Google Messages ‘Edit’ Feature Reportedly Rolling Out for Beta Testers

Google Messages will reportedly allow users to edit messages for up to 15 minutes after sending.

Written by Akash Dutta, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 13 May 2024 16:52 IST

Google Messages ‘Edit’ Feature Reportedly Rolling Out for Beta Testers

Photo Credit: Google

Google Messages will let users view the editing history of the messages

Highlights

Google Messages is expected to soon roll the feature out globally
It currently only works when the recipient is also a beta user
Google Messages is said to be working on a new URL warning

Google Messages has finally begun testing the ‘messages editing' feature, as per a report. The RCS-powered messaging app was rumoured to be working on this feature since December 2023 when a report found some flags corresponding to message editing. Now, the feature is said to be rolling out to beta testers who can see and use the feature. It is also a sign that Google is in the final stages of deploying this feature, and it could soon be available to all users globally in the coming weeks.

According to a report by Phone Arena, the feature was found in the latest beta version of the Google Messages app which is messages.android_20240506_04-RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamiccom.google.android.apps.messaging. Users enrolled on the Google Play Store beta programme with this version will now see an option to edit messages once it is sent. However, there is one caveat. At present, the feature will only work when the recipient of the message is also on the same beta version of the app.

If a user is not on the same beta version, the edits will not show up on the receiver's end. Tipster AssembleDebug also confirmed this feature on X (formerly known as Twitter) and found that the editing time limit is 15 minutes. While consistent with WhatsApp's edit time limit, in February, the tipster claimed that the time limit might be 30 minutes.

Google has started testing the message editing feature in Google Messages which means it could arrive soon.

I shared about it back in February on my blog - https://t.co/gfZu1OAiHI

The editing time limit seems to be changed to 15 minutes now. #Google #Android https://t.co/jK7rNu3FXt
— AssembleDebug (@AssembleDebug) May 10, 2024

Based on the screenshots shared, a new pencil icon has been added by Google that allows users to edit messages. First, users must long-press the message they wish to edit, and then click on the pencil icon. This opens up a new text box where the original message is shown and can be edited. Once done, tapping on a checkmark icon next to the box will confirm the edit and show up at the receiver's end.

Notably, Google is also providing an edit history as well which will let all the participants see the original messages. It also means that multiple edits can be performed on the same message, and users will be able to see all the different versions. The tech giant is yet to confirm any global roll-out timelines for the feature.

Comments

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: Google Messages, Google, Google Messages Features

Akash Dutta Email Akash Dutta

Akash Dutta is a Senior Sub Editor at Gadgets 360. He is particularly interested in the social impact of technological developments and loves reading about emerging fields such as AI, metaverse, and fediverse. In his free time, he can be seen supporting his favourite football club - Chelsea, watching movies and anime, and sharing passionate opinions on food. More