WhatsApp is one of the most used social media of all time. Almost every third phone in the world has this application installed on it. If the platform is big then there is more need to secure it. So, WhatsApp in an attempt to make itself secure upgraded the WhatsApp Disappearing Messages Feature. Well, in this post we will cover everything related to this new update.
In the year 2020, WhatsApp introduced the Disappearing Messages feature that automatically deletes chats after seven days. The feature was great and helps the users to get rid of the extra chats. But, it had a limitation that the chats could only be deleted after 7 days. The recent update in the WhatsApp disappearing messages feature gives the user liberty to choose the time limit for the messages to be deleted.
The user can select from the three options 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days i.e 3 months to automatically delete the chats. As the feature is new and we know that you must be having lots of queries. So, here we are with the guide on “WhatsApp Disappearing Messages Feature”, which will clarify all your doubts.
How To Use WhatsApp Disappearing Messages Feature
The first and foremost question that every WhatsApp user has in his head is how to use the disappearing feature on WhatsApp and where is the option located. Well, there is nothing to worry or think about because the feature is available in the settings. Fret not, follow the steps given below to use the message disappearing feature.
How To Turn On Whatsapp Disappearing Messages Feature In The Account
You can directly enable the message disappearing feature in the WhatsApp account directly for every new individual chat. All you have to do is go to the settings and select the time after which you wish to make your message disappear from the chat.
Also Read, How To Hide WhatsApp Chat | 100 Percent Working Tips And Tricks
The method given below is applicable for both Androids as well as the iPhone.
- Open the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Next, tap on the three dots present on the top right corner of the screen.
- This will open the list of menus in front of you. From the list select “Account”.
- Now, navigate to “Privacy” and then go to the “Default message Timer”.
- You can select the time duration for the message disappearing from the options provided.
- The timers available are 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
How Do Whatsapp Disappearing Messages Feature Works
After you have set the timer the only messages you have sent after turning on the feature will be deleted. Since the feature was recently launched in the market many people have a lot of confusion about its usage. So, here are a few points to remember before exploring the WhatsApp disappearing Messages feature.
- If the receiver does not open the chat within the time specified by the user in the timer, then the message will be deleted. However, the messages can still be viewed in the Notifications if the application is not running.
- If the disappearing message is forwarded to some other user, by the receiver then the forwarded message will not be deleted. But, the message that you sent will be.
- If you create a backup for the WhatsApp chat before the message is deleted automatically, the message will be saved into the backup. However, Disappearing messages will be deleted when a user restores from a backup.
How To Save Disappearing Messages On WhatsApp
Although WhatsApp has introduced the disappearing message feature to increase the user’s privacy protection. But, here are the tricks and tips to save the disappearing messages without the other person knowing about them.
- If you forward the disappearing message to another person on WhatsApp. Then the forwarded message won’t be deleted. But, here is a condition that you also haven’t turned on the WhatsApp Disappearing Messages Feature on your account.
- Well, if you don’t want to forward the message to any of your contacts. You can also copy the text and paste it into the notes.
- You can also take screenshots of the chat or use the screen recorder for the purpose.
- You can also try to export the chat before the messages disappear from the chat page.
How To Turn On WhatsApp Disappearing Messages Feature In A Particular Chat
This message disappearing feature option will be available on the chat page. So, we will be turning it on from the chat page.
- Start with opening the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Now, tap on the chat where you want to enable the Whatsapp disappearing messages feature.
- Now, tap at the top of the chat page. To be more precise click on the name of the person on the top.
- This will open another page in front of you on the screen.
- Scroll down to find the option that says “Disappearing Message” and tap on it.
- You will see two options “On” and “Off”, check the radio button against the option “ON”.
- This will turn on the disappearing messages in the chat.
- After this, you will see a confirmation message on the chat page that says “You turned on disappearing messages. All new messages will disappear from this chat 7 days after they’re sent. Click to change.”
Also Read, How To Recover Deleted WhatsApp Account | 3 Different Ways
How To Turn Off WhatsApp Disappearing Messages Feature In A Particular Chat
Well, turning off the WhatsApp messages feature is also similar to turning it on. Well, worry not we promised you to present the step-by-step guide on the feature. So, follow the steps given below turn off the WhatsApp disappearing messages feature.
- Start with opening the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Now, tap on the chat where you want to enable the Whatsapp disappearing messages feature.
- Now, tap at the top of the chat page. To be more precise click on the name of the person on the top.
- This will open another page in front of you on the screen.
- Scroll down to find the option that says “Disappearing Message” and tap on it.
- You will see two options “On” and “Off”, check the radio button against the option “OFF”.
- This will turn off the disappearing messages in the chat.
- After this, you will see a confirmation message on the chat page that says “You turned off disappearing messages. Click to change.”
Alternate Or The Direct Way
There is also a way that allows you to directly turn off the disappearing messages feature. But to access this feature you first need to turn the feature on.
Remember the confirmation message that you receive as you turn on the disappearing feature.
- Tap on the message
- You will see two options “On” and “Off”, check the radio button against the option “OFF”.
- This will turn off the disappearing messages in the chat.
- After this, you will see a confirmation message on the chat page that says “You turned off disappearing messages. Click to change.”
How Do WhatsApp Disappearing Messages Feature In A Particular Chat Works
We just saw how to turn on and off the messages disappearing feature on the WhatsApp application. We know you must be having lots of queries like how long would it take for messages to disappear. What would happen if you turn on the disappearing messages, send a message and then turn it off? Well, this guide will clear all your doubts.
Starting with the time taken by the WhatsApp messages to disappear then it is seven days. Yes, your chats will be deleted after 7 days after turning on the WhatsApp disappearing messages feature.
This feature works on the latest settings, that is if you send a message after turning on the disappearing messages feature and then again turn it off then the messages will not be deleted after seven days. I repeat they won’t be deleted as the feature works on the current settings.
How To Delete The Messages On WhatsApp Before The Set Time Limit
If you want your chat to disappear automatically then you have to wait for the time specified in the WhatsApp Disappearing Messages Feature.
No, you cannot set your own time limit in the feature. But, if you want to delete the messages before the set time limit, you always have the “Delete for all” option available in the chat.
- Open the chat page where you wish to unsend the message.
- Long press on the message and then navigate to the top of the screen. To find the delete option “Dustbin icon”.
- Now you will be provided with the option “Delete For all”. Click on it.
- The message will be deleted at the moment and you don’t have to wait for the timer.
Also Read, WhatsApp Delete For Everyone Feature Got An Update!
YouTube Video On WhatsApp Disappearing Messages Feature
Wrapping Up
That was all about the newly released WhatsApp disappearing messages feature. Well, the feature is expected to improve with time, and maybe WhatsApp will introduce the feature to set your own time limit in the near future. We hope you found this article informative and all your doubts about the topic were clarified. If you still have any queries left then do ask us in the comments section. We will reply back to you as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Feature Of Disappearing Messages On WhatsApp?
One of the best features of the disappearing messages on WhatsApp is that the chat will disappear after the set timer. It doesn’t matter if the receiver has opened the chat or not. The message will be deleted after the time limit is up.
Can Someone See If I Turn On Disappearing Messages On WhatsApp?
If you turn on the Disappearing message in the chat then the other user will be notified with the message “You turned on disappearing messages. All new messages will disappear from this chat 7 days after they’re sent. Click to change.”
Can You Screenshot WhatsApp Disappearing?
Yes, you can screenshot or screen record the WhatsApp disappearing messages. No, WhatsApp won’t notify the other user about it.
