WhatsApp introduced disappearing messages in November 2020 as a way for users to send messages that automatically disappear after 7 days. This feature was designed to make conversations feel lighter and more private, without a permanent record.
However, in August 2022, WhatsApp abruptly removed the option to turn disappearing messages on by default for new chats. Now users have to manually turn on disappearing messages for each individual chat. This has caused a lot of confusion and questions around why the feature was changed.
What are disappearing messages?
Disappearing messages, also known as self-destructing or ephemeral messages, are messages that automatically get deleted after a set period of time. On WhatsApp, users had the option to turn on disappearing messages by default for all their chats, with the messages set to disappear after 7 days.
Once enabled, any new chats would automatically have disappearing messages turned on. For existing chats, users could manually turn disappearing messages on or off. After 7 days, messages would automatically get deleted from the sender and receiver’s devices. However, a preview of the message could still be seen in notifications until WhatsApp was opened.
Why were disappearing messages introduced?
WhatsApp introduced disappearing messages as an optional feature to make conversations feel more private and ephemeral. By having messages automatically disappear, users don’t have to worry about old messages sticking around forever. The 7 day limit aimed to strike a balance between convenience and privacy.
Some key reasons WhatsApp added disappearing messages:
– Give users more control over their privacy
– Prevent old messages being taken out of context later
– Reduce the burden of managing storage space
– Encourage users to feel more comfortable being authentic and candid in conversations
– Differentiate WhatsApp as a more private and secure messaging app
WhatsApp removes option to enable disappearing messages by default
In August 2022, WhatsApp rolled out an update that removed the ability to turn on disappearing messages by default for all new chats. Users could still turn disappearing messages on or off for individual chats, but not as a blanket default.
This change was met with backlash and confusion from users who had come to rely on and appreciate disappearing messages being enabled automatically. Many wondered why WhatsApp would remove a useful privacy feature.
WhatsApp’s reasoning
While WhatsApp did not provide an official explanation, there are some potential reasons behind their decision:
– Reduce accidental data loss: Many users may have enabled disappearing messages without fully realizing messages would get deleted after 7 days. Removing messages by default prevents accidental permanent loss of important information.
– Improve product experience: For new users, having messages disappear without context could be confusing and frustrating. Giving users manual control allows them to choose when to use disappearing messages.
– Encourage intentional sharing: With disappearing messages off by default, users have to intentionally enable the feature, encouraging more thoughtful sharing when privacy is needed.
– Avoid misuse: While useful for privacy, disappearing messages could also be misused for shady purposes like illegal or unethical activity. Requiring manual opt-in may limit this behavior.
– Prioritize long-term messaging: WhatsApp may want to position themselves more for long-term messaging and chat history versus temporary shares. Disappearing messages contradict this.
User reactions
Many WhatsApp users have reacted negatively to this update, for several reasons:
– Removes a useful privacy feature: For users who care about privacy, this takes away an easy way to increase privacy. It adds friction to now enable disappearing messages for every new chat.
– Contradicts original messaging: WhatsApp originally promoted disappearing messages as a privacy-first feature, so removing the default settings undermines that messaging.
– Limits choice: Users should have the choice to enable disappearing messages if they find it useful, rather than WhatsApp removing the option entirely.
– Lack of communication: WhatsApp did not communicate this change clearly, leaving many users confused.
– Loss of control: Users lose control over default privacy settings on their accounts with this change.
How to enable disappearing messages now
While disappearing messages can no longer be turned on by default for all chats, they can still be enabled manually for individual conversations.
Here is how to turn disappearing messages on for specific chats:
On iPhone
1. Open the WhatsApp chat
2. Tap the contact’s name at the top
3. Select ‘Disappearing Messages’
4. Choose ‘On’
This will turn on disappearing messages for that specific chat. You have to repeat these steps for each individual chat you want to enable disappearing messages for.
On Android
1. Open the WhatsApp chat
2. Tap the 3 dot menu icon
3. Select ‘Disappearing messages’
4. Choose ‘On’
Again, you have to manually enable disappearing messages for each chat. There is no blanket setting anymore.
Setting time limit
In addition to enabling disappearing messages per chat, you can also set the time limit before messages disappear:
– 24 hours
– 7 days
– 90 days
The default time period is still 7 days. But you can choose a shorter or longer duration depending on your preference.
Should you still use disappearing messages?
Despite the extra steps now required, enabling disappearing messages can still be beneficial in certain situations. Here are some cases where you may want to turn them on for individual chats:
Temporary sharing
Disappearing messages are useful when you only need to share something temporarily rather than having it live in the chat forever. For example, sharing a password or code that you want to auto-delete after the person has seen it.
Sensitive conversations
For private, sensitive chats where you want an additional layer of privacy and want to avoid leaving a permanent record, disappearing messages can give you more control. This includes conversations with doctors, therapists, confidential sources, etc.
Storage management
Disappearing messages can help minimize storage used over time as old chats get periodically cleared out. This helps avoid your phone getting cluttered with message history you don’t need.
Peace of mind
For casual conversations, enabling disappearing messages can give you peace of mind that silly, unimportant, or contextual messages won’t stick around forever. This allows you to text more freely.
When NOT to use disappearing messages
However, disappearing messages are not recommended in certain situations:
– Important information you may need later – Work discussions, addresses, reminders, etc.
– Confirmations/receipts – Disappearing prevents having a record of transactions, bills, etc.
– Legal or business matters – A permanent record is typically needed
– Sentimental conversations – You may want to keep special memories
– Active group chats – Too chaotic since messages constantly disappear
The convenience of disappearing messages comes with the risk of losing valuable information. Evaluate each individual chat to decide if you should enable the setting.
The future of disappearing messages on WhatsApp
It remains unclear whether WhatsApp will ever re-enable disappearing messages as a default option for new chats in the future. For now, it seems they are positioning the feature as something users should manually and intentionally turn on when needed for specific conversations.
Some possibilities around the future of disappearing messages:
More user control
WhatsApp may add settings to let users choose default time limits for disappearing messages across all new chats. For example, have messages disappear by default after 24 hours or 7 days, even if not enabled one-by-one.
Interface changes
To increase usage despite not being a default, WhatsApp may make it easier to enable disappearing messages on a chat, such as adding toggles directly in the chat header.
Group chat options
Specialized disappearing message options tailored for group chats may appear, such as only deleting a user’s own messages from the group after a certain time.
Alternative solutions
WhatsApp may explore alternative solutions like allowing users to manually delete older messages in bulk to clear chat history.
Overall, disappearing messages seem here to stay in some form, though the exact implementation may continue to evolve over time as WhatsApp balances user demands with its own priorities.
Conclusion
WhatsApp removing the option to have disappearing messages on as a default was met with confusion and frustration by users who appreciated the added privacy and ephemeral sharing it allowed.
While the change likely aims to improve new user experience and limit misuse, it takes away control from existing users who found value in the feature. Having to manually enable disappearing messages for each chat adds significant friction.
As a privacy-focused messaging platform, WhatsApp would be wise to continue optimizing disappearing messages to address user concerns around privacy and data permanence. Finding the right defaults and interfaces will be key to maximizing the benefits of this feature that so many have come to love.