WhatsApp's disappearing messages, dark-mode features: Here's how to use them
What's the story
WhatsApp is constantly evolving its platform with new features and the latest ones to come to the messaging app are disappearing messages and the much-awaited dark mode. The Facebook-owned company has introduced these features in its beta update and is expected to release them to all users after initial testing. Here's more about these two interesting features and how you can use them.
Feature #1
Firstly, here's understanding the disappearing messages feature
Disappearing messages feature allows you to send messages that automatically get deleted for everyone after a pre-determined time period. It is new to WhatsApp but we've seen something similar on platforms like Signal, Snapchat, and Telegram. The feature is aimed at improving security as you can confidently share sensitive information via disappearing/self-destructing messages, without worrying about manually deleting them in the chat.
Getting started
How to use self-destructing messages on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp's Disappearing messages feature is currently available in group chats only and not private conversations. Under 'Group Info', tap on the disappearing messages option and then select message expiration time. Currently, you'll see two options of 5 seconds or 1 hour but WhatsApp is testing the feature with more time intervals as well. The option can be turned off from the same menu.
Information
WhatsApp's dark mode helps ease eye strain, reduce battery consumption
WhatsApp is also testing Dark Mode feature and it remains available in beta version. The feature recolors the app and most of its screens, including chat windows and settings, with a dark grey/black shade to ease eye strain and reduce battery consumption.
Process
How to use Dark Mode on WhatsApp?
Open WhatsApp and go to Settings by clicking at the three-dots icon at the top-right corner. Under this menu, look for the "theme" option and click on it. Now, you should see three options including 'light', 'dark', and 'system default' mode for the app. Simply select 'dark' and the entire background should change to a deep blue color.