WhatsApp is working hard to improve the quality of the features it provides to its users. The privacy of users is critical when it comes to instant messaging services.
The company announced that it had improved the app’s disappearing messages feature. A user can now enable disappearing messages for new chats, including groups, in 24 hours or 90 days. Users could only set the duration to seven days at first.
On his Facebook page, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO, and Chairman of WhatsApp’s parent company Meta wrote: “You will be able to make all new chats disappear after 24 hours, seven days, or 90 days by default. Not all messages must last indefinitely.”
As one of the world’s largest WhatsApp users, the updated innovation has the potential to change the lives of Kenyans online, particularly those who have experienced embarrassing moments.
This means that whenever you start a new chat, messages will be automatically deleted after the time period you specify.
Messages will be deleted for both parties if either chat member activates the feature.
How To enable disappearing messages
- open the WhatsApp chat,
- tap the contact’s name,
- scroll down, and tap the ‘Disappearing Messages’ option,
- tap ‘continue’
- set the message timer.
It should be noted that messages sent or received prior to the activation of the disappearing messages feature will not be affected.
However, the new feature does not prevent people from deleting the conversations or storing them elsewhere. Users can still forward disappearing messages or take screenshots if they want a record of the conversation. This means that it only restricts what other people can do if they physically obtain your phone.
The changes are being rolled out gradually to iOS and Android users. So, if you don’t see the new feature on your phone, wait until it becomes available and make sure the app is up to date.