If You're Using an Android, You Can Now Erase Sent Text Messages
Recent updates now allow you to erase a text message after it's been sent, if you're an Android user. This feature is ready for use for nearly all Android users.
A New Feature for Android Users
Android users can now breathe a sigh of relief as they now have the ability to delete a sent text message. This new feature has been eagerly anticipated and is now available on most Android devices, assuming you're using the default messaging system.
This feature has been in development for a while and some users may have noticed early signs of it since the start of the year. The ability to erase a message from your own device has been around for some time, but the new feature allows for the deletion of the message on the receiving end as well.
How to Use the New Message Deletion Feature
The option to erase a message for all parties is only possible if both the sender and receiver are using the standard messaging system. To erase a sent message, press and hold the message until a menu appears at the top of the screen. Next to the edit option, which was added earlier, there's a new trash can icon representing the delete feature.
When you select the trash can icon, you'll have the option to delete the message for everyone or just for yourself. However, be warned: if the other person has an older version of the messaging app that doesn't support the delete feature, they might still be able to see the message. Although you can only edit a message for 15 minutes after it's been sent, the delete feature seems to have no time limit.
Upon testing this feature, it was observed that the message was promptly removed from the receiver's device. Similar to other messaging platforms, there will be a "message deleted" notification, but no trace of the deleted message's content.
Keeping Up with the Competition
While this feature won't help you retract a regrettable late-night message the following morning, it does allow you to quickly rectify an accidental send or a message sent in anger. This may seem like a minor update, but it helps Android keep up with rival messaging platforms. Other popular messaging services like iMessage and WhatsApp have had similar delete options for some time now, making it essential for Android to keep up with modern features to stay competitive.
