functionality and privacy.
These changes also highlight Google’s continued push to make RCS the new messaging standard by adding features that were once exclusive to third-party apps.
Conclusion: Google Messages Becomes More User-Centric
The recent update to Google Messages marks a major step in making the app more user-friendly, private, and customizable. Features like Delete for Everyone, Snooze Notifications, and Group Chat Personalisation make the platform more adaptable to real-life messaging needs.
For Android users, these enhancements make Google Messages a more compelling default messaging app, especially as RCS adoption continues to grow across mobile carriers and devices.