WhatsApp disappearing messages feature is finally available in India. The users can start using the feature now across Android, iOS, desktop, KaiOS and web. With the feature, users can make messages automatically disappear after seven days. However, the feature has to be manually enabled by both Android and iOS users. The disappearing messages feature can also be used on group chats; however, the option to enable/disable only lies with the admin. 

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Even though the messages will disappear after the set limit, the receiver can still take a screenshot of the same. This is why Facebook-owned platform advises to use this feature with only trusted contacts. 

How to enable on iOS, Android Smartphones?

Open a WhatsApp chat 

Tap the contact's name 

Tap Disappearing messages 

If prompted, tap 'CONTINUE' 

Select On

The same method can be used to disable the feature. 

How to enable on WhatsApp groups?

Open the WhatsApp group chat

Tap the group name 

Tap Disappearing messages

If prompted, tap 'CONTINUE' 

Select On

Once the feature is enabled, the chat box will display the message to both parties that the WhatsApp disappearing messages is now activated. 

“Private conversations that once were only possible face-to-face can now take place across great distances through instant chats and video calling. Today everything lives forever, and generally that is okay! However, in-person conversations do not last forever, and not everything on WhatsApp needs to either,” the company had said while announcing the feature earlier this year.

It also explained that previous messages or media files, that is before the disappearing messages option is enabled, won't be affected. In case of users are unable to see the option, they are advised to get the latest version of the app from the respective app store.