WhatsApp Working on New After Reading Feature to Auto Delete Messages Instantly

Messaging platform WhatsApp is preparing a major privacy upgrade that could change how users handle sensitive conversations. The company is reportedly working on a new feature called After reading, designed to automatically delete messages soon after they are viewed.

This upcoming feature builds on the existing disappearing messages system but introduces a much stricter control mechanism. Currently, users can set messages to vanish after fixed durations such as 24 hours, 7 days or 90 days. While useful, these options may not always be ideal for sharing highly sensitive details like one time passwords or verification codes.

To address this gap, the new After reading option is expected to ensure that messages disappear almost immediately after being opened. Once the recipient views the message, a short countdown will begin, after which the content will be automatically deleted from both sides of the chat.

Reports suggest that the feature may include a 15 minute timer that activates after the message is read. If the message remains unopened, it could stay visible for up to 24 hours before disappearing on its own. This dual condition ensures flexibility while still maintaining a high level of privacy.

Interestingly, the system is designed to work even if read receipts are turned off. This means the app will still be able to detect when a message has been opened and trigger the deletion timer accordingly, ensuring that the sender’s intent is respected regardless of settings.

The concept is somewhat similar to the existing View Once feature, which allows users to send photos or voice notes that can only be accessed a single time. However, the new update aims to extend this level of control to regular text messages, making it more versatile for everyday communication.

According to findings shared by WABetaInfo, the feature has been spotted in a recent beta version of the app. While it is still under development and not yet available to testers, it indicates that WhatsApp is actively refining how the feature will function before a wider rollout.

Users are also expected to get the flexibility to enable this feature either for specific chats or across all conversations. This customization could make it easier to manage different types of communication based on their level of sensitivity.

Although there is no official release date yet, the feature is likely to arrive in a future update once testing is complete. With privacy concerns becoming increasingly important, this move highlights WhatsApp’s ongoing effort to give users more control over their personal data and conversations.