Whatsapp Disappearing Messages: Ten Reasons Why the Feature May Not Serve its Purpose

WhatsApp disappearing messages feature is finally here and can be enabled by users. The option is functional for individual or group chats as well. Once the feature is enabled by a user, WhatsApp messages disappear after seven days. This feature surpasses the delete message option as the latter still displays “message deleted” after a user chooses to delete their message.

Furthermore, the WhatsApp disappearing messages feature controls all messages in the chat. However, there are certain functionalities with regard to the feature that may make not let this update serve its purpose. Here we list ten reasons why the feature may not be useful for WhatsApp users.

Ten Reasons Why the WhatsApp Disappearing Messages May Not Work

The following are the features that may make enabling this feature futile:

• In an individual chat, either user may turn on or off the disappearing messages feature. Therefore, the feature requires the consent of both users, which may not always be the ideal scenario.
• The feature works only with trusted individuals, as the other user may still save the message through screenshots.
• The message can also be copied and saved, or a picture of the message can also be clicked before it disappears.
• Media sent through disappearing messages can be saved on the phone if auto-download is on.
• The preview of the message may still be displayed if a user does not open WhatsApp until the message disappears.

• If a disappearing message is forwarded to a chat wherein the feature is disbaled, the message won’t disappear in the forwarded chat.

• Disappearing messages can be included in backup as well; however, it will be deleted when a user restores from backup.
• When a user replies to a disappearing message, the quoted text may get displayed even after the message vanishes.
• In a group chat, only group admins can turn disappearing messages on or off, which means the complete power lies with them.
• There is no clarity on what happens to the feature on WhatsApp Web. However, it is most likely that the messages can be saved on laptops and other devices through screenshots and other means on WhatsApp Web as well until they disappear.

How to Enable WhatsApp Disappearing Messages?

Those who still wish to enable the feature need to do the following on individual chats:

• Open the WhatsApp chat.
• Select the contact’s name.
• Chose the disappearing messages, and then tap on continue.
• Select On to enable, and Off to disable the feature.

To enable the feature in group chats, admins need to do the following:

• Open the WhatsApp group chat.
• Select the group name.
• Choose the disappearing messages option and tap continue.
• Select On to enable, and Off to disable the feature.