3 times you should not use WhatsApp’s disappearing messages

WhatsApp’s disappearing messages self-destruct after seven days and while this is a great feature to have, it does have its issues. The disappearing message feature makes a lot of sense for WhatsApp groups where you get loads of messages and not all of them important. However, you have to remember that if you have the feature turned on, you might end up losing some important texts.

Just to ensure you keep all the information you need, here are... times when you should not be using WhatsApp’s disappearing message feature:

For workplace WhatsApp groups

Given how easy and convenient it is for most of us to use WhatsApp, many of us do use this platform to coordinate with colleagues via individual chats and WhatsApp groups. It is advisable to not turn on disappearing messages for workplace chats because you might end up losing important texts if you have not starred them. Rather than asking your colleague or manager to resend some details, it is best you don't turn this feature on at all. 

If you want to save phone space from all the media shared, turn auto downloads off so as you can pick and choose what you want to save. 

For chats involving business/money transactions

If you are speaking to a person or a business on WhatsApp to buy or sell anything, too not turn on disappearing messages for these. It is wise to have all these transactional conversations handy so as you can refer back to them in case of some issue or dispute like payments not being cleared or products not coming in etc. 

Sure, you can always take screenshots, but how many screenshots do you really want to save in your photos?

Also Read: WhatsApp disappearing messages: 5 things you need to know

For chats that you need to keep handy

This could be a chat with a friend, family member or an acquaintance and might just be a normal chat or a particularly troublesome one where you might need to keep the conversations as is in case you need them in the future. Like an argument or a confrontational exchange or simply important information. 

Like with chats involving money etc, you can always take a screenshot, you can do the same for these too - but like we said earlier, how many screenshots are you going to save? 

WhatsApp's disappearing chats are very helpful because they help clear out a lot of clutter. If you are a part of WhatsApp groups that come handy sometimes but is filled with random forwards otherwise, you will not be bothered with notifications at all. 

However, for everything else - save what you need. You can always delete it or archive that chat later.