WhatsApp working on self-destructing messages: Here’s how it works

WhatsApp has launched new features for its Android and iOS apps in the last few weeks. iPhone users recently received calls waiting for support and new group privacy settings. WhatsApp also rolled out features such as fingerprint lock for Android users. The instant messaging app has been slated to offer even more exciting features such as dark mode and self-destructing messages, which it has been working on for a long time.

In a recent WhatsApp beta update, we saw more development on the self-destructing message feature of WhatsApp. According to the latest update, the earlier message which was 'missing' will now be called 'delete message'. WhatsApp already has the 'delete for every' feature, but the new one will work differently. WhatsApp has not announced when and whether it will roll out self-destructive messages, but here's how it works.

Whatsapp self-destructing message


WhatsApp's delete message feature will have an on / off button for one-to-one and group chat. Turning on this feature will delete every message sent to that chat in the chosen time interval. WhatsApp offers five options for time intervals - 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 1 year. For example, if 1 hour is selected then messages sent to that chat will disappear after 1 hour.


Unlike Delete for Everyone on WhatsApp, this feature will not detect deleted messages on chat. Currently, if users delete messages it displays a message that says "This message has been deleted". With the new feature, it will be like a message that never existed before. Note that until this feature is turned off, the message will be enabled as before.

Self-destructive messaging is nothing new and is present in other messaging apps like Telegram and Signal. WhatsApp is actually too late to launch this feature. The Facebook-owned company is yet to introduce Dark Mode, which is already available on the most popular apps. WhatsApp Dark Mode is said to be ready with only a minor twist.