WhatsApp to soon launch self-destructing messages feature, here’s how it works

WhatsApp’s latest update reveals the long-awaited self-destructing feature is getting more polished before an official launch. WhatsApp is also working on multi-device support and advanced search options.

If you are a beta user, you can try it out by downloading WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.20.197.4. (Bloomberg)

WhatsApp is getting closer to officially launch the long-awaited self-destructing messaging feature. The latest beta update for Android reveals the feature is still in the works but is getting enhancements before the official launch.

According to WABetainfo, WhatsApp will call the feature as “Expiring messages.” In earlier Android beta updates, it was labelled as “Delete messages”. The latest version 2.20.197.4 shows users can enable the expiring messages under the Settings. The feature will allow users to auto-delete messages in a chat after seven days.

The older beta versions show that WhatsApp's Expiring messages will be available for individual chats as well as group chats. The purpose of the feature is slightly different from self-destructing messaging on apps like Snapchat. 

According to reports, WhatsApp aims to keep the chats and overall app lighter by auto-deleting the older chats. While the new version shows the ability to delete chats after seven days, WhatsApp is likely to give users the option to auto-delete messages in chat after 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 1 year.

📝 WhatsApp beta for Android 2.20.197.4: what's new?

WhatsApp is improving the section to manage the future Expiring messages feature, and a new privacy policy is planned for Brazil! 🇧🇷https://t.co/KphYTUU8Mj

NOTE: Expiring messages will be available in a future update.

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) July 29, 2020

Separately, WhatsApp is working on a new feature called “Mute Always.” As the name implies, it will allow users to permanently silence a group. For now, WhatsApp lets you mute a group for up to 1 year.

Another big WhatsApp feature that's coming soon is the multi-device support. The feature will allow users to use their WhatsApp account on as many as four devices with a single phone number. Currently, WhatsApp users can use their account on one device only. They can, however, mirror the app on the desktop through WhatsApp Web. WhatsApp will soon roll out an advanced search option that helps users to look for messages based on videos, images, links, and other file formats. You can also expect WhatsApp to soon roll out its payment service in India.