WhatsApp is introducing a new option that lets users decide how long they stay visible in group chats. The update was reported by Portal, based on beta information from WABetaInfo.
The feature showed up in the beta version labeled 23.5.0.70 and has been named Expiring Groups, or Groups with an expiration date. With this change, individuals can choose a duration for a group chat that ranges from a single day to an entire week, or even a user-defined length. Importantly, the choice applies only to the initiating user; other participants in the same group will not be affected by a person’s expiration settings. This kind of selective behavior allows for more flexible participation while keeping the core conversation intact for everyone else. [Source: WABetaInfo]
Once the expiration period ends, WhatsApp will prompt the user with an option to clean up the group from their own device. The prompt serves as a reminder to tidy up conversations and reduce clutter, especially for chats tied to specific events or projects. For instance, groups created to coordinate a birthday party, organize a business trip, or plan a family vacation can be phased out by individual members without altering the history seen by others. This feature can help maintain organized message histories and prevent outdated threads from piling up in a user’s chat list. [Source: Portal]
At present the feature is in beta testing, and a broad rollout date remains undisclosed. As user feedback is gathered, the developers will determine how to refine the experience and decide when to extend access to a wider audience. The beta stage suggests ongoing adjustments to user controls, notification behavior, and how expiration interacts with message retention and media from within the chats. Observers and testers may also note how this capability aligns with privacy expectations and storage management goals on mobile devices. [Source: WABetaInfo]
Historical notes show that many messaging platforms explore time-limited participation and event-specific channels as a way to keep conversations relevant. In the case of WhatsApp, Expiring Groups is positioned as a practical tool for users who want to avoid long-running chats that lose focus after a particular date. By granting per-user control, the feature supports personal organization without forcing changes on other members. This approach could appeal to people who manage multiple event-related discussions, travelers who join temporary planning groups, and professionals coordinating short-term assignments. [Source: Portal]