WhatsApp tests feature to auto delete messages after 90 days

WhatsApp is testing more flexibility with its disappearing messages feature, allowing users to auto delete messages a lot later, after 90 days instead of seven. — Background photo created by natanaelginting - www.freepik.com

WhatsApp is testing a new option for its disappearing message feature, allowing messages to auto delete in 90 days instead of a week or a day.

WABetaInfo reported that the 90-days disappearing message feature was a new option for Beta users, in addition to the 24-hour option that is also still in testing.

The leaker site spotted the latest feature on the Beta Android version 2.21.17.16, meaning it is available only for Android users for now.

For standard users, the deletion period is currently fixed at seven days and cannot be changed by the user. Also, the feature won’t affect messages sent or received outside of the seven-day window.

According to WhatsApp, deleting messages is one method to save space on users’ devices, especially large media.

In its FAQ, the messaging service explained that users can toggle the setting within personal chats, but that only admins are allowed to adjust it in group chats.

In addition to messages, media that is auto downloaded in chats with this option on will be deleted after seven days, even if the user doesn’t login in time.

However, text quoted in a reply or forwarded to another chat will not be deleted.

If a user creates a backup of the chat, the disappearing message will be saved. However, if the backup is restored past the seven days, the message will disappear upon restoring the backup.