This message will self-destruct in a few seconds. As in Missions Impossible, you can now send a voice message which will automatically delete once it has been listened to thanks to a new WhatsApp function!
Failing to rework its interface which is seriously starting to age, WhatsApp continues to offer new functions to further improve its services. After the possibility of sending photos in their original format (uncompressed) or the addition of a second account within the same application, it is the turn of voice messages to benefit from a small welcome development. Meta’s famous instant messaging now allows you to send a single-read voice message. An option that will undoubtedly please fans of Mission Impossible, since, like the legendary introductions to the series and films, the voice note automatically self-destructs once it has been read, or almost.
Beyond the fun side of handling, everyone gains confidentiality. With this ephemeral voice message, the sender ensures that it will neither be recorded nor listened to by eavesdroppers. The recipient of the message can count on the discretion of the oral missive addressed to him since no one, not even him, will be able to listen to the message again a posteriori. Handy if it involves plotting to throw a surprise party or sharing secrets. A device which adds to the possibility – less flexible – of sending ephemeral messages which are automatically deleted after 24 hours, 7 or 90 days.
The option to send self-destructing voice messages is already available in WhatsApp, on both Android and iOS. To access it, open a conversation. Press on the microphone icon to the right of the text entry field, then swipe up to save your message. When you have finished speaking, press the button Break. Then press the icon flanked by the number 1 to the right of the message. Validate by OK in the window that appears. All that remains is to send the recording like any other message. Single View mode is then activated. If your correspondent closes the message after reading it, they will no longer have access to it because the recording will be automatically deleted.
Be careful, the message self-destructs when reading is finished and you return to the discussion window. But as long as it remains displayed on the screen in reading mode, you can listen to it as many times as you want. Furthermore, WhatsApp indicates that unread messages remain accessible to the recipient for a period of 14 days, because they remain on Meta’s servers. Beyond that, they will be systematically deleted. Additionally, you cannot forward, save, mark as important, or share voice messages that were sent or received with the listen-only option enabled. These are exactly the same rules as for single-view photos and videos. All these messages are designed to only be read once before self-destructing… exactly like in Mission Impossible!