WhatsApp Disappearing Messages might vanish in just an hour: 5 key things we know
WhatsApp is testing faster disappearing messages with new one-hour and 12-hour timers. Here are 5 things you need to know about this upcoming feature, how it works, and why it could change the way you share sensitive chats.
WhatsApp is working on faster disappearing messages WhatsApp is reportedly testing new ways to make messages disappear even quicker than before. The company first launched disappearing messages in 2020, letting users delete texts automatically after a week. Now, it seems WhatsApp wants to give people more control with shorter time limits, making sensitive chats vanish faster.
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One-hour and 12-hour timers may be coming soon Currently, WhatsApp allows disappearing messages to last 24 hours, seven days, or 90 days. According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, the company is developing new options: a one-hour timer for instant deletion and a 12-hour timer for a bit more breathing room. These are still in testing and aren’t available for public use yet.
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Why a one-hour timer could be useful The one-hour disappearing message option could be perfect for people sharing highly sensitive information. The idea is that messages would vanish almost immediately after being sent, reducing the risk of them being seen by others. WhatsApp might even warn users that messages could disappear before the recipient reads them.
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The 12-hour timer balances privacy and convenience The 12-hour timer seems designed for less urgent messages, giving both the sender and recipient enough time to read and reply. It could be ideal for things like planning events, coordinating short-term tasks, or sharing information that isn’t extremely sensitive. Users would still have the choice to turn disappearing messages off entirely.
A quick look back at disappearing messages When WhatsApp first introduced disappearing messages in November 2020, users could only turn them on or off, with messages disappearing after seven days. Later updates added 24-hour and 90-day options. These new one-hour and 12-hour timers would be the next step, giving users even more flexibility and control over their chat privacy.
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