Tech Desk 
Mar 24, 2026
WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new disappearing messages option, which will automatically delete texts within 15 minutes after you read them. It is considered as a significant tightening of the platform’s existing privacy tools and a direct response to the problem of sensitive information.
WABetaInfo reported that once 'After Reading' feature enabled, it starts a strict 15-minute countdown the moment a recipient opens a message. After 15 minutes, the message is automatically deleted from both the sender’s and receiver’s chats.
If the recipient never opens the message, it remains in the chat for up to 24 hours before expiring automatically. Users will have the option to enable the feature on a per-chat basis or apply it across all conversations.
How does 'After Reading' feature work on WhatsApp?
The system works independently of read receipts. Even if a user has disabled blue ticks, WhatsApp will still detect when the message is opened and trigger the deletion countdown, which means that the privacy mechanism can't be bypassed by disabling read confirmations.
WABetaInfo reported that the 'After Reading' feature was spotted in WhatsApp Android beta version 2.26.12.2. It is still under development and not yet available even to beta testers, but the mechanics are already clear from the code.
It is important to note that WhatsApp users already receive disappearing messages with timers of 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days, along with a 'View Once' option for photos, videos, and voice notes that can only be opened a single time.
WhatsApp update builds on a broader pattern of privacy advancements that WhatsApp has been launching in recent months. Meta-owned instant messaging platform recently introduced in-app message translation across all 180 countries. The platform has yet to officially reveal details for the 'After Reading' feature.
