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

Google Messages has finally started testing the message editing feature, according to a report. The RCS-powered messaging app was rumored to be working on this feature since December 2023, when a report found some indicators corresponding to message editing. Now, the feature is said to be rolling out to beta testers who can see and use the feature. It's also a sign that Google is in the final stages of rolling out this feature, and it could soon be available to all users worldwide 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 in the Google Play Store beta program with this release will now see an option to edit messages after they are sent. However, there is a caveat. Currently, the feature will only work when the recipient of the message is also on the same beta version of the app.

If a user does not have the same beta version, the edits will not be shown on the receiver end. Tipster AssembleDebug also confirmed this feature on X (formerly known as Twitter) and found that the editing time limit is 15 minutes. Although consistent with WhatsApp's editing time limit, in February, the whistleblower claimed that the time limit could be 30 minutes.

Based on the screenshots shared, Google has added a new pencil icon that allows users to edit messages. First, users need to long press the message they want to edit and then click the pencil icon. This opens a new text box where the original message is displayed and can be edited. Once done, tapping a checkmark icon next to the box will confirm the edit and display it at the end of the receiver.

Notably, Google also offers an edit history that will allow all participants to see the original messages. It also means that multiple edits can be made to the same message and users will be able to see all the different versions. The tech giant has yet to confirm a global release date for the feature.