WhatsApp trials secret messaging feature; which devices are receiving it?

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a secret messaging feature for iOS users. Previously, the same feature was tested on the Android app.

The feature enables users to send one-time viewable messages that disappear after a set time. Senders can choose from three countdown options: 5 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours. Messages will delete based on when the recipient reads them, meaning they vanish only after the set time has elapsed post-reading, not from the time sent.

If the recipient hasn’t opened the message, it will still be deleted 24 hours after sending. For the sender, messages also disappear automatically once the selected duration expires.

For example, if a message is sent at 10am with a 5-minute timer, it will vanish from the sender’s device at 10:05am. On the recipient’s device, if read at 10:10am, the message deletes at 10:15am. If unread until the timer expires, it will be deleted 24 hours after sending, i.e., 10am the next day.

Users can activate the feature via ‘After reading’ in the Default message times > Message timer menu.

According to WaBetaInfo, citing GSM Arena on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, the disappearing message feature is available in beta version 26.19.10.73.

The feature is reportedly available to some iOS beta users, though WaBetaInfo notes it is unclear when WhatsApp will roll out the secret messaging feature publicly to all users, both Android and iOS.