One of WhatsApp's best features is getting a big upgrade

WhatsApp
(Image credit: guteksk7 / Shutterstock)

WhatsApp's disappearing messages option will soon let you choose whether messages are deleted after a week or just 24 hours.

In the latest beta versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS, there are signs of an updated self-destructing message feature that will eventually make its way to all users when testing is over.

It's already possible to send messages that are deleted after a week, and earlier this week, references to a 24-hour option were also spotted by the sleuths at WABetaInfo.

Initially, it was thought that the option to have messages vanish after a day would replace the option to have them stick around for a week, but now it seems that you'll be given a choice between the two.

While the option is currently visible in the iOS and Android beta apps, the same feature should also be available in the desktop and web version of WhatsApp. As these are likely to be enabled using a server-side update, there is no sign of this right now, however.

See it while you can

It doesn't look like WhatsApp will allow you to choose a custom time window for your messages to remain live, which may come as a disappointment, but the added flexibility of a 24-hour option gives a welcome extra level of security.

For the moment, the new feature can only be seen in the latest WhatsApp beta, but even then it's not functioning for testers to try out properly. It's impossible to say when the new option will be available worldwide, but WhatsApp will be making sure that all of the kinks are ironed out before it gets a wider rollout.

Via WABetaInfo

Sofia Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson
Freelance writer

Sofia is a tech journalist who's been writing about software, hardware and the web for nearly 25 years – but still looks as youthful as ever! After years writing for magazines, her life moved online and remains fueled by technology, music and nature.


Having written for websites and magazines since 2000, producing a wide range of reviews, guides, tutorials, brochures, newsletters and more, she continues to write for diverse audiences, from computing newbies to advanced users and business clients. Always willing to try something new, she loves sharing new discoveries with others.


Sofia lives and breathes Windows, Android, iOS, macOS and just about anything with a power button, but her particular areas of interest include security, tweaking and privacy. Her other loves include walking, music, her two Malamutes and, of course, her wife and daughter.


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