WhatsApp is testing the ability to set messages to disappear after 24 hours. This was revealed in a tweet by WAbetaInfo, though there is not much information on whether it is being tested for Android as well as iOS or when will the feature be released. Also Read - WhatsApp multi-device support available for Android, iOS users: How to enable the setting
Prior to this, WhatsApp rolled out in November last year Disappearing messages, though for a longer seven days period. Once enabled, sent messages including media files, audio files and others will disappear automatically after seven days from the time message is sent. Also Read - How to send disappearing photos and videos on WhatsApp in a few simple steps
WhatsApp testing 24-hour disappearing message: How it will work
WhatsApp’s 24-hour disappearing messages feature is expected to work in the same way the seven days disappearing messages feature works. It is expected to work for media and audio files as well. However, do keep in mind that there is not much information on the 24-hour disappearing messages feature as of now and we will need to wait to know more. Also Read - WhatsApp multi-device feature beta starts rolling out for all iOS users: Report
WhatsApp is testing the ability to set messages to disappear after 24 hours.
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) March 6, 2021
As for the seven-days disappearing messages, the feature needs to be enabled or turned on. To send seven-days disappearing messages to contacts, follow these steps:
STEP 1: Open the WhatsApp app and select the contact you wish to send disappearing messages to.
STEP 2: Open the contact information section on Android. On iOS, click on the name of the contact.
STEP 3: Scroll down to the Disappearing Messages option. Tap on ON to enable it.
STEP 4: Once the option is enabled, you should get a message that reads, “You turned on disappearing messages. New messages will disappear from the chat after 7 days. Tap to change.”
STEP 5: Once the feature is enabled, all messages you send to the contact will disappear after seven days.
STEP 6: To turn off the disappearing messages feature, repeat the same steps — open contact info > Disappearing Messages > tap on the option > click on OFF.
While chats will get deleted, any media that the receiver saves on their device will remain. Also, any forwarded messages will not get automatically deleted. It is likely that WhatsApp will introduce a new 24-hour option under the disappearing messages option, which will delete all messages and media on receiver’s device after 24 hours.
WhatsApp working on new Archived UI for Android, iOS
WhatsApp is also working on a New Archive feature for Android and iOS, which is under development and will be available in a future build. WaBetaInfo reported the feature was spotted in the Android 2.21.50.11 version.
WhatsApp is preparing an update that brings a new experience for your Archive: when you receive a message from archived chats, they won’t be unarchived anymore.
This is optional.It will be available in a future update for iOS and Android.
2.21.50.11: https://t.co/ULD64epEoY pic.twitter.com/5tziOefkb5— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) March 5, 2021
It brings about changes in the Archive UI. The feature will essentially ensure that if users receive a message from archived chats, they will not be unarchived anymore, which is not the case as of now.
