WhatsApp is working on a new privacy feature that will let messages disappear after they are read, giving users more control over how long their chats remain visible.

The feature introduces an “after reading” timer, changing how disappearing messages currently work. At present, WhatsApp lets users set messages to disappear after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days—but the countdown starts immediately after sending, not after the message is opened.

The upcoming update, spotted in a recent Android beta build, shifts the system so the timer only begins once the recipient actually reads the message. This makes self-deleting messages more practical for real conversations.

Early details suggest users may be able to choose different expiry options after a message is viewed, such as five minutes, one hour, or twelve hours. It is still unclear whether this setting will apply to individual chats or be available globally across all conversations.

WhatsApp is also refining the interface to clearly separate standard timed messages from the new read-triggered deletion option, aiming to make privacy controls easier to manage.

For example, if a user sets a five-minute timer, the message will remain in the chat until it is opened, and then automatically delete five minutes after being read.

The feature is still in development and is expected to roll out first to beta testers before a wider release.