WhatsApp introduced disappearing messages in 2020 as a way for users to send messages that automatically disappear after 7 days. This can be useful if you want to share temporary information or keep your chat history tidy.
Disappearing messages are optional and need to be turned on by each user. Once enabled, new messages sent in the chat will disappear after 7 days. The feature works for both individual and group chats.
There has been some confusion around how exactly disappearing messages work and what you can do to enable them. This article will explain everything you need to know about using disappearing messages on WhatsApp.
How do disappearing messages work?
When disappearing messages are enabled, any new messages sent in the chat will disappear after 7 days. The message will be deleted automatically from the sender and receiver’s devices without leaving a trace.
Here are some key details on how disappearing messages function:
- The timer is based on the sender – once they send a disappearing message, it will disappear from the chat after 7 days regardless of if the recipient has read it or not.
- Disappearing messages will not disappear if they are forwarded to a chat that has disappearing messages turned off.
- Quoted messages also remain in the chat if disappearing messages are on. Only the new message content will disappear.
- If a user doesn’t open WhatsApp for 7 days, the messages will disappear. However, the preview from notifications will still show until WhatsApp is opened again.
- Backups include recent disappearing messages. If you restore from a backup, any recent disappearing messages will reappear.
The key takeaway is that once enabled, any new messages will automatically disappear after 7 days. This works for both outgoing and incoming messages.
How to turn on disappearing messages
Turning on disappearing messages is easy and can be done in any individual or group chat:
- Open the WhatsApp chat
- Tap on the contact or group name to open chat settings
- Tap ‘Disappearing messages’
- Select ‘On’
That’s it! The ‘Disappearing messages’ setting will be turned on and all new messages will now disappear after 7 days.
Keep in mind that disappearing messages is an optional setting that needs to be turned on by each user. So if you turn it on for a chat, the other participants will each need to enable it for their end as well.
How to turn off disappearing messages
If you change your mind and no longer want disappearing messages enabled for a chat, you can easily turn the setting off:
- Open the WhatsApp chat
- Tap on the contact or group name to open settings
- Tap ‘Disappearing messages’
- Select ‘Off’
This will disable disappearing messages for that chat. Previously sent messages that were set to disappear will remain intact until their 7 day period expires.
Things to know about disappearing messages
There are some key points to be aware of when using disappearing messages:
- They only work between users who are on the latest version of WhatsApp. If a recipient is on an outdated version, messages will not disappear.
- Disappearing messages can still be backed up locally and to iCloud before they disappear, if chat backups are enabled.
- Messages may still appear in notifications until WhatsApp is opened again, even after disappearing.
- If a user doesn’t open WhatsApp for 7 days, the messages will disappear. But previews may still show in notifications.
- It’s possible to bypass disappearing messages by taking screenshots, screen recordings, copying content or using third party apps.
While not completely foolproof, disappearing messages add an extra level of privacy and security for everyday chats. Just be aware that motivated users have ways to save messages before they disappear.
Why use disappearing messages?
Here are some of the benefits of using disappearing messages on WhatsApp:
- Privacy – Messages erase themselves, which limits evidence of any conversation.
- Reduce clutter – Automatically clearing chats can keep your message history clean.
- Avoid misunderstandings – Prevents old out-of-context messages from being misconstrued.
- Mistake prevention – No risk of accidental delete as messages automatically disappear.
- Temporary sharing – Great for sharing time-sensitive info like passwords or locations.
The ephemeral nature of disappearing messages can be great for both privacy and convenience. Turn them on if you want to prevent misuse of old messages or keep your chats tidy.
Limitations of disappearing messages
However, there are some limitations to understand:
- Not fully secure – screenshots and backups mean messages can still be recovered.
- Time delay – 7 days may be too long for some confidential information.
- Can’t retrieve messages – this may be frustrating if you need to recall details sent.
- Requires user action – all participants must enable the setting.
- Some messages remain – quoted replies and forwarded messages won’t disappear.
Disappearing messages don’t guarantee complete privacy or security. Sensitive content should still be sent with caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about WhatsApp’s disappearing messages feature:
Do disappearing messages work in group chats?
Yes, you can enable disappearing messages in any group chat. Once turned on, new messages sent by all participants will disappear after 7 days automatically.
Can I set a shorter time than 7 days?
Unfortunately no, 7 days is the only time limit available right now. WhatsApp has not provided an option to customize the duration.
Will messages disappear before 7 days if I delete them?
No, messages will still disappear from the chat after the full 7 days regardless of if you delete them manually or not. The 7 day countdown starts when the message is sent.
Can I see the disappearing messages I’ve sent recently?
There is no built-in feature to view recent disappearing messages you’ve sent. Since the messages self-destruct, there is no message history to look back on.
What happens if a new person joins a chat with disappearing messages on?
Any new members that join will have to turn on disappearing messages manually. The setting does not automatically enable for new participants.
Do disappearing messages work in group chats with over 100 participants?
Yes, they work in both small and large WhatsApp group chats with up to 512 participants. All group members who have enabled disappearing messages will have their messages disappear.
Conclusion
Disappearing messages are a handy WhatsApp feature to make chats more private and ephemeral. While not completely foolproof, enabling disappearing messages can provide more peace of mind for sensitive conversations.
Keep in mind that all participants need to turn on the setting, and there are workarounds users can employ to save messages before they disappear. Use discretion when sending confidential or risky content.
To enable disappearing messages, simply turn on the setting in any individual or group chat. Then new messages will automatically delete after 7 days for all users with the setting enabled.