WhatsApp is working on additional disappearing message timer options on Web

WhatsApp is developing new disappearing message timer options for the web client that will allow users to choose shorter expiration durations. This update aims to improve flexibility and message control on WhatsApp Web, while ensuring that temporary conversations remain easy to manage and aligned with privacy needs.

Short disappearing message timers are coming to WhatsApp Web

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.24.18 update, we announced that short timers for disappearing messages were under development. This functionality will enable users to share time-sensitive information with much finer control over how long it remains visible in a chat. The feature is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing disappearing message settings, making it easy to switch between standard and short durations. Clear prompts and reminders will guide users when selecting very short expiration times, reducing the risk of messages disappearing too quickly.

Although still in development, it appears that WhatsApp now intends to bring the same flexibility with disappearing messages to the web client in the future, ensuring a consistent experience across different platforms. Following recent updates to the WhatsApp Web beta, we discovered that WhatsApp is actively developing a feature that lets users choose additional disappearing message timer options.

As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will allow users to choose between shorter expiration windows, scheduled for release in a future update. This feature will help situations where information needs to lose relevance quickly, such as sharing temporary access details, quick reminders, or time-limited instructions that should not remain visible once they are no longer useful. By extending the timer selection, WhatsApp will address a long-standing limitation that forced users to rely on relatively long durations even for brief exchanges. The availability of short timers can reduce the need to manually delete messages after they have served their purpose, which often happens in chats that involve logistics or sensitive details.

With the introduction of the 1-hour timer, users will be able to send highly sensitive details such as one-time access codes, temporary passwords, or confidential instructions that should not remain stored in the chat history for long. This option is particularly useful in professional or security-focused contexts, where limiting message visibility can reduce the risk of unauthorized access or accidental forwarding. However, because the countdown begins as soon as the message is delivered, this timer requires careful consideration before use, especially when the recipient may not be immediately available. To mitigate misunderstandings, WhatsApp plans to display contextual warnings that clearly explain how the short timer works before it is activated.

The 12-hour expiration option addresses a different need, offering a temporary window that aligns well with daily routines and typical response times. Messages set to disappear after 12 hours can comfortably support conversations related to same-day plans, work shifts, delivery details, or time-bound updates without lingering beyond their usefulness. This duration will give recipients enough flexibility to read and respond without pressure, while still maintaining a cleaner chat history once the information is no longer relevant. As a result, users can avoid clutter caused by outdated messages, especially in busy group chats or frequently used conversations.

From what has emerged so far, the interface for selecting these new timers will remain familiar, avoiding unnecessary complexity for users who are already accustomed to disappearing messages. These two new options are expected to appear alongside existing durations, allowing for quick comparison before making a choice. This approach will help users better understand the consequences of each timer, as the expiration behavior will be clearly explained at the moment of selection.

The development of short timers also highlights a growing focus on privacy-aware communication, where control over data lifespan is becoming just as important as end-to-end encryption. For users who frequently exchange one-time codes, addresses, or brief instructions, shorter timers can significantly lower the chance of outdated information lingering in a chat. At the same time, WhatsApp seems to be aware that overly aggressive expiration settings can disrupt conversations if used incorrectly. For this reason, contextual warnings and explanations will play a central role in the final implementation.

New timer options for disappearing messages are currently under development and are expected to become available for WhatsApp Web in a future update. At the same time, WhatsApp is working to ensure that the feature works reliably and consistently before it is rolled out to users. This phase of development is focused on stability and proper integration with existing message settings. As soon as more details about the release become available, we will share them on this website.

Stay Connected with WABetaInfo

Following WABetaInfo on X is the best way to stay informed about new features under development and those released to WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web, and Desktop. We love hearing your feedback, so let us know what you think! You can also explore our dedicated page to discover all our services, or join our Discord Server to chat with others, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest WABetaInfo announcements.