WhatsApp introduced disappearing messages for individual chats in November last year. The instant messaging app currently lets you choose from three pre-defined periods — one day, a week, or three months — to automatically wipe out messages. But all this while, the feature only worked for new conversations that you begin after enabling the timer. In May this year, it emerged that the Meta-owned messaging app is preparing a new feature that would allow users to apply the message timer to existing chats as well. The latest beta update (version 2.22.16.8) for Android now brings this ability to some users. As you can see in the screenshot below, which was shared by the folks over at WABetaInfo in May, the default message timer will still automatically apply only to new conversations. However, a new option will let you manually select existing chats that you want to enable disappearing messages for. While the setting will automatically kick in for all new conversations, it will only work for existing chats that you select manually.
Disappearing messages will soon work in existing chats on WhatsApp
Disappearing messages is not an entirely new concept. Several messaging services offer such ability but with varying controls and usability. WhatsApp is fairly new to it but is now preparing a handy feature that makes disappearing messages even more useful. As said earlier, disappearing messages for existing chats on WhatsApp is currently available in the beta channel. The company will test out the feature among beta users and improve its implementation based on the feedback from the testers before beginning a public rollout. If things don’t go awry, you may get the ability within the next few weeks. But if you can’t wait, you may try your luck by registering yourself for WhatsApp beta testing here. Not all beta users always get new features straight away, so you may still have to wait for some time. WhatsApp Beta slots are also often full. In that case, you will have to wait for an update for the public version of the app on the Google Play Store. You can click the button below to download the latest version of WhatsApp for your Android smartphone. DOWNLOAD WHATSAPP
