Disappearing messages

With disappearing messages on, new messages in the chat are deleted automatically after the time you choose.

Turn on disappearing messages for a chat

1. Open the chat and tap the person's or group's name.
2. Tap Disappearing messages.
3. Choose a time:

The chat shows who turned it on and the time, for example Disappearing messages turned on by Alex — new messages disappear after 24 hours. The chat header shows a small timer while it's on.

Only messages sent after you turn it on are affected. Messages already in the chat stay.

Set a default for new chats

To start every new chat with a timer:

1. Open Settings > Privacy.
2. Tap Default message timer and choose a time.

It applies to new chats you start. Chats you've already messaged in keep their own timer.

In groups

Group admins can decide whether all members can change the timer. If Disappearing messages is restricted in Group permissions, only admins can turn it on or off, and members don't see the option. See Group settings and permissions.

What disappearing messages can't do

• Someone can still copy, forward, save or take a screenshot of a message before it disappears.
• Media someone saved to their phone isn't removed from their phone.

Expired messages are removed from your devices and from Zaplog's servers.