A few weeks ago WhatsApp began distributing the self-destructing messages, that are temporary on the receiving side for a period of seven days. Now, this feature officially arrives for all users, both for those using Android and for iOS users.
These messages are active in the latest versions of WhatsApp for iOS and Android, so it is a good idea to update the apps in case you do not yet appear the function. Although we have explained in depth what they are and how they work, we will review what you will find with this new update.
Self-destructing messages in WhatsApp will disappear in seven days
If we want to activate self-destructing messages, we only have to click on the profile of any conversation we have with someone, and activate it from the settings.
For WhatsApp groups, you can activate them only if you are admins of the group. In both cases, the messages will disappear in 7 days. We should remind you, this will only apply to the messages sent since activation, not the ones you’ve sent before.
Temporary messages can be forwarded and saved like other messages, but will be deleted from the conversations that this function is activated. Similarly, if you make a backup of WhatsApp, the temporary messages will be saved.
Regarding multimedia content, they will remain on the phone even if you have deleted the message, just as nothing prevents the other person from taking a screenshot or saving the content you sent to them.
To find out if someone has activated the temporary messages, just open the chat and see their profile picture. If the temporary messages are active, you will see a small clock next to it. These messages work in mobile apps and WhatsApp Web, so there is no problem of a cross-platform compatibility.
