howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-turn-on-disappearing-messages-by-default-on-whatsapp/ · Checked October 2026 · Google Pixel 10a, Android 17 (build CP3A.261005.005), WhatsApp 2.26.41.77

In this guide

Open Settings, then Privacy
Tap Default message timer
Read the intro and tap OK
Choose 24 hours, 7 days or 90 days
If you do not see this option
If this does not work
Good to know
Sources

Quick answer

Open WhatsApp Settings, Privacy, Default message timer, tap OK on the intro and choose 24 hours, 7 days or 90 days. New one-to-one chats then start with disappearing messages; existing chats stay as they are. WhatsApp 2.26.41.77 on our Pixel 10a.

4 of 4 steps with real screenshots · 2 official sources below

Device: Android
Shown on: Google Pixel 10a, Android 17 (build CP3A.261005.005), WhatsApp 2.26.41.77
App: Settings
Path: Settings › Privacy › Default message timer › OK
Real screenshots: 4 of 4 steps
Checked: October 2026
Sources: 2 official, linked below

Step by step

Open Settings, then Privacy
Tap the three dots at the top right, then Settings. Privacy is below Account: Blocked accounts, disappearing messages.
Done
Tap Default message timer
Near the bottom, under Disappearing messages: Start new chats with disappearing messages set to your timer.
Done
Read the intro and tap OK
The first time, Get started with disappearing messages explains: New messages disappear after the selected duration, except when kept.
Done
Choose 24 hours, 7 days or 90 days
Ours was Off. The page says the setting will not affect your existing chats.
Done

If you do not see this option

Only for one chat? Open the chat, tap the three dots, then Disappearing messages. Ours showed Message timer: 24 hours, 7 days, 90 days, Off. Source: How to turn disappearing messages on or off
Existing chats too? WhatsApp says you can tap the existing chats you want when you set the default, then confirm. Source: How to turn disappearing messages on or off

If this does not work

Old messages did not disappear? WhatsApp says the timer applies to new messages only, not to earlier ones. Source: How to turn disappearing messages on or off
Want to save one message? WhatsApp says you can keep a message so it does not disappear, while its time has not run out. Source: How to turn disappearing messages on or off

About this guide

The default timer only affects new individual chats. For one chat, use Disappearing messages in that chat's menu.

The screenshots are from our Google Pixel 10a with Android 17 and WhatsApp 2.26.41.77, in Dark mode, taken on 25 October 2026. Ours was Off and we left it off.