WhatsApp is testing new options for its disappearing messages feature, adding 1-hour and 12-hour timers to its Android beta release. These come in addition to the existing 24-hour, 7-day, and 90-day settings, giving users more flexibility in managing how long messages remain visible.
The 1-hour option is designed for highly sensitive or short-term exchanges, such as sharing bank details or personal information. However, WhatsApp cautions that messages could disappear before recipients have a chance to read them. To address this, the platform is exploring a reminder feature that alerts users when messages are about to auto-delete, reducing the risk of losing important content.
The 12-hour timer offers a practical middle ground, suited for temporary coordination, event planning, or conversations that don’t need to be stored for long.
At present, these enhancements are limited to beta testers, with no official rollout timeline announced. Still, given WhatsApp’s history of expanding beta features globally, broader availability is expected in the coming months.
By introducing shorter disappearing message durations, WhatsApp is reinforcing its privacy-first approach, giving users greater control over their digital footprint while balancing convenience for everyday communication.
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