April 23, 2026, 9:12 am | Read time: 2 minutes
“This message will self-destruct in five seconds”–a line familiar to anyone who has seen a “Mission: Impossible” film. WhatsApp now appears to be planning a similar feature for self-deleting messages. Currently, there are only a few fixed time frames after which content automatically disappears. In the future, users might have more options, allowing them to set how long messages remain visible more flexibly.
More Control Over Sensitive Content
Sending personal or confidential information via messenger always carries a certain risk. WhatsApp has long offered self-deleting messages. These are automatically deleted after a set time, both for the sender and the recipient. So far, only three fixed intervals are available, starting immediately after sending. According to “WABetaInfo,” a current Android beta suggests that new options might be added.
Also of interest: How expensive the new WhatsApp subscription will be
The planned update addresses a crucial point. The countdown for deletion will no longer start immediately but only when the message is actually read. Three time spans are available: five minutes, one hour, or twelve hours. This allows for more targeted removal of content while ensuring it is seen first. Previously, the options were only 24 hours, seven days, or 90 days, regardless of whether the message was opened.
Automatic Deletion After One Day
If automatic deletion after reading is active, WhatsApp sets a hard limit of 24 hours, after which messages disappear even if unread. The feature could increase control over sent content but does not replace complete security. Content can still be saved, for example, via screenshot.
The new timer can be activated for individual chats or all conversations, just like the existing feature. Currently, the update is only visible in a limited test run in the beta version 2.26.15.11 for Android. A specific release date has not yet been set.