WhatsApp Tests 'After Reading' Messages That Self‑Destruct
The beta adds short timers that begin when a recipient opens a message to give users tighter, more predictable control over temporary chats.
Overview
- The capability was spotted this week in WhatsApp beta builds for iOS (TestFlight 26.19.10.72) and in Android beta by WABetaInfo and other outlets.
- Users who enable the option can choose a post‑read visibility window of 5 minutes, 1 hour, or 12 hours while messages that are never opened still expire after 24 hours.
- The setting appears optional and configurable per chat and can be set as a default, but the sender and recipient may see different deletion timing on their devices.
- WhatsApp includes a warning that the feature cannot stop recipients from saving content by other means such as screenshots or copying text.
- The change is limited to select beta testers for now and reporters expect a wider rollout in the coming weeks though WhatsApp has not announced a release date.