Signal’s Disappearing Message feature with Custom Timer

Pic Credit: Signal

Signal, the encrypted chat app, has added a few new features for users who want to keep their chats confidential. The messaging app has included a new function that allows users to define a custom timer duration for all messages that disappear.

Surprisingly, the feature was unveiled just days after WhatsApp officially launched its View Once feature. Signal, on the other hand, had the disappearing messages feature long before WhatsApp. The disappearing message feature was first introduced by Signal in 2016. Signal has only improved the disappearing messages feature by allowing users to customize it. Previously, users had to arrange the disappearing messages feature individually, but now all group and personal conversations can be preconfigured with a timer.

To set a timer for disappearing messages, tap the three-dot symbol and select Settings. Then, under Privacy, look for the option: Default timer for new chats. This menu has nine options: Off, 4 weeks, 1 week, 1 day, 8 hours, 1 hour, 5 minutes, 30 seconds, and Custom time.

Signal has also included the option to customize the duration of your chats using custom timers. Users of the app can now choose between intervals of up to four weeks and as little as 30 seconds. In the app's custom time options, you may even go down to a single second.

Signal, in a blog post announcing the new feature, states that the disappearing messages feature is primarily used to save storage space and reduce the amount of conversation history. The encrypted chat app also mentions that the Note To Self chat can be configured with the disappearing messages feature. However, Signal warned users that the disappearing messages feature does not ensure complete privacy because the recipient can capture the conversation with another device before it disappears or can take the screenshot.