If you want to send a timed message via a chat or a WhatsApp group, here’s how. You can use WhatsApp ephemeral messages , a feature that allows you to send messages that are automatically deleted after a certain period of time.

In this guide we see how ephemeral messages are activated and deactivated , and how they work in detail. But beware, this system is not 100% safe and you could still be spied on. Let’s see what it is all about.

How to activate ephemeral messages on WhatsApp?

To activate this function just follow these simple steps:

1. Open the chat where you want to send the timed message
2. Go to Settings and select the Ephemeral Messages item
3. Click on Activate

Et voilà, that’s it.

From now on, the messages you send in the chat you have chosen will be automatically deleted after 7 days .

But be careful, there are some things to specify.

Can recipients save my ephemeral messages?

Yes, even if ephemeral WhatsApp messages are deleted after seven days, whoever receives them can still save them, either with a screenshot or with a simple photo taken with another mobile phone.

Yes, in short, if the goal is not to be spied on, you have to be careful. In addition to the applications that allow you to spy on a WhatsApp phone , that of timed messages is an option that leaves the side uncovered to possible onlookers who could save the conversations while we think that the message has been deleted automatically.

Are there any other things I need to know about ephemeral messages?

Yes, before activating this function it is good to be informed on how to use them.

First, you need to know how ephemeral messages are deactivated :

• Open the WhatsApp chat where you want to deactivate them
• Click Ephemeral Messages
• Click Deactivate

Other important things to know:

What happens if the recipient doesn’t open the message for seven days? In this case, the message will disappear. But be careful, the preview of the message will still be visible in the notifications until the opening of Whatsapp.

And what happens if someone forwards an ephemeral message on another chat? In this case, the message will no longer be deleted automatically and will remain saved. If you want to make sure you delete a WhatsApp message, I recommend you read here: How to delete a message already sent on WhatsApp .

Finally, remember that ephemeral messages also work for photos and videos . However, if one has the auto save to roll function enabled, the photos and videos sent as ephemeral messages also remain saved. In short, make good use of it but always keep your eyes open.