The feature works alongside WhatsApp's existing disappearing messages system, which currently offers timers of 24 hours, 7 days, and 90 days.
The feature was previously spotted in beta versions of WhatsApp for Android
Photo Credit: WhatsApp
WhatsApp is testing a new privacy feature that allows disappearing messages to be removed after they are read, rather than only after a fixed period from when they are sent. The feature was previously spotted in beta versions of WhatsApp for Android and is now rolling out to some iPhone beta testers. It adds more flexible controls over how long messages remain visible after the recipient opens them, while also ensuring unread messages are automatically deleted after 24 hours.
According to a blog post by WABetaInfo, the feature is available to some users running WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.19.10.72 through Apple's TestFlight programme. A limited number of users on the App Store version may also see the option before the wider rollout.
The new setting reportedly appears as an "After reading" option within WhatsApp's disappearing messages controls. It lets users choose to delete messages after the recipient reads them, rather than starting the countdown as soon as the message is sent. Users can set the post-read timer to five minutes, one hour, or 12 hours. If the recipient does not open the message, WhatsApp will automatically remove it after 24 hours.
The feature works alongside WhatsApp's existing disappearing messages system, which currently offers timers of 24 hours, 7 days, and 90 days. Users can apply these settings to individual chats, or enable them as a default for all new conversations. Notably, the new timer is said to be optional and must be turned on manually. Existing chats will continue to behave as usual unless users decide to enable the feature.
The post also explains that the sender's copy of the message may be deleted according to the selected timer, while the recipient's countdown begins only after the message is read. WhatsApp has not announced when the feature will be available to all users, but the rollout is expected to expand to more beta testers over the coming weeks.
Get your daily dose of tech news, reviews, and insights, in under 80 characters on Gadgets 360 Turbo. Connect with fellow tech lovers on our Forum. Follow us on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News for instant updates. Catch all the action on our YouTube channel.