WhatsApp’s Disappearing Messages Feature goes Live in India

After WhatsApp launched the ‘Disappearing Messages’ feature, it has now been introduced for Indian users.

Users can now update their app and use the feature across all platforms including Android and iOS.

Announcing the feature, WhatsApp has said in its blog: “WhatsApp messages often live on our phones forever.

“While it’s great to hold onto memories from friends and family, most of what we send doesn’t need to be everlasting.

“Our goal is to make conversations on WhatsApp feel as close to in-person as possible, which means they shouldn’t have to stick around forever.

“That’s why we’re excited to introduce the option to use disappearing messages on WhatsApp.”

The feature is opt-in, which, when turned on will delete the message sent after seven days.

The feature can be turned on for individuals as well as group chats. But in group chats, only the group admins will be able to enable the feature.

Once the feature is on, the selection controls all messages in the chat thereafter.

WhatsApp has stated in their support page: “This setting won’t affect messages you previously sent or received in the chat.”

If users want to save a message before it disappears, they can either take a screenshot or enable auto-download.

Talking about the seven-day time period, WhatsApp noted in the blog:

“We’re starting with 7 days because we think it offers peace of mind that conversations aren’t permanent.

“While at the same time 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.”

When the feature is turned on in a chat, it will notify the other contact as well about the activation of the feature.

However, if a Disappearing Message is forwarded to a person who has Disappearing Messages turned off, the message will not disappear in the forwarded chat.

Also, if a user creates a backup before a message disappears, the disappearing message will be included in the backup.

Disappearing messages will then only be deleted when a user restores from a backup.

How to enable the feature on your WhatsApp:

• First, update your WhatsApp on either Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• After updating the app, open the WhatsApp Chat Window
• Tap on the contact name, you want to turn the feature on for.
• Select Disappearing Message on.

WhatsApp had earlier rolled out WhatsApp Pay, Always Mute and the enhanced storage tool.