WhatsApp is testing a new privacy-focused feature that will allow messages to disappear after they are read, giving users more control over their chats.
The feature is currently available to a limited number of beta testers and is being introduced on both Android and iOS devices.
According to WABetaInfo, the update introduces a new “After reading” timer aimed at improving the disappearing messages experience.
With this addition, users will be able to set messages to automatically delete after the recipient opens and reads them, instead of relying only on fixed expiry durations.
Previously, WhatsApp offered disappearing message timers of 24 hours, seven days, and 90 days. While useful, these settings sometimes caused messages to vanish before recipients had a chance to read them.
The latest system addresses that issue by keeping messages visible until they are actually viewed.
Once a recipient reads a message, a countdown begins based on the sender’s selected timer, which can be set to five minutes, one hour, or 12 hours.
After the selected period ends, the message is automatically removed from the chat. If the message remains unopened, it will still disappear after 24 hours to maintain privacy and reliability.
The rollout has already started for some Android beta users, while iOS testers received earlier access through version 26.19.10.72. WhatsApp said the feature will gradually become available to more users in the coming weeks as testing continues.
The company said the update is designed to offer greater flexibility for sensitive conversations while reducing the possibility of messages remaining stored indefinitely. However, WhatsApp also acknowledged that very short timers may create usability issues if messages disappear before being noticed.
The new “After reading” feature marks another step in WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to strengthen privacy tools and provide users with more control over their messaging experience.
Also read: WhatsApp to now get new privacy feature, ‘Incognito Chat’
