WhatsApp is preparing a feature that lets users save messages that disappear after they are read by long pressing the message. This change was disclosed by the company during a public briefing. The system will notify the sender if the recipient chooses to keep the message. In a pop up, the recipient can decide whether to permit saving or to delete the message once the timer runs out. The company notes that this control would allow the sender to challenge a recipient’s decision to remove a message from the chat history.
The option to send disappearing messages on WhatsApp was introduced in late 2020. Users can enable the feature in the settings of any chat to toggle it on or off according to their preference. This capability has evolved with updates across different platforms, giving users more control over how long a message remains visible to others after it has been read.
Recent discussions have highlighted compatibility considerations for older devices. In the latest beta versions of the app, WhatsApp is moving away from supporting older Android releases. Devices running Android 4.4 KitKat are no longer guaranteed to receive updates, with Android 5.0 and newer versions becoming the minimum supported baseline in upcoming builds. This change affects users who rely on legacy operating systems and may shape how they implement disappearing messages and related privacy features.