Can You Unsend a Text on Android? Everything You Need to Know

In today’s world of instant communication, sending a message takes only a second—but mistakes happen just as fast. Maybe you sent a text to the wrong person, spotted a typo too late, or shared something you instantly regretted. Naturally, the first question that comes to mind is: Can you unsend a text on Android?

The answer depends entirely on the type of message you sent and the app you used. Android supports several messaging technologies, and each one handles message recall differently.

Can You Unsend a Text on Android? The Short Answer

• SMS/MMS cannot be unsent once delivered.
• Google Messages (RCS) is developing a “Delete for Everyone” feature.
• Some brands like Huawei offer a brief recall window.
• Airplane Mode may stop a message if you act instantly.
• Apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, and Viber allow message unsending.

Let’s break down how each option works.

Why SMS and MMS Cannot Be Unsent

Traditional SMS and MMS messages rely on your mobile carrier’s network. Once the message leaves your phone and reaches the carrier, it’s delivered directly to the recipient’s device. There is no central server that allows you to retract or delete the message afterward.

This means:

• Deleting the message on your phone does not delete it from the recipient’s phone.
• Carriers do not support message recall for personal accounts.
• SMS/MMS technology is older and lacks modern recall features.

For more on how SMS works, you can check resources like GSMA.

Google Messages and RCS: A Step Toward Message Recall

Google Messages is gradually replacing SMS with RCS (Rich Communication Services), a modern messaging protocol that supports features similar to WhatsApp or iMessage.

Google is currently testing a “Delete for Everyone” feature for RCS chats. Here’s what we know:

• It will work only in RCS-enabled conversations.
• Both sender and receiver must have RCS activated.
• There will be a time limit of around 15 minutes.
• The feature is not yet available to all users.

RCS is still rolling out globally, so availability varies by region and carrier.

Messaging Apps That Let You Unsend Texts

Most modern messaging apps allow message recall. Here’s a quick comparison:

WhatsApp

WhatsApp gives you up to 2 days to delete a message for everyone. Media files can also be recalled if the recipient hasn’t downloaded them yet.

How to Unsend on WhatsApp:

1. Open the chat.
2. Long‑press the message.
3. Tap the Delete icon.
4. Select Delete for Everyone.

Messenger

Messenger allows message recall within 10 minutes. The recipient will see a note saying you unsent a message.

How to Unsend on Messenger:

1. Open the conversation.
2. Long‑press the message.
3. Tap More > Delete.
4. Choose Delete for Everyone.

Snapchat

Snapchat lets you delete messages within 10–12 minutes, depending on network conditions. The recipient is not notified, but if they already viewed or saved the content, it cannot be undone.

How to Unsend on Snapchat:

1. Open the chat.
2. Press and hold the message.
3. Tap Delete and confirm.

Telegram

Telegram offers one of the most flexible recall systems:

• No time limit for personal chats.
• 2‑day limit for group chats.
• No notification is sent to the recipient.

How to Unsend on Telegram:

1. Open the chat.
2. Long‑press the message.
3. Tap Delete.
4. Check Also delete for [recipient].

Viber

Viber gives you 3 hours to delete a message for everyone. The recipient will see “Message was deleted.”

How to Unsend on Viber:

1. Open the chat.
2. Long‑press the message.
3. Tap Delete for Everyone.

Signal

Signal allows message recall within 24 hours and does not notify the recipient.

How to Unsend on Signal:

1. Open the chat.
2. Long‑press the message.
3. Tap Delete → Delete for Everyone.

Workarounds for SMS: What You Can Try

Since SMS cannot be unsent, these methods may help if you act quickly.

1. Turn On Airplane Mode Immediately

If the message is still sending, enabling Airplane Mode may stop it before it reaches the network.

• Swipe down and tap Airplane Mode instantly.
• If successful, remove your SIM card before turning Airplane Mode off.

This method works only if the message hasn’t fully sent yet.

2. Cancel Sending (Available on Some Devices)

Some Android brands, like Huawei, offer a short recall window (around 6 seconds). You may see an option like:

• “Cancel Sending”
• “Recall Message”

Check your device’s messaging settings to see if this feature exists.

How to Avoid Message Mistakes in the Future

Here are practical ways to prevent accidental messages:

Double‑Check Before Sending

Review the message and recipient carefully.

Use Messaging Apps With Recall Features

Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal offer safer communication.

Use Delayed Sending Apps

Apps such as ChompSMS and Textra allow you to set a delay (e.g., 5–10 seconds) before sending.

Clarify Mistakes Quickly

If you send something wrong, follow up immediately with a correction or call the person.

Final Thoughts

Un-sending a text on Android is possible—but only in certain apps. SMS and MMS cannot be recalled, and once delivered, they remain on the recipient’s device. However, modern messaging apps offer flexible recall options, giving you more control over your conversations.

If you frequently send sensitive or important messages, consider switching to apps that support message deletion and take advantage of delayed sending features.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I unsend a text message on Samsung Messages?

No. Samsung Messages uses SMS/MMS, which cannot be unsent once delivered.

2. Does deleting a text on my phone delete it for the other person?

No. Deleting a message on your device affects only your copy.

3. Can RCS messages be unsent?

Not yet for most users. Google is testing a “Delete for Everyone” feature for RCS chats.

4. Can Airplane Mode stop a message from sending?

Yes, but only if you activate it before the message fully sends.

5. Which app is best for unsending messages?

Telegram offers the most flexibility, followed by WhatsApp and Signal.

6. Can I recall a message on Huawei phones?

Some Huawei devices offer a brief recall window (around 6 seconds).