How to send disappearing messages on WhatsApp

The short answer

Open a WhatsApp chat, tap the contact or group name at the top, select “Disappearing messages,” and choose how long messages should last before they vanish.

How to turn on disappearing messages in a chat

1. Open the WhatsApp chat where you want disappearing messages
2. Tap the contact name or group name at the top of the screen
3. Tap “Disappearing messages”
4. Choose a timer: 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days
5. Tap Done or confirm your selection

After this, any new messages sent by either person in that chat will automatically disappear after the time you picked. Old messages already in the chat are not affected.

How to set it as the default for all new chats

If you want every new conversation to use disappearing messages:

• Go to Settings > Privacy > Default message timer
• Choose 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days
• This applies only to new chats you start after changing the setting

Existing chats keep their current settings unless you change them individually.

What you should know

• Both people can change the setting — in a one-on-one chat, either person can turn disappearing messages on or off
• In groups, only admins can control the setting
• Media you save won’t disappear — if someone downloads a photo or takes a screenshot before the message vanishes, it’s still on their device
• Disappearing messages can still be quoted — if someone replies to a message before it disappears, the quoted text may remain visible
• Starred messages will eventually disappear too, once the timer runs out

When should you use this?

Disappearing messages are useful when:

• You want to keep your chat history clean without manually deleting messages
• You’re sharing temporary information like addresses, codes, or plans
• You prefer more privacy by default in your conversations

They’re not a security feature — someone can always screenshot or copy your messages before they vanish. Think of it as automatic cleanup, not guaranteed secrecy.