“ We start at 7 days because we think it will give confidence that conversations can be deleted, but that at the same time you do not forget what the conversation was about,” says a WhatsApp spokesperson. ” The shopping list or store address you received a few days ago will be there for as long as you need it, and then disappear when you don’t need it.”

The disappearing messages feature will also allow you to delete photos and videos after seven days. Although the messages will disappear on both sides, it will be possible to take a screenshot or simply copy the messages before they are automatically deleted.

Once the feature is fully launched, it will be available as a new option in the WhatsApp contacts section. You cannot delete old messages with it. New messages will be deleted only after the option is enabled by either party.