Google is bringing a much-requested feature to the Google Messages app – the ability to edit texts after they’ve been sent.
This new edit capability, announced alongside several other Android updates, will provide more flexibility when texting between Android devices using Rich Communication Services (RCS).
How the Edit Feature Works
With the new edit option in Google Messages, you can make adjustments to RCS texts sent between Android phones for up to 15 minutes after hitting send.
To edit a message, simply tap and hold on the sent text, tap the pencil icon, and you’ll be able to rewrite the message.
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Google’s edit feature brings parity with similar editing capabilities already offered by Apple’s iMessage, Meta’s WhatsApp, and other popular chat apps.
This allows Android users to quickly fix typos, clarify thoughts, or modify messages after sending without the need for follow-up texts.
Limitations of the Edit Function
It’s important to note that this editing functionality will only work for RCS conversations between Android devices using the Google Messages app. Standard SMS and MMS texts, including those sent between Android and iOS devices, cannot be edited after sending.
While Apple plans to support the RCS standard later this year, enabling richer cross-platform messaging, some RCS features, like message editing, may remain exclusive to Google’s Messages app on Android. The level of interoperability between RCS on Android and iOS devices remains to be seen.
The new edit option begins rolling out to Android phones via an update to the Google Messages app starting today. This handy addition enhances the messaging experience while keeping Android messaging modern and competitive with other leading chat platforms.
