WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, so messages are not stored on servers, but on the terminals of the devices that send and receive messages. If we have made a mistake when sending a message and have used unwanted language, expressed an invalid opinion or spoken badly about other people, we have a limited time to delete the sent message.
But what happens if we have exceeded the time limit to delete it? Unlike Telegram, where messages are stored on a server so that the application can be used from other operating systems, WhatsApp sends messages directly from device to device, so there is no, let’s say, a center from which to manage messages and delete them whenever we want.
If we want to establish a conversation with a friend or acquaintance, but we do not want to leave any trace in the chat to avoid problems, that is, sending messages to be deleted after a while, WhatsApp makes the Temporary Messages function available to us.
How to send temporary messages with WhatsApp
The WhatsApp Temporary Messages feature is available in both individual chats and WhatsApp groups as long as we are administrators of a group. If we are part of a group where we are administrators, we will have to consult with them to activate the function since, otherwise, we will not be able to use it.
To send a temporary message both in a group and in an individual WhatsApp chat, the first thing we must do is activate this function within the conversation. This option is found within the settings of each chat or group and we access it by clicking on its name or image that represents it.
Once inside the file of the person we are talking to or the group, we go to the bottom and click on Temporary Messages.
At that moment, a new window will be displayed where we are informed how they work and we must configure how long the messages we send will be visible before they are permanently deleted from among 3 options: 24 hours, 7 days and 90 days.
Once we have chosen this option, an informative message will be displayed in the chat informing the rest of the users that we have activated this function. This function is not only available to us, but it is also the one that will be used by default in chatso, in addition to our messages, all messages sent by the rest of the chat members will also be deleted.
When we activate this function, the conversation icon will include a clock-shaped icon, indicating that this is a temporary chat whose content will be deleted after a certain time.
Send images that are only seen once
WhatsApp also offers us a function that allows us to send an image or video and that is only shown onceza the recipients. Once we have seen the image or video, it will be deleted from our chat, but it will continue to be available to the rest of the users until they see it.
This function is available from the upper text box that is displayed when we have attached an image and is represented with a clock and a 1. If we click on this icon, all recipients in the group will only be able to see the image or video once, automatically removing yourself from the conversation.
