howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-turn-on-disappearing-messages-by-default-in-signal-on-android/ · Checked October 2026 · Google Pixel 10a, Android 17, Signal 8.32.3

In this guide

Tap your profile picture
Tap Privacy
Tap Default timer for new chats
Pick a time and tap Save
Check the Privacy page
If you do not see this option
If this does not work
Good to know
Sources

Quick answer

Tap your profile picture in Signal, then Privacy, then Default timer for new chats. Pick a time from 30 seconds to 4 weeks, or Custom time, and tap Save. It covers new chats you start.

5 of 5 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device: Android
Shown on: Google Pixel 10a, Android 17, Signal 8.32.3
App: Signal
Real screenshots: 5 of 5 steps
Checked: October 2026
Sources: 1 official, linked below

Step by step

Tap your profile picture
It is at the top left of the Chats screen and opens Signal Settings.
Done
Tap Privacy
It is in Signal Settings, below Notifications.
Done
Tap Default timer for new chats
It is under Disappearing messages. Ours said Off.
Done
Pick a time and tap Save
Choices: Off, 4 weeks, 1 week, 1 day, 8 hours, 1 hour, 5 minutes, 30 seconds, Custom time.
Done
Check the Privacy page
After 1 day and Save, ours said 1d next to Default timer for new chats.
Done

If you do not see this option

On an iPhone? Signal gives the same route: Settings, Privacy, Default timer for new chats. Source: Set and manage disappearing messages
On Signal Desktop? Signal says it is under Preferences there, and timer changes sync with your linked devices. Source: Set and manage disappearing messages

If this does not work

Old messages did not disappear? Signal says the timer only applies to messages sent after it is set. Source: Set and manage disappearing messages
Only want it in one chat? Signal says to set the timer in that chat's settings instead; the default only covers new chats. Source: Set and manage disappearing messages