There’s a new and highly requested function in town! WhatsApp has introduced a new "Disappearing Messages" function, and as the same suggests, it causes your messages to disappear into this air within a set amount of time. Those who have used Snapchat's and Instagram's Vanish Mode would have some sense of familiarity. Once this function is turned on, all messages sent will only be kept within the chat for a fixed time (seems to be 7 days for now) and will no longer be shown after the period of time.

About Disappearing Messages:

- Once activated, all your sent messages to that contact will disappear after 7 days.

- "Disappearing Messages" can be used for private chats and group conversations. Users can turn the function on and off as they wish in private messaging, but only admins can do so in groups.

- Messages sent before activating the function will not be affected.

- If your contact does not open WhatsApp in 7 days, the messages will still disappear. However, messages will still show in their notifications until they open the app.

- If you forward a disappearing message to a chat that has not enable this function, the message will stay in the forwarded chat.

- By default, photos and videos we receive in WhatsApp will be automatically downloaded to our photo album. When "Disappearing Messages" is turned on, photos and videos in the chat will also disappear accordingly from the chat. However, if the automatic download function has not been disabled, the media will remain in the photo album.

Things to Take Note:

- WhatsApp suggests only using the function with trusted people as there are no ways to prevent anyone from taking a screenshot, copying, or saving your content before the messages disappear.

- As of the time of writing, the function seems to be partially released (not all phones might have it).

How To Turn Disappearing Messages ON:

Step 1: Update the app to the latest version.

Step 2: Head to your preferred chat and click on the person's profile.

Step 3: Tap "Disappearing Mode", choose "Continue" if anything pops up, then tap "On".

Just 3 simple steps and you can start sending these magically vanishing texts! So, get your app updated and see if you are one of the lucky ones to have this function already!

*Screenshots by editor. Cover image source: Unsplash (Right), Pinterest (Left)