Telegram recently posted an update which provides the ability to automatically delete messages in personal chats, group chats, and channels. While the messaging app has long offered a self-destruct timer on secret chats, the new update brings a similar implementation of the feature to regular chats. Today we are going to take a closer look at how you can use the feature on your device.
Automatic deletion of messages on telegram
There is a key difference in how the newly added auto-delete feature and secret chats work. Unlike secret cats, Telegram’s auto-delete timer starts when you send the message, not when the recipient reads it. Therefore, the message may expire before the recipient reads it. There are two timer durations to choose from: 24 hours and 7 days.
Automatic deletion of messages in Telegram personal chats
1. Open a Telegram chat, tap the vertical three-dot menu in the upper right corner, and choose “Clear History”. Just below the “Clear History” pop-up window, you will now see a new option “Automatically delete messages in this chat”.
2. Choose the auto deletion duration you prefer – 24 hours or 7 days and press the “Enable automatic deletion” button. Once enabled, new messages will self-destruct after the preset duration. You can tap a message to see its countdown to deletion time.
Automatic deletion of messages in telegram group chats
The option to configure auto-delete in group chats is limited to group admins. If you are a member of the group, you will need to ask the group admin to set it up for the group.
1. If you are a group admin, open the Telegram group chat and tap on ‘Clear history.‘ From here, set auto delete duration in the “Automatically delete messages in this chat” section. Just like personal chats, the available durations are 24 hours and 7 days.
2. New messages sent in the group will now expire automatically. Especially, group members can’t see countdowns. You’ll need to be an admin to see everyone’s message expiration time.
Using the Self-Destruct Messages Feature on Telegram
This is how you can automatically delete messages on Telegram. As mentioned earlier, you should keep in mind that the timer starts as soon as you send the message to avoid confusion. If you want to use vanishing messages on other messaging platforms, see our article on sending vanishing messages on WhatsApp, Signal and Instagram. You can also find useful tips in our articles on the best Telegram tips and tricks, sending anonymous messages and hiding profile picture on Telegram.
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