- Signal has rolled out a new feature that allows users to set a default disappearing messages timer on all chats.
- This timer affects all new and existing chats on the platform.
- Signal believes this will bolster users’ privacy or benefit those low on storage space.
Signal is giving users more control over disappearing messages on the platform. Its developers announced the ability to set disappearing messages as the default on the app.
Previously, users would be required to activate disappearing messages on individual chats. Users can still do this, but there’s now a master option to set a default timer that will affect every chat initiated. The app’s developers believe that this will benefit those looking to slim down their storage space or privacy-forward individuals intent on keeping digital breadcrumbs to a minimum.
This feature addition gives Signal a security boost over its closest competition. While WhatsApp and Telegram do feature disappearing messages to some degree, neither app allows users to set them as the default.
Read also: WhatsApp vs Telegram vs Signal — Which messaging app should you use?
How to activate default disappearing messages on Signal
The new default disappearing messages feature is located in the app’s primary settings menu. To switch on the feature:
- Tap on the three-dot menu button in the top-right of the app.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Privacy.
- Scroll down to Disappearing messages, and tap on it.
- Here you can select Off if you want to set a timer for each conversation, or you can select seven predefined time options ranging from four weeks to 30 seconds.
- Users also have the option to set a Custom value here.
Default disappearing messages is available on Signal version 5.19.4 for Android users. If you don’t yet have the app, you can grab it using the button below.