WhatsApp is testing an “after reading” feature that lets users set messages to disappear after recipients open and read them, according to WABetaInfo.
The Meta-owned messaging platform has rolled out the privacy-focused tool to select beta testers on Android and iOS. The feature expands WhatsApp’s existing disappearing messages system, which currently offers fixed timers of 24 hours, 7 days and 90 days.
WABetaInfo said the new timer gives senders more control by starting the deletion countdown only after the recipient views the message. This approach aims to stop messages from expiring before recipients read them.
Users can set the After Reading timer to five minutes, one hour or 12 hours. Once the selected period ends, WhatsApp removes the message from the chat.
If a recipient does not open the message, WhatsApp will still delete it after 24 hours. The platform uses that limit to balance privacy with message delivery reliability.
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The rollout has started for some Android beta users. iOS testers received earlier access through version 26.19.10.72, according to the report.
WhatsApp plans to expand the feature to more beta users over the coming weeks as testing continues. The update forms part of Meta’s wider push to give users stronger privacy controls inside chats.
