WhatsApp launches new disappearing messages feature

New Delhi : WhatsApp has included a new feature on its platform which will allow users to send messages which will disappear on its own after seven days. These messages can be sent on individual chats and groups, the company said on its support page.

The company clarified that no impact will be seen on the messages sent before the new settings are implemented.

The disappearing messages feature can be enabled by users in individual chats, while only group admins can turn it on or off on groups. If a user doesn’t open WhatsApp in the seven-day period, the message will disappear. The message will be available in the notification tab until the application is opened, said company.

Media received will be automatically downloaded to photos. If disappearing messages are turned on, media sent to the chat will disappear, but will be saved on the phone if auto-download is switched on. The message will not disappear in the forwarded chat if it is forwarded to another chat with disappearing messages setting turned off.

The disappearing messages can be saved with the help of backup. The chats will be saved if the backup is turned on by the user. WhatsApp recommends its users to use the feature only with trusted individuals since users can still forward, copy and take screenshots of the disappearing message before it vanishes.

To enable the new feature, users can click on Settings > Storage and Data > Manage Storage to review, bulk delete and free up space. The feature will roll out to users worldwide by the end of this week.