WhatsApp explores 24-hour disappearing messages

WhatsApp is beta testing an update to its Disappearing Messages feature, shortening the period to auto-delete messages from seven days to 24-hours. — Icons vector created by Vectorium - www.freepik.com

WhatsApp is testing an upgrade to its Disappearing Messages feature, to enable users to have messages auto-delete within 24-hours.

WhatsAppBetaInfo reported that this new feature would be added to the Disappearing Messages, but without removing the current option to auto-delete in seven days.

Currently the feature can only be toggled between On and Off. According to the site’s screencap, users will be able to set the feature to “Off”, “24 hours” or “7 days”.

The screenshot also shows that any user in the chat can change this setting.

It also warns that though the messages eventually get deleted, users can still save them elsewhere. This can be done by downloading or screencapping the text.

WhatsAppBetaInfo said the feature is under development but will be available in a future update for iOS, Android and Web/Desktop.

WhatsApp first introduced Disappearing Messages last November, though it only allowed the auto-delete to kick in after one week. This doesn’t affect earlier sent messages.

In its FAQ, the messaging service explained that users can toggle the setting within a chat, but only admins are allowed to adjust it in a group chat. The feature can be found by clicking on the chat/user’s name.

WhatsApp warns users to only enable this feature with people they trust, as the disappearing messages can be circumvented by taking a screenshot, copying the content or even taking a photo using another device.