Do you want to turn on disappearing messages on WhatsApp? Just like other privacy features of WhatsApp, like freezing last seen, end to end encryption, this feature comes in handy.
If you are a privacy lover, this feature is really of great help.
In this article, find the procedure for turning on disappearing messages for individual chats and groups (new and existing). I have also provided the process to turn off this feature.
Let’s dive right in!
What is the Disappearing Messages Feature on Whatsapp?
Disappearing Messages on WhatsApp is the feature that lets you set a time limit i.e. 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days within which messages will stay in your Whatsapp chats or groups before they get deleted. When the time you set expires, the messages disappear or get deleted from the chat. This means that you and the other person you are chatting with will not be able to view the messages.
Note: However, a person can still recover the chats if they take a screenshot of the conversation before the messages disappear.
Turn On Disappearing Messages on Whatsapp by Default
When you set disappearing messages on WhatsApp, the feature will apply to all new chats and groups.
Note: The existing chats will not be affected. If you wish to set disappearing messages for existing chats and groups, read on to find out how.
To enable disappearing messages on Whatsapp by default;
- Open Whatsapp
- Tap on the three-dot icon in the top right corner to open the Menu
- Choose Settings
- Tap Account > Privacy
- Under Disappearing Messages, Select Default Messages Timer.
- Choose your desired time frame i.e. 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days. Whatsapp will automatically delete messages after your chosen duration.
All new chats will be set to disappear after the time that you have set has expired.
This means the messages will be deleted for you and the person you are chatting with after the set time.
Turn On Disappearing Messages on Whatsapp for Existing Contact Chats
After enabling disappearing Messages on WhatsApp, the feature only applies to new chats, and the existing or old chats are not affected.
However, you can enable disappearing messages easily for any existing chats by following the steps below;
- Open Whatsapp
- Tap on the Contact Name (at the top).
- Scroll down and select Disappearing Messages
- Under the Message timer, Choose a time frame within which you want messages to be deleted automatically.
Turn On Disappearing Messages For Existing WhatsApp Groups
As you create a new group, by default, WhatsApp provides the option of setting disappearing messages with which you can set the duration after which you wish messages to disappear.
However, to turn on disappearing messages for existing groups, follow the steps below;
- Open Whatsapp
- Tap on the Group Name at the top
- Select Disappearing Messages from the list
- Select any time duration from the Message timer list
Note: To have permission to enable or disable disappearing messages in a Whatsapp group, you must be an admin.
How To Turn Off Disappearing Messages on WhatsApp
If you do not want your chats and group messages to disappear, you can also disable the disappearing messages feature.
To Turn off WhatsApp disappearing messages,
- Open WhatsApp and head to Settings
- Tap Account
- Select Privacy
- Tap Default Message Timer
- Select Off
That’s it!
Messages will not automatically be deleted.
FAQs
How do I enable disappearing messages on WhatsApp?
To enable disappearing messages, Open Whatsapp>Tap on the three-dot icon in the top right corner to open the Menu>Choose Settings>Tap Account > Privacy>Select Default Messages Timer.
Choose your desired time frame i.e. 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days. Whatsapp will automatically delete messages after your chosen duration.
What happens with disappearing messages on Whatsapp?
When you enable disappearing messages on Whatsapp, the messages you send will automatically be deleted after the duration that you have set i.e. Messages will automatically be deleted after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
Can someone see if I turn on disappearing messages on Whatsapp?
Yes, the other person in the chat or any group members will see that you have turned on disappearing messages on Whatsapp.
Can someone turn off disappearing messages?
Yes, when you turn on disappearing messages in a one-on-one chat, the other user also has the ability to turn on/off the feature too.
Why does Whatsapp automatically delete messages?
Whatsapp automatically deletes messages because you might have enabled the disappearing messages feature. When enabled, this feature automatically deletes messages after the set duration, such as; after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
Conclusion
It’s time to take full control of your privacy with disappearing messages on Whatsapp!
Besides being a helpful privacy feature, it is not completely effective since the other person you are chatting with can still recover the deleted chats by taking screenshots or screen recording.
All together it is a feature worth giving a shot for an extra layer of privacy.
Please share this article to spread awareness.
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