WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new privacy feature that could make messages disappear after they are read on Android devices. According to WABetaInfo, the feature has been spotted in the latest beta version and is currently under development. The report added that the feature builds on the existing disappearing messages option, which already allows users to set messages to vanish after certain durations. The new option is supposed to offer more control by letting messages disappear shortly after being seen.
Disappearing message feature: How it works
According to the report, the feature was found in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.12.2 on the Google Play Store. It introduces a new timer option for disappearing messages called “After reading”. This builds on the existing disappearing messages feature, which already allows users to set messages to vanish after a fixed time.
At present, users can choose between 24 hours, 7 days and 90 days for messages to disappear. The report mentioned that the new option will offer more control, especially for messages that are meant to be seen only once or for a short duration.
With the new setting enabled, messages will disappear 15 minutes after they are read. If the recipient does not open the message, it will automatically disappear after 24 hours.
Privacy and control
As per the report, the feature is designed for situations where messages need to be short-lived. For example, users sharing sensitive information, quick updates or temporary details may prefer messages that disappear soon after being viewed.
Availability
The “After reading” option is still being developed and is expected to roll out in a future update. WhatsApp is currently refining how the feature works before making it available to beta testers, followed by a wider release.
