WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow messages to disappear after they are read. The feature is currently being tested and is expected to change how disappearing messages work on the platform.
At present, WhatsApp allows users to enable disappearing messages with fixed timers such as 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days. However, these timers start immediately after a message is sent, even if the recipient has not opened or read it yet. This means a message can disappear before it is seen, which many users find inconvenient, especially when sharing important information.
With the new update, WhatsApp is introducing an “after reading” timer. This means the countdown will only begin once the receiver opens and reads the message, making the feature more useful and practical. This change is designed to give users better control over their conversations and ensure that messages remain visible until they are actually viewed.
“Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.15.11 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that makes messages disappear after they’re sent or read,” WABetaInfo reported.
According to early testing, users may also get more flexible timing options. Instead of only long preset durations, WhatsApp is planning to offer shorter and more precise choices such as 5 minutes, 1 hour, or 12 hours. This will allow users to decide exactly how long a message should stay after being read.
For example, if a user selects 5 minutes, the message will disappear 5 minutes after the recipient reads it. If the message is opened after a few hours, the countdown will begin only then. This makes the system more reliable and useful for real-time communication.
The new feature is expected to work alongside the existing disappearing messages setting. This means users will have two different ways to control how long messages remain visible. One option will continue to use the standard timer that starts when the message is sent. The second option will be the new “after reading” timer, which depends on when the message is opened.
On the recipient’s device, the countdown will begin only after the message is read. If the recipient opens the message several hours later, it will disappear after the selected time from that moment. This ensures that messages stay visible until they are actually seen, improving the overall messaging experience.
“The after-reading option will offer a more precise level of control over message privacy compared to traditional timers. It ensures that messages remain visible only for a short period after users view them, rather than simply counting down from when users send them,” WABetaInfo said.
“This option can help users share sensitive information with greater confidence,” it added.
This feature is expected to be especially useful for users who often share personal details, one-time passwords, or confidential information. By ensuring that messages disappear shortly after being read, WhatsApp is aiming to provide a safer and more secure way to communicate.
In addition to the new timing feature, WhatsApp is also working on improving its interface. The updated design will make it easier for users to understand and manage disappearing message settings. The app is expected to clearly separate the traditional timers from the new read-based option, making the feature simple and user-friendly.
The feature has been discovered in the Android beta version of the app and is still under development. It is not yet available to all users, as WhatsApp continues to test how the system handles message deletion after reading.
Once testing is complete, the feature is expected to roll out first to beta testers before becoming available globally. Although there is no official release date yet, reports suggest that the update could arrive soon.
