RC IRK
Related Articles
WHATSAPP users are prompted to enable an important new setting.
It could save you from a major embarrassment down the line.
1
Earlier this year, WhatsApp added a new feature called Disappearing Messages.
These are texts that automatically self-destruct after a certain amount of time.
Now, top TikTok tech star @tatechtips is shown how to enable the feature for his viewers – and get almost 8,000 likes for the app.
Luckily, it’s extremely easy to activate.
How to send WhatsApp disappearance messages
So how can you enable WhatsApp disappearance messages today?
Open your app on mobile, then go to Settings > Account > Privacy.
Check for missing messages, and then slide the switch to the on position.
Then select a time period for messages to disappear – 24 hours, 7 days or 90 days.
A message will appear in chat confirming that message disappearance has been enabled.
To enable it for an existing chat, you must first archive and then unarchive it.
You can also enable message disappearance for specific chats by tapping on a WhatsApp contact’s individual settings.
The system is of course not foolproof.
If someone takes screenshots or records your chat, there is no way to remove that content from their phone using an official WhatsApp feature.
As always, the best way to keep embarrassing or regrettable content off the internet is to not post it in the first place.
But if you’re particularly concerned, using Disappearing Messages is a great system.
Remember: only SMS sent after you enable Disappearing Messages will be deleted. It will not go back in time and erase old letters for you.
Texts are also not deleted in other chats to which they were forwarded.
And disappearing messages are still stored in a recipient’s backup – but deleted when that user restores from the backup.
Quoting messages can also cause text to remain in a chat even though the original message has been deleted.
If you want to try new WhatsApp features first, consider joining the beta using our guide below.
How to get WhatsApp beta
To download WhatsApp Beta for your smartphone, you need to go to Google Play on your Android and search for WhatsApp.
Scroll down the page until you see “Become a Beta Tester”.
Tap the “I’m in” button, then tap “Join” to confirm.
Now all you have to do is wait for the update to the beta version of the app.
Participation in the WhatsApp Beta on iOS for iPhone is more difficult and has a limited capacity.
Follow Apple’s instructions here.
The best tips and hacks for phones and gadgets
Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find these secret features in social media apps? We’ve got you covered…
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science Team? Email us at [email protected]
