WhatsApp is the world's most popular mobile messenger with millions of users in many countries. Besides the mobile app, it has a version that works on classic computers and laptops, and also a Web version of the app running right in your browser. The team behind the app today announced one of the most anticipated features - disappearing messages.
When disappearing messages is turned on, new messages sent to a chat will disappear after 7 days, helping the conversation feel lighter and more private. In a one-to-one chat, either person can turn disappearing messages on or off. In groups, admins will have the control.
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The company notes the following regarding the new feature.
- If a user doesn’t open WhatsApp in the seven day period, the message will disappear. However, the preview of the message might still be displayed in notifications until WhatsApp is opened.
- 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.
- If a disappearing message is forwarded to a chat with disappearing messages off, the message won’t disappear in the forwarded chat.
- If a user creates a backup before a message disappears, the disappearing message will be included in the backup. Disappearing messages will be deleted when a user restores from a backup.
The company warns that it is still possible to copy, forward, or just take a screenshot of a message, so you should use this feature carefully.
It is possible to enable or disable the Disappearing messages feature or an individual chat. Here's how on Android:
- Open the WhatsApp chat.
- Tap the contact’s name.
- Tap Disappearing messages.
- If prompted, tap CONTINUE.
- Select On.
This is indeed a great addition to the app that many users were waiting for.
Personally, I prefer Telegram over WhatsApp, as it is more feature rich, has less restrictions, and also has native Desktop clients that do not require a mobile app running on the same network like WhatsApp does. It also supports some nifty chat and channel features. If you are a Telegram user too, you can join Winaero on Telegram to receive post updates instantly.
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Not sure why it is the most anticipated. How about simple delete or clear chats? :D
Thanks Sergey! You are bringing in more news theses days other than browser or os updates. Like it. :)