WhatsApp appears to be testing a new option for the Disappearing Messages feature that allows users to automatically delete messages in a particular chat after 90 days. It could come alongside an option to auto-disappear messages after 24 hours, which is also reportedly in the testing phase at the moment. WhatsApp originally introduced the Disappearing Messages feature in November of last year, but so far users have only been able to make new messages disappear after seven days.
According to a report by WhatsApp with tracker WABetaInfo, WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.21.17.16 includes references to the option to make messages disappear after 90 days. There is also a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo that suggests the 90-day option will come alongside the existing option to automatically delete messages after seven days.
WhatsApp also appears to have kept the 24-hour option that it has reportedly been testing for Android, iOS and web users in recent months.
WhatsApp may soon let you choose from a list of timeframes for the Disappearing Messages feature
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
The new disappearing messages option is expected to be currently in development and not yet available, even to beta testers. However, it is likely that it will be part of a future public release.
It is important to note that while the Disappearing Messages feature is intended to automatically delete the content of messages after a certain amount of time, the recipients can still keep the message by forwarding it to a chat.
The messages set for disappearance can also be copied before disappearing. Likewise, a user can take a screenshot of the disappearing message to save its contents before it disappears. WhatsApp also says it has made the feature especially for users who communicate with “trusted people.”
When announcing the Disappearing Messages feature last year, WhatsApp hinted at extending the default seven-day timeframe. “We’re starting with 7 days because we think it provides peace of mind that conversations aren’t permanent, yet remain practical so you don’t forget what you were talking about,” the company had said.
Earlier this month, WhatsApp released a View Once feature to make photos and videos disappear once viewed by recipients. Facebook’s instant messaging app also recently announced the anticipated ability to transfer chat history between iOS and Android devices. However, it is currently limited to users switching between iPhone and Samsung devices.
