WhatsApp to Introduce New Disappearing Message Timers for More Flexibility
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WhatsApp is gearing up to introduce new flexibility in its Disappearing Messages feature. As per reports from feature tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging app is testing shorter time limits that could soon allow messages to vanish after just one hour or 12 hours.
Later, updates expanded the options, giving users control to set messages to disappear after 24 hours, seven days, or even 90 days. These timers gave users more freedom over how long their conversations stayed visible.
That said, there’s a risk-messages could disappear before the recipient reads them. To avoid confusion, WhatsApp may include a reminder notification whenever this ultra-short timer is selected.
WhatsApp has consistently refined the disappearing messages feature since its launch, making it more customizable and privacy-friendly. With the addition of these new timers, the platform could soon offer users even greater control over how long their chats remain visible.
A Quick Recap of Disappearing Messages
The feature was first launched in November 2020 as an additional layer of privacy and security. At the time, WhatsApp only allowed users to enable or disable the feature, with messages automatically disappearing after seven days.Later, updates expanded the options, giving users control to set messages to disappear after 24 hours, seven days, or even 90 days. These timers gave users more freedom over how long their conversations stayed visible.
What’s New?
Now, WhatsApp seems ready to make disappearing messages even more versatile. The one-hour and 12-hour timers were recently spotted in development on WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.24.18. However, they are still being worked on and are not yet available to users-even in the beta channel.Why a One-Hour Timer?
The one-hour disappearing message limit is expected to serve users who need their texts to vanish almost immediately after sending. This could be especially useful when sharing sensitive information that shouldn’t stay visible for long.That said, there’s a risk-messages could disappear before the recipient reads them. To avoid confusion, WhatsApp may include a reminder notification whenever this ultra-short timer is selected.
The Balance of a 12-Hour Timer
On the other hand, the 12-hour option strikes a middle ground between privacy and convenience. It gives both sender and recipient enough time to respond while ensuring the conversation doesn’t linger longer than needed. This timer could be particularly handy for short-term coordination, event planning, or sharing less sensitive information.WhatsApp has consistently refined the disappearing messages feature since its launch, making it more customizable and privacy-friendly. With the addition of these new timers, the platform could soon offer users even greater control over how long their chats remain visible.
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