WhatsApp's upcoming feature will auto-delete messages once they are read

WhatsApp is testing a new privacy-focused feature, says a report. It could make messages disappear after they are read. Here's how it works.

In Short

• WhatsApp may soon introduce new type of disappearing messages
• The feature is reportedly called ‘After Reading’
• This feature is likely to make messages disappear 5 minutes, 1 hour, or 12 hours after being read

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new privacy-focused feature, which is aimed at giving users more control over disappearing messages. The upcoming feature could allow messages to automatically vanish after the recipient reads them. The move is expected to add another layer of privacy for users who prefer more temporary conversations on the platform.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, the messaging platform is testing a new “After reading” option for disappearing messages on iOS. The feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.19.10.72 available through Apple’s TestFlight beta programme. It is currently rolling out to select beta testers and is expected to expand to more users in the coming weeks.

WhatsApp testing new “After reading” disappearing messages

You would have probably noticed that WhatsApp already has a disappearing messages feature on the platform. This feature allows users to automatically delete chats after a selected period, such as 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days. However, the new feature is expected to ship with an additional layer of control.

With the “After reading” option, messages will disappear only after the other person reads them. And users will also be able to choose how quickly the message disappears after being seen — like after 5 minutes, 1 hour, or 12 hours.

How the feature is expected to work

According to the report, the feature will work a little differently for the sender and the receiver. Once you send a message with the new timer enabled, the message on your side will disappear based on the timer you selected. However, on the recipient’s side, the message will remain visible until they actually open and read it.

For example, if you choose the 5-minute option, the message on your phone will disappear five minutes after you send it. But for the other person, the countdown will only begin once they read the message. After those five minutes are over, WhatsApp will automatically remove the message from their chat as well.

The report also mentions that if the recipient never opens the message, it will still disappear automatically after 24 hours by default.

Feature expected to offer more privacy controls

The upcoming feature is said to be optional and can reportedly be enabled on a per-chat basis instead of globally across all conversations. This could allow users to apply the feature only to sensitive or private chats.

The update is expected to give users more control over how long their conversations remain accessible while adding another privacy-focused tool to WhatsApp’s messaging platform.

At the moment, there is no word on when the feature will roll out to stable users outside the beta programme.

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