At the end of last year, WhatsApp introduced the disappearing messages feature, after many other social apps already got a similar feature. But the downside to these expired WhatsApp messages was that they don't disappear for seven days. It is therefore more of an automatic cleanup function than an option to send temporary messages. Now there is the option to delete messages after 24 hours, WhatsApp announces. The feature was previously leaked via WABetaInfo. You can also now set a default message timer for new chats. If you don't see the improved function with you yet, you have to be patient.
Make WhatsApp messages disappear after 24 hours
At this point, WhatsApp has started rolling out the new feature. Instead of being a replacement for the seven-day limit, the 24-hour option is simply added. The group chat administrator or both participants of a one-on-one chat can choose between a seven-day or 24-hour limit. In addition, an option for 90 days has also been added.
Like the current feature, is so this can be set per chat. If you choose the 24 hours option, the message will disappear 24 hours after it was sent. Keep in mind that a message can also be read after 24 hours (for example in a push message) and that someone can also make a screenshot.
Now also a default timer for new chats
Via the settings you can now also choose to set a default timer for new chats. Via WhatsApp > Settings > Under the heading Messages with expiration, select Privacy for Default timer for messages. Here too you can choose between 24 hours, 7 days, 90 days and off.
The function is currently being rolled out and is in any case already available for users with the beta version of WhatsApp. Very soon the feature will be available to everyone.
Since the summer you can also send one-time photos in WhatsApp. These are photos that automatically disappear after the recipient has opened and viewed them. Although the recipient can always take a screenshot, re-viewing the photo in the WhatsApp conversation is not possible.
Revision history:
- 2021 – December 06, 4:55 PM: Article updated and republished after announcement and start rollout of the new feature .