WhatsApp trick: How to turn disappearing messages on or off on Android smartphones

WhatsApp trick: Last week, the instant messaging platform introduced a new Disappearing Message feature which allows users to send messages that disappear after a while. Called ‘Disappearing Messages’, this feature has been in-the-works for a while now. The feature will be rolling out to users everywhere through this month and you can expect to receive it in coming months.   

“Private conversations that once were only possible face-to-face can now take place across great distances through instant chats and video calling. Today everything lives forever, and generally that is okay! However, in-person conversations do not last forever, and not everything on WhatsApp needs to either,” WhatsApp said in a statement on Thursday.    

You can send messages that disappear on WhatsApp by turning disappearing messages on. Once enabled, new messages sent in the chat will disappear after seven days. The most recent selection controls all messages in the chat. Messages sent or received before disappearing messages is enabled won’t be affected. 

How to turn disappearing messages on or off on Android smartphones 

Either user can enable disappearing messages in an individual chat. Once enabled, messages in the chat will disappear after seven days. 

Enable disappearing messages 

Open the WhatsApp chat. 

Tap the contact’s name. 

Tap Disappearing messages. 

If prompted, tap CONTINUE. 

Select On.

Disable disappearing messages 

Either user can disable disappearing messages at any time. Once disabled, messages sent in the chat will no longer disappear. 

Open the WhatsApp chat. 

Tap the contact’s name. 

Tap Disappearing messages. 

If prompted, tap CONTINUE. 

Select Off. 

“We’re starting with 7 days because we think it offers peace of mind that conversations aren’t permanent, while remaining practical so you don’t forget what you were chatting about. The shopping list or store address you received a few days ago will be there while you need it, and then disappear after you don’t,” WhatsApp said.