WhatsApp offers a feature where it can automatically delete messages after a set period of time. This can be useful for privacy reasons, but sometimes you may want to disable this feature and keep messages permanently.
Why Does WhatsApp Auto Delete Messages?
WhatsApp introduced the option for disappearing messages in 2020. This feature allows users to set messages in an individual or group chat to automatically delete after 7 days. The purpose behind this feature is to add an extra layer of privacy and security to WhatsApp messaging.
Some key reasons why WhatsApp added the auto delete feature include:
- Privacy – Auto deleting messages means there is less of a digital paper trail and history to your chats. Once messages disappear, they are gone for good.
- Security – Self-destructing messages reduce the risk of chat history being seen by others if your phone is lost/stolen. It also limits how much information could be accessed if WhatsApp ever suffered a data breach.
- Decluttering – The auto delete function helps keep your chats clutter free by removing old messages automatically.
- Mistake prevention – Deleting messages by default means any unintended messages, errors or embarrassing texts won’t stick around forever.
Overall, the auto delete feature gives users more control over their digital footprints and privacy when using WhatsApp.
How to Turn Off Disappearing Messages
If you don’t want your WhatsApp messages to self-destruct after 7 days, you can disable this feature entirely. Here is how to stop messages from auto deleting in WhatsApp:
On iPhone
- Open the relevant chat in WhatsApp
- Tap the contact or group name at the top of the screen
- Tap ‘Disappearing Messages’
- Select ‘Off’
This will permanently disable disappearing messages for that conversation. Repeat these steps for each chat you want to stop auto deleting messages.
On Android
- Open the WhatsApp chat
- Tap the menu button (3 dots icon)
- Select ‘Disappearing messages’
- Choose ‘Off’
Follow these instructions to turn off disappearing messages in every chat where you don’t want messages automatically deleted after 7 days.
In WhatsApp Web/Desktop
- Open the chat in WhatsApp Web/Desktop
- Click on the contact or group name at the top
- Select ‘Disappearing messages’
- Choose ‘Off’
Repeat for each individual or group chat as required to stop messages from auto deleting.
How to Change the Auto Delete Timer
As well as fully disabling auto message deletion, WhatsApp also gives you the option to customize the auto delete timer. Rather than the default 7 days, you can set messages to disappear after 24 hours or 90 days instead.
Here is how to change the auto delete timer in WhatsApp:
On iPhone
- Open the relevant chat in WhatsApp
- Tap the contact or group name
- Tap ‘Disappearing Messages’
- Select your preferred timeframe – 24 hours, 7 days or 90 days
On Android
- Open the WhatsApp chat
- Tap the menu button (3 dots)
- Tap ‘Disappearing messages’
- Choose your preferred timeframe
In WhatsApp Web/Desktop
- Open the chat
- Click the contact or group name
- Click ‘Disappearing messages’
- Select your preferred time limit for auto message deletion
Adjust the auto delete duration in each chat individually based on how long you’re comfortable with messages remaining visible.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Auto Delete Messages
Some common issues and solutions for troubleshooting WhatsApp’s disappearing messages feature:
Messages deleting too soon
If messages are vanishing before the 7 day limit, it’s likely the auto delete timer has been shortened in that chat. Follow the steps above to extend the duration.
Messages not deleting automatically
Check that disappearing messages are enabled for that chat and the correct timeframe is selected. The feature needs to be turned on per chat – enabling it in one conversation won’t apply across WhatsApp.
Deleted messages reappearing
This is usually caused by inconsistent internet connectivity. Try toggling disappearing messages off/on again in the chat. Also ensure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
Can’t find disappearing messages option
The auto delete feature may be unavailable in some regions due to local laws. Make sure disappearing messages comply with regulations in your country.
Also, check WhatsApp has permission to access storage on your device. The feature won’t show up unless WhatsApp can save/delete messages from your phone’s storage.
What Happens When Messages Are Deleted
When the timer runs out on auto deleting messages in WhatsApp, they will be permanently deleted from the app’s servers and your phone’s storage. Other users in the chat won’t be able to see the expired messages anymore.
However, any preview notifications for these messages will remain on your phone and your chat partner’s device until opened. Previews will show the last few words of the message and the sender, but not the full content.
If a deleted message is quoted in a chat, the quoted text will remain visible even after disappearing. But tapping on the quoted message won’t display the original deleted text.
Any photos, videos or files sent in disappearing chats will be removed when the timer is up. Users can download media to keep if needed.
Can Deleted WhatsApp Messages Be Recovered?
Once disappearing messages have been automatically deleted after the preset duration, they are gone for good. However, there are a couple of ways they may still be recovered:
- Message backups – If you or the recipient have chat backups enabled, expired messages may still be restored from the backup.
- Cloud storage – If media files were saved to cloud storage like Google Photos before deletion, they may be retrievable from there.
- Third-party apps – Some third party tools claim to be able to recover deleted WhatsApp messages, with varying degrees of success.
But in general, enabling disappearing messages will securely erase messages once the time limit is reached. The only official way to retrieve deleted messages is from a backup.
Disadvantages of Disappearing Messages
While auto deleting messages can improve privacy, there are also some downsides to enabling this feature in WhatsApp:
- Useful information is permanently erased and can’t be referenced later.
- It can be frustrating if important messages disappear before being read.
- Preview notifications still show some message details after deletion.
- Valuable media like photos may be lost if not saved separately.
- Chat history can provide context to conversations that is lost when deleting messages.
The benefits of auto deleting messages often outweigh the downsides for privacy conscious users. But it’s worth keeping the disadvantages in mind before enabling disappearing messages.
WhatsApp Disappearing Message FAQs
Can I enable disappearing messages for all chats?
No, you need to turn on auto message deletion for each individual chat. There is no “enable for all chats” option due to the privacy implications.
Do deleted messages count towards my storage quota?
No, once disappearing messages are auto deleted they don’t take up any storage space.
Can I restore a deleted disappearing message?
No, there is no way to restore deleted messages in WhatsApp after they have expired and been removed. Your only option is to recover from a backup.
Do disappearing messages work in group chats?
Yes, group admins can enable disappearing messages in groups. This applies to all members of the group.
What happens if a user leaves the chat before messages delete?
Messages will still auto delete after the preset duration, even if a user leaves the chat before that time.
Can I quote a disappearing message after it expires?
No, quoting an expired message will just show an empty text box where the message used to be.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s disappearing messages can provide extra privacy and security. But the feature isn’t for everyone. If you want to keep a permanent record of conversations, it’s best to disable auto message deletion.
Make sure you understand how WhatsApp’s self-destructing messages work before enabling the setting. Once enabled, expired messages are gone forever with no way to retrieve them directly in WhatsApp.
With customizable delete timers, the ability to disable disappearing messages per chat, and clear user controls, this feature gives you flexibility over your WhatsApp message history. Understand the pros and cons before deciding if auto deleting messages is right for your WhatsApp use.