Many WhatsApp users definitely need to know about this feature that can make messages disappear!
WhatsApp has managed to establish itself as the world leader in instant messaging. And the least we can say is that the application continues to innovate to offer its users tools that protect their privacy.
A new WhatsApp feature
Thanks to its end-to-end encryption, the confidentiality of exchanges now remains guaranteed on WhatsApp. But know that the platform goes further by offering features adapted to modern needs.
This is particularly the case for blocking discussions, hiding online presence, or even filters against unknown numbers. Among these tools, one of the most interesting features undoubtedly remains that of ephemeral messages.
This feature was introduced a few months ago; ephemeral messages allow you to maintain a certain discretion in your exchanges. Inspired by the social network Snapchat, this feature makes messages disappear automatically after a defined period of time.
On its official website, the platform explains: “You can send messages that disappear after a specific period of time on WhatsApp by enabling ephemeral messages”. The user has the possibility of choosing between three durations.
Namely: 24 hours, seven days or 90 days. Once this option is enabled, all new messages in the conversation will automatically clear for the sender and recipient at the end of the chosen period.
A very simple process to do
On the other hand, as the company specifies, “this only applies to new messages in the chat, not to previously sent or received messages”. If you want to use this feature on all your new conversations, it's very simple.
Firstly, you must access the WhatsApp application settings. Then click on the Privacy tab. Next, tap on the Timeout before disappearing option. Select the duration of your choice: 24 hours, seven days, 90 days or choose No to deactivate the option.
Once configured, this duration will apply by default to all your new discussions, whether individual or group. If you prefer to enable this option for a single chat, the process is just as quick.
You must open the relevant discussion. Go to Chat Settings. Then click on Ephemeral messages. And choose the desired duration for your messages: 24 hours, seven days or 90 days.
This setting will only apply to the conversation in question and will not change other chats. WhatsApp has not forgotten groups in this initiative. All members of a group can enable or disable pop-up messages.
“Group admins can modify settings”
On the other hand, the application reminds that “group admins can change settings so only admins can do it”. This provides additional control in multi-participant chats.
The main benefit of this feature is to add an additional layer of confidentiality to your exchanges. Whether for personal or professional reasons, ephemeral messages guarantee that your conversations will not remain accessible indefinitely.
This also makes it possible to reduce the risks linked to possible misuse or leak of information. They can also lighten your phone's storage by automatically deleting messages.
This is a significant advantage if you use WhatsApp frequently. Although this feature provides security, it is important to remember that Ephemeral messages do not prove to be infallible.
Recipients can still take screenshots before messages disappear. This is unless the option blocking this action is activated. In addition, sent media, such as photos and videos, can be automatically saved in the gallery if this option is activated on the phone.
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