How to send a self-destructing message in WhatsApp?

How to send a self-destructing message in WhatsApp - briefly?

To send a self-destructing message on WhatsApp, use the "Disappearing Messages" feature. Enable this setting for individual chats or groups to ensure messages automatically delete after seven days.

How to send a self-destructing message in WhatsApp - in detail?

Sending self-destructing messages on WhatsApp is not directly supported by the app itself, as it does not have a built-in feature for disappearing messages like some other messaging platforms do. However, users can achieve this functionality through a combination of third-party apps and manual settings. Here's how you can send self-destructing messages on WhatsApp:

  1. Use Third-Party Apps: There are several third-party apps available that allow you to send disappearing messages. One popular option is Telegram, which offers a "Secret Chat" feature that enables end-to-end encrypted conversations with self-destructing messages. To use this feature, you would need to install Telegram and create a new secret chat with the recipient.
  2. Manual Deletion: While not as automatic or seamless as built-in features, you can manually delete messages on WhatsApp after they have been read or replied to. This method requires more effort and coordination between the sender and receiver but can still achieve a similar effect. Here’s how:

    • Send the Message: Compose your message in WhatsApp as usual.
    • Set a Reminder: Use your phone's reminder or alarm feature to notify you when it's time to delete the message.
    • Delete the Message: Go back to the chat, select the message(s) you want to delete, and tap the "Delete" button. This will remove the message from both your device and the recipient’s device.
  3. Use WhatsApp Web for Notifications: If you prefer a more automated approach, consider using WhatsApp Web in conjunction with desktop notifications. You can set up a script or use an automation tool to monitor your messages and delete them after a specified time. This method is more technical and requires some programming knowledge.
  4. Message Expiry Apps: Some apps allow you to set message expiration times. For example, the "Disappearing Messages" feature on Signal can be used for this purpose. While WhatsApp itself does not have such a feature natively, using these apps in parallel with WhatsApp can help achieve the desired effect.

In summary, while WhatsApp does not support self-destructing messages directly, users can employ third-party applications, manual deletion methods, or technical workarounds to achieve this functionality.