Google Messages could go from great to untouchable if it copies this new WhatsApp privacy feature
Google Messages could go from great to untouchable if it copies this new WhatsApp privacy feature
Publish Date: 2026-05-22 04:35:00
Source Domain: www.phonearena.com
Google Messages has received a lot of interesting upgrades recently. But if you ask me, I would highly advise Google to introduce the ability to send disappearing messages – a feature that is currently being tested on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp is expanding its disappearing messages capability
If you have been using WhatsApp for a long time, you might be aware that disappearing messages are already one of the many features that you get in the messaging app. To configure this, you need to open the WhatsApp app on your smartphone, tap the hamburger icon, and choose Settings. Then, you need to select Privacy and choose the Default message timer option under the Disappearing messages section.Currently, you can choose between 24 hours, 7 days, and 90 days options. It’s also worth noting that the messages will start disappearing only with new individual chats that you start. So, for instance, if you select the 7-day option and then send a message to a new chat, then that particular message will automatically disappear 7 days from the day you sent it.
WhatsApp is reportedly working on adding a new, “After reading” option to the list of available timers. This particular option will contain three extra timers – 5 minutes, 1 hour, and 12 hours. The sent text will automatically disappear from the recipient’s chat after the selected time once they have read it.
How the new disappearing message feature will exactly work
Disappearing Messages in WhatsApp. | Image by WABetaInfo
Let’s say you have chosen the 1-hour timer and then sent a message to your friend at 8:00 p.m. If your friend read the text at 8:15 p.m., then the message will automatically disappear at 9:15 p.m. from their chat.It’s worth noting that if you have the after reading option selected, then all the messages will disappear automatically after 24…
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