How to Edit or Delete a Message in Google Chat

Despite the launch of multiple messaging applications for both desktop and mobile platforms, such as Google Talk, Hangouts, Google Allo, and more, over the years, Google continues to strive for the development of the ultimate messaging app, despite the short lifespan of some of its previous attempts.

Google Chat, which has been on the market for some time, continues to be a highly sought-after option for both personal and professional communication needs. Similar to its rivals, Chat enables users to send various types of content, such as text messages, images, and files.

In addition, it is possible to make modifications or remove messages that have already been sent. This feature can be very useful in case of any errors or if a message was accidentally sent to the incorrect recipient. Here are the steps to follow in order to do this.

On Laptop

If you are accessing Google Chat on a desktop system through a web browser, the following steps will guide you in editing or deleting your messages.

Modifying Messages

Modifying or erasing messages on Google Chat is a quick and effortless process, and you also have the option to retrieve edited messages from your Google Account.

• Open Google Chat on your desktop and go to the chat where you want to edit a previously sent message.
• To edit a chat message, simply hover your cursor over it and a small pencil icon will appear. Click on this icon to proceed.

• Clicking on the pencil icon will allow you to edit your message and resend it.

• To send your edited message, first enter your new message and then click on the ‘Update’ button located below it.

• Your edited message will be sent, and a small notification will appear on top of it stating that the message has been edited.

Removing Messages

To delete a message in Google Chat, the process is similar, but the option to delete it is not immediately visible.

• With your Google Chat open, you can hover over the message you want to delete to access a range of icons that allow you to perform additional actions.
• Click on the three dots that appear on the right of the other icons.

• Now, a few more options will be available to you. Simply scroll down to the ‘Delete’ button and click on it to remove the message.

• Google Chat will ask you to confirm you want to delete the message. Click on the ‘Delete’ button again to proceed.

• Your message will be deleted and you will see a notification regarding the same in the chat window. This will also be visible to the other person(s) in the conversation.

Now that you are familiar with editing and deleting messages on Google Chat through a desktop browser, let’s go over how to do the same on your mobile devices.

Mobile Support

Regardless of whether you access Google Chat through the Gmail app on your mobile device or the dedicated Chat app, the steps for editing and deleting messages remain unchanged.

Changing Message Content

• Access Google Chat and navigate to the chat where you wish to make changes to messages.
• Select the message to be edited by pressing and holding. This will show you the actions you can perform regarding the selected message.

• Tap on the ‘Edit’ option at the very top to edit your selected message.
• You can now edit the message as needed.

• Once you are done editing the message, tap on the small arrow next to it to send it.
• After the message is sent, Google Chat will show that the message has been edited, similar to the desktop version.

Great job! You have successfully made edits to your message in Google Chat using your mobile device.

Removing Messages

The ability to delete a sent message in Google Chat can be accessed in the same location as the option to edit a message.

• To access additional actions, simply press and hold the message you wish to delete in the chat window.
• Scroll down to the very bottom, where you will find the ‘Delete’ option. Tap on it to delete the selected message.

• Google Chat will prompt you to confirm your desire to delete the message. Click the ‘Delete’ button to confirm the deletion.
• When the message is deleted, all participants in the chat will see a notification that the message has been deleted.

The success of any messaging platform relies on the ability for users to edit and delete sent messages. However, it is important that the editing and deletion process is quick and uncomplicated. Users prefer simple procedures for these basic tasks and therefore, simplicity is crucial.

Google Chat provides simple access to these features on any device, as previously mentioned. It’s important to note that any changes or removals are permanent, so caution should be exercised while utilizing them.