WhatsApp has officially confirmed that it will be rolling the disappearing messages feature as it publishes a detailed FAQ on its website. The Facebook-owned messaging platform will roll out this feature across all OS, which include the WhatsApp for web, Android, iOS, and KaiOS. According to the WhatsApp support page, the disappearing messages feature will automatically delete the messages sent on WhatsApp when it’s turned on. Though there is no official word on when exactly this feature will become available for users.
The most popular messaging app is working on the development of the disappearing messages feature, which, when turned on, will make messages disappear after seven days. As per WhatsApp, when users will turn the feature on, new messages sent to an individual or in a group char will automatically disappear after a week. We expect WhatsApp to bring this feature in the next update, hopefully.
WhatsApp Disappearing Messages Working
The messaging platform and company explains in its support page the details of its working and some limitations. It said that the disappearing messages feature works with both text messages and multimedia files, such as photos and videos. However, WhatsApp has also cautioned users to send disappearing messages to their trusted contacts only, as some people may take screenshots or back up the messages before they disappear. Also, if the recipient has the auto-download feature enabled, the media files will save in the gallery and disappear from the chat. Further, if a user forwards the disappearing message or replies to that message, the message will still appear as the quoted test. It does not delete the forwarded message, either.
According to WhatsApp, “When you reply to a message, the initial message is quoted. If you reply to a disappearing message, the quoted text might remain in the chat after seven days.” It is worth noting that users will get the option of turning this feature on or off in the individual chat. However, in group chats, only group admins will have the option to turn disappearing messages on or off. Furthermore, WhatsApp also says that if a user does not open the messaging app within seven days, the message will disappear. Though, its preview may still remain visible in the notification bar.
WhatsApp didn’t reveal the exact date of the arrival of the disappearing messages feature to its user base but, we expect the platform to release it in the upcoming update soon.
