California: WhatsApp is testing a new privacy-focused feature that will allow messages to disappear automatically after they are read, expanding the platform’s disappearing messages system and giving users greater control over sensitive conversations.
The feature is currently being rolled out to selected beta testers on both Android and iOS devices as part of WhatsApp’s latest privacy and security updates.
According to reports from WABetaInfo, the new system introduces an “After reading” timer that automatically deletes messages after recipients open and view them.
The update represents a major change from WhatsApp’s existing disappearing message feature, which currently allows users to select fixed expiration periods of 24 hours, seven days, or 90 days regardless of whether messages have been read.
Under the new system, messages will remain visible until the recipient actually opens them.
Once the message is read, a countdown timer chosen by the sender begins automatically. Users will reportedly be able to select deletion periods ranging from five minutes to one hour or up to 12 hours after the message is viewed.
After the selected duration expires, the message will automatically disappear from the chat.
WhatsApp said the feature is intended to improve privacy while also solving a common problem with traditional disappearing messages, where messages could vanish before recipients had the opportunity to read them.
However, the company has also included a safeguard to prevent unread messages from remaining indefinitely in chats.
According to the current beta version, messages that are never opened by recipients will still automatically disappear after 24 hours.
The rollout has already started for some Android beta users, while iOS testers reportedly received early access through WhatsApp beta version 26.19.10.72.
The company said the feature will gradually expand to more users over the coming weeks as testing and feedback continue.
The update is part of broader efforts by WhatsApp parent company Meta to strengthen privacy protections and provide users with more flexible control over personal communications.
Privacy-focused messaging features have become increasingly important for major technology platforms amid growing global concerns regarding digital security, data retention, and confidential communication.
Industry analysts say the “After reading” system could make WhatsApp more competitive with rival messaging applications that already offer advanced self-destructing message features.
At the same time, WhatsApp acknowledged that extremely short deletion timers may create usability challenges in some situations, particularly if users fail to view messages before they expire.
The company has not yet announced an official global release date for the feature, and the final version may still undergo changes before a wider public rollout.