Android rolls out support for deleting sent text messages

For once, Apple did something first.
 By 
Alex Perry
 on 
Android logo on smartphone screen
This will save lives. Credit: Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

We've all been there: You sent a text message that you instantly regretted, either because it was sent to the wrong person, or you had a change of heart. Now, Android users can fix their mistakes.

As initially spotted by Android Authority, the ability to unsend text messages after they've been fired off into the ether is rolling out widely to Android users. Simply highlight a text you sent, tap the trashcan icon, and you can either choose to delete the message just for yourself, or for everyone else in the chat.

Android Authority noted that this was coming all the way back in February, but it seems to be available to the general public now. For those keeping score at home, this is a very rare instance of Apple having done something in iOS before Google could do it in Android; iOS users have had the ability to edit and unsend text messages for a while now.


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That said, it's not a competition, and this feature will help you avoid some very awkward conversations. As always, the best way to prevent bad situations it to not send the questionable text in the first place.

Topics Android Google

journalist alex perry looking at a smartphone
Alex Perry
Tech Reporter

Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social.

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