WhatsApp feature prevents automatic storage of disappearing media files

WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature. This does not automatically save disappearing media files, i.e. files that disappear over time, in the user’s photo gallery.

WABetaInfo already noticed the feature in a previous Android beta version of the messaging app. It is now being rolled out to all iOS and Android users and is automatically enabled. In a screenshot show the website a notification from the app, which states that disappearing media files, for example, are no longer automatically saved. This is to keep chats with temporarily available messages private, WhatsApp reports.

In order for the disappearing videos, photos and gifs to be saved automatically, the user has to disable the disappearing messages function. The user can only do this for their own messages in one-on-one conversations. In group chats, the feature must be turned off by the group admin. Users still have the option to manually save temporary media files.

Left: Notification in iOS version. Right: Notification in Android version. Source: WABetaInfo